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PROPUBLICA AND AMERICAN PUBLIC MEDIA'S MARKETPLACE LAUNCH EXCLUSIVE INVESTIGATION: TAKEN FOR A RIDE: TEMP AGENCIES AND 'RAITEROS' IN IMMIGRANT AMERICA

Contact: Jen Keavy
651.290.1271
Email: jkeavy@americanpublicmedia.org

Contact: Mike Webb
917-512-0233
Email: mike.webb@propublica.org

April 29, 2013

PROPUBLICA AND AMERICAN PUBLIC MEDIA'S MARKETPLACE LAUNCH EXCLUSIVE INVESTIGATION:TAKEN FOR A RIDE: TEMP AGENCIES AND 'RAITEROS' IN IMMIGRANT AMERICA

INVESTIGATION UNCOVERS EXPLOITIVE SYSTEM OF LOW-COST TEMP LABOR FOR MAJOR CORPORATIONS

New York, Los Angeles, St. Paul, Minn. (April 29, 2013), Today, as Congress continues debating immigration and labor reform, ProPublica and American Public Media's Marketplace announce an exclusive joint investigation into a largely secret underworld of temporary labor in the U.S. The investigation reveals how scores of immigrant workers are caught in a system that benefits some of America's best-known companies and largest temp-agencies by providing low-cost labor – but that pushes workers' pay below the minimum wage – and could violate wage laws.

Following in-depth investigative reporting, ProPublica's Michael Grabell and Marketplace's Jeff Tyler found that companies like Ty Inc., Sony, Frito-Lay and Smirnoff benefit from – and tacitly collaborate with – an underworld of labor brokers, known as "raiteros". Through temp agencies like the Santa Barbara, CA based Select Remedy, the raiteros pack worker paychecks with a range of fees, pushing their pay below minimum wage, in exchange for transport to worksites, recruitment, providing paychecks, and handling of pay disputes. The temp agencies do not pay the raiteros. Instead, the low-wage workers pay the raiteros to drive them to and from the work site in vans and the investigation found that they control access to work from beginning to end.

ProPublica and Marketplace's joint investigation found that van networks, paid for by workers, exist in temporary labor markets across the country from California, to Massachusetts, New York and New Jersey, but it is in Chicago's Little Village, the largest Mexican community in the Midwest, where the "raiteros" have melded with temp agencies and their corporate clients in a way that might be unparalleled anywhere in America.

Grabell and Tyler's investigation found that the ultimate beneficiaries of this system are large corporations like Westmont, Illinois based, Ty Inc., producer of the popular Beanie Babies toys. These corporations contract temp agencies, like Select Remedy, to source temporary labor from communities like Chicago's Little Village. As these companies benefit from low cost just-in-time labor, the temporary workers they hire are seeing their paychecks sometimes stripped below minimum wage after fees are deducted by the raiteros.

Select Remedy and other temp agencies maintain that the raiteros are merely van drivers hired by the workers. They say they have no contract or connection to the temp agency. Yet, ProPublica and Marketplace discovered that the agencies provide applications so the raiteros can recruit workers and even call raiteros with the number of workers needed at each worksite. At the end of each week, the raiteros pick up the workers' paychecks from the temp agencies and bring them to check-cashing stores, where workers are charged $3 to $4 to cash them. In some cases, the raiteros say, the temp firms even provide the vans they use to drive workers to their jobs, or lend the raiteros money to buy the vans.

In 2006, the state of Illinois made it illegal for temp agencies to charge workers for transportation or to refer them to van drivers who did. The law already outlawed temp agencies from forcing a worker to pay a fee for cashing a paycheck. Temp agency managers told ProPublica and Marketplace that, as a result, most staffing firms did away with official, paid relationships with drivers. Instead, they developed informal arrangements with the raiteros, which insulated the temp agencies from responsibility. The investigation found that van systems in other parts of the country, like New Jersey and Massachusetts, have clearer ties to the temp agencies and that the fees are legal in those states, with some restrictions.

The full story is online today at http://www.propublica.org/raiteros and at http://www.marketplace.org/raiteros. In addition to the full report from ProPublica's Michael Grabell, Marketplace will air three companion radio reports from Jeff Tyler. The first feature airs later today on Marketplace, the second radio feature airs Tuesday on Marketplace Morning Report and the third airs on Marketplace on Tuesday afternoon on most public radio stations and at marketplace.org. In Tyler's radio reports, listeners will hear first-hand from the temp workers, employment law experts and the raiteros themselves. A behind-the-scenes reporter's notebook podcast, in which Grabell and Tyler discuss their investigation, is also available on both ProPublica and Marketplace's sites today.

This joint investigation is part of a partnership between ProPublica and Marketplace's Wealth & Poverty Desk. ProPublica and Marketplace, along with PBS' FRONTLINE, recently won an Investigative Reporters and Editors Award for "Big Sky, Big Money", their multi-platform joint investigation into campaign finance in the post-Citizens United era.

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AMERICAN PUBLIC MEDIA ANNOUNCES DAVID BRANCACCIO TO HOST MARKETPLACE MORNING REPORT

Contact: Jen Keavy651.290.1271Email: jkeavy@americanpublicmedia.org

AMERICAN PUBLIC MEDIA ANNOUNCES DAVID BRANCACCIO TO HOST MARKETPLACE MORNING REPORT

Los Angeles and St. Paul, Minn., April 25, 2013—American Public Media (APM) today announced that starting May 6, David Brancaccio will be the new host of Marketplace Morning Report, APM's signature morning business newscast which airs on more than 400 public radio stations nationwide.Deborah Clark, Executive Producer of Marketplace, says Brancaccio immediately came to mind when current host Jeremy Hobson announced his departure in late March. "We have a wonderful and longstanding relationship with David, dating back to the origins of Marketplace in 1989, and have been looking at ways to maximize his role since he returned in 2010," says Clark. "As our audiences continue to grow, we are absolutely elated to have David on board as the host of Marketplace Morning Report, bringing his passion for sharing the financial and economic news of the day and how it relates to our listeners nationwide."Since his return in 2010, Brancaccio has played a number of important roles on the Marketplace reporting team. Most recently, he's been the host for Marketplace Tech Report and served as a special correspondent for Economy 4.0, a Marketplace series that aired during the height of the Great Recession and featured in depth reporting on the economy of the future and how to make it work better for more people. Brancaccio investigated the financial regulatory system and its reform (or lack of reform), and how that affected the American people during one of this country's greatest periods of economic turmoil.Last year, Brancaccio examined how technology is fundamentally changing the American workforce in his "Robots Ate My Job" series, in which he drove cross-country, avoiding all human contact and only interacting with machines. The thought-provoking and entertaining weeklong series garnered significant media attention.A seasoned and award-winning journalist, Brancaccio has a knack for telling stories important to our economy and democracy through the eyes of the real people who live in the cross hairs of crucial issues. His accessible yet authoritative approach to investigative reporting and in-depth interviewing have earned his work the highest honors in broadcast journalism, including the Peabody, the Columbia-duPont, the Emmy and the Walter Cronkite awards."David's among the best in this business," said Marketplace Host and Senior Editor Kai Ryssdal. "It's great to have him in the host chair at Marketplace Morning Report, using his experience and insights to help listeners decipher the global economy every day."In the early 1990s, Brancaccio was Marketplace's European correspondent based in London, and hosted Marketplace from 1993 to 2003. He co-anchored the PBS television news magazine program NOW with Bill Moyers from 2003 to 2005, before taking over as the program's solo anchor in 2005. He then served as special correspondent for Marketplace's Economy 4.0 series.A new version of Brancaccio's public television special about Main Street as an engine of economic innovation titled Fixing the Future was recently released as a feature-length documentary. He is also the author Squandering Aimlessly, a book about how Americans apply their personal values to their money."It's been twenty-three years since I first followed the money for Marketplace. Moving to this spot on our morning team, with its global reach and multimedia savvy, is a reporter's dream," says Brancaccio. "My job will be to find cool ways to tell human stories to keep our smart and diverse audience on top of the latest developments in the world economy, business and innovation."Brancaccio has a bachelor's degree from Wesleyan University and a master's degree in journalism from Stanford University. He has appeared on CNBC, MSNBC, and BBC television and his newspaper work has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, the Baltimore Sun, and Britain's The Guardian.

