Pioneer Public Television has signed on a new translator on VHF channel 8 in Fergus Falls, replacing the former UHF channel 49 translator in the community.
K49FA-D was required to change channel because of the spectrum auction repack. With the new callsign K08QE-D, it’s now broadcasting with 3kW on channel 8.
Pioneer’s announcement indicates K08QE shows up on channels 8.1 through 8.5, rather passing through the PSIP channels 10.1 through 10.5 of primary station KWCM (Appleton).
The new channel 8 has theoretical coverage stretching from Detroit Lakes to Elbow Lake to Breckenridge, though a rooftop antenna would be required for reception in those communities. The only other TV station with a strong signal to the Fergus Falls area is FOX affiliate KVRR/15.1 (Fargo).
Besides KWCM, Pioneer Public Television is also relayed on KSMN/20 (Worthington). The stations carry PBS, Create, the Minnesota Channel, World Channel, and PBS Kids; the primary PBS channel is carried on satellite throughout the sprawling Minneapolis and Sioux Falls markets.