FARGO — A film billed as “a documentary for Minnesota’s future” on its website will be hitting TVs across Minnesota next week.
At 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, ABC stations across Minnesota will air “A Precarious State,” an hourlong documentary by former Twin Cities TV journalist Rick Kupchella. According to Kupchella, the film is about economic, safety and educational decline in Minnesota, especially in the Twin Cities.
It will air on WDAY
KSTP
WDIO
KAAL
and KSFY
A promotional image with information about “A Precarious State.”
Contributed / PrecariousState.com
According to Kupchella, he made the film after feeling like something was “off” in the Twin Cities.
“I would hear things like, ‘This is post-pandemic malaise, it’s happening all over the country,’” Kupchella said.
He said he started talking with community and business leaders to find out more about the decline he sees in the Twin Cities. He also called out the riots following the police murder of George Floyd as a factor.
“This, in fact, has way more to do with George Floyd than it has to do with the pandemic,” Kupchella said.
The trailer for the film features snippets of interviews with business leaders, politicians and Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara.
Kupchella did not say who funded the film, but characterized the film’s sponsors as “business and community leaders.”
He bought an hour of airtime on each local station to show the film. He said he chose to broadcast the film on television because of the ability to buy time and show the film to the whole state at one time.
“There is still a meaningful share of our public that cares about these issues that are more likely to get their information from television than from social or digital, for that matter,” Kupchella said.
He declined to say what it will cost to air the film.
After the documentary airs on TV, Kupchella plans to host a live online conversation with a Q&A session about the film. That discussion and more information about the film will be at
Kupchella did not provide The Forum the entire film to view in advance of its broadcast.
Ingrid Harbo joined The Forum in March 2024.
Harbo reports on Moorhead and Clay County news.
Readers can reach Harbo at 701-241-5526 or iharbo@forumcomm.com. Follow her on Twitter @ingridaharbo.