###

About Marketplace and American Public MediaMarketplace is produced and distributed by American Public Media™ (APM), one of the largest producers and distributors of public radio programming in the world with a portfolio reaching nearly 17 million listeners via nearly 800 radio stations nationwide each week and in association with the University of Southern California. Marketplace programs Marketplace, Marketplace Morning Report, Marketplace Tech Report and Marketplace Money are currently broadcast by more than 500 public radio stations across the United States and are heard by nearly 10 million weekly listeners—the largest audience of any business or economics program on radio or television. Content from Marketplace programs is also available at Marketplace.org, Slacker Radio, Stitcher Radio, Flipboard, LinkedIn and Google Currents. Marketplace programs are well-known for their timely, relevant and accessible coverage of business, economic and personal finance focusing on the latest business news both nationally and internationally, the global economy and wider events linked to the financial markets. For more information on Marketplace visit marketplace.org. For more information on American Public Media visit americanpublicmedia.org.Source: Data are copyright Arbitron, Inc. Arbitron data are estimates only

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GARRISON KEILLOR ANNOUNCES 26-CITY COAST-TO-COAST A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION "RADIO ROMANCE TOUR"

Contact: David O'Neill
Prairie Home Productions
Phone: 651-999-1095
Email: davido@prairiehome.us

April 8, 2013

GARRISON KEILLOR ANNOUNCES 26-CITY COAST-TO-COAST A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION "RADIO ROMANCE TOUR"

Duet singing, improv, poetry, foolishness, and the News from Lake Wobegon.

(SAINT PAUL, Minn.) — On Monday, July 8, A Prairie Home Companion's kicks off the Radio Romance Tour 2013, a 26-city, 27-concert, 30-day, coast-to-coast bus tour that will run from Washington to Maine. Starring host and writer Garrison Keillor, comedian Fred Newman, Richard Dworsky and the Guy's All-Star Shoe Band with guitarist Pat Donohue and violinist/mandolinist Richard Kriehn, these nonbroadcast shows offer more than two hours of duet singing (with either singer Aoife O'Donovan or singer/fiddle player Sara Watkins, depending on the particular date), plus absurd improv with sound effects, Guy Noir Private Eye, poetry, outright foolishness, and the latest News from Lake Wobegon.

Garrison Keillor was born in 1942 in Anoka, Minnesota, and began his radio career as a freshman at the University of Minnesota. He went to work for Minnesota Public Radio in 1969, and on July 6, 1974, he hosted the first broadcast of A Prairie Home Companion. Today, some 4 million listeners on more than 600 public radio stations tune in to the show each week. His many books include Lake Wobegon Days, The Book of Guys, and Guy Noir and the Straight Skinny (Viking). He is the host of the daily program The Writer's Almanac and the editor of several anthologies of poetry, most recently, Good Poems: American Places (Viking). In 2006, Keillor played himself in the movie adaptation of his show, a film directed by Robert Altman. In 2007, he opened an independent bookstore, Common Good Books, in St. Paul.

Aoife O'Donovan, of Boston and Brooklyn, is lead singer of Crooked Still and Sometimes Why. She sang on The Goat Rodeo Sessions with Yo-Yo Ma and Chris Thile and collaborated with the Dave Douglas Quintet on Be Still, listed by many jazz critics as one of the best albums of 2012. (Aoife will join the Radio Romance Tour on the July 8th - July 24th dates.)

Sara Watkins was a mainstay of the Grammy Award-winning trio Nickel Creek. An accomplished fiddler and singer/songwriter, she has established her identity as a solo artist with her albums Sara Watkins and Sun Midnight Sun. (Sara will join the tour on the July 27th - August 6th dates.)

Sound-effects man Fred Newman is an actor, writer, musician, and sound designer for film and TV. He is author of the book (and CD/CD-ROM) MouthSounds. Fred admits that, growing up, he was unceremoniously removed from several classrooms, "once by my bottom lip."

The Guy's All-Star Shoe Band is an all-purpose roots quintet covering blues, jug band, primitive jazz, good timey, R&B, swing, and hillbilly, with occasional ventures