Montana PBS is set to celebrate the start of its long-anticipated expansion with a public groundbreaking ceremony at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29. The event will take place at the Montana State University campus, specifically at the site of the Visual Communications Building — the future home of a significant upgrade to the station’s facilities.

The expansion, which adds over 32,000 square feet to the existing structure, will benefit both Montana PBS and MSU’s School of Film and Photography. The new space will feature cutting-edge broadcast and production studios, control rooms, editing suites, and a large, multi-functional classroom and studio space named after Joseph S. Sample.

“Designed to be both an advanced technological production facility and an inspiring, collaborative hub for students, the expanded Visual Communications Building will empower Montana PBS to tell Montana’s story with more depth, clarity and creativity than ever before,” said Aaron Pruitt, Montana PBS director and general manager.

The facility will include a 192-seat venue versatile enough to host MSU classes, university events, and live televised productions. Alongside Montana PBS, it will also house KGLT Radio, Montana Shakespeare in the Parks, and the School of Film and Photography, offering students a new collaborative environment.

The expansion has been made possible in part by a recent $5 million gift, pushing the station past a crucial fundraising milestone in its ongoing $32 million “Building Possibilities” campaign.

“Montana PBS has been a cornerstone of the MSU community and a fixture in Montana life for four decades. This expansion will make it possible for Montana PBS to do even more to serve the families and communities in Montana and provide valuable opportunities for Montana State students,” said MSU President Waded Cruzado.

Of the funds raised, $29.5 million will go toward construction costs, while another $2 million will be dedicated to enhancing and upgrading production technology.

Following the ceremony, attendees can enjoy a special appearance from PBS Kids' beloved Clifford the Big Red Dog inside the Montana PBS studio, offering a fun photo opportunity for families.

Kristina Martin, director of development for Montana PBS, noted that fundraising began in 2019 and praised the support received along the way. “In the six years since, Montana PBS has raised nearly $32 million needed to move forward, though we anticipate we will need to raise additional funds before construction is complete,” she said. Martin also acknowledged President Cruzado’s ongoing backing of the project.

The expanded facilities are also expected to enhance student learning. MSU students, especially those in media and film disciplines, already play a vital role in Montana PBS productions, including Bobcat Athletics broadcasts and university events.

“Montana PBS trains teachers, daycare providers and parents with media literacy and other educational resources to better serve their students, communities and families,” added Nikki Vradenburg, the station’s director of education.

The project has received wide community support, with major gifts from individuals and organizations like Patt and Terry Payne of Missoula, the Kendeda Fund, the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, the Otto Bremer Trust, and the late Joseph S. Sample, a founding figure in Montana PBS’s history.

“Who knew that a grassroots effort that started because I wanted my kids to be able to watch ‘Sesame Street’ would grow into this?” said co-founder Nancy Flikkema. “I’m proud to have been a part of this organization for the past 40 years and to see how far it’s come.”

Montana PBS, celebrating 40 years of broadcast, continues to reach over 275,000 viewers each week with five statewide channels. What started as KUSM-TV at MSU has evolved through partnerships, like the one with the University of Montana’s KUFM-TV in 1997, into a powerful public media network dedicated to serving Montana.

Originally reported by Isabel Hicks in MSU News Service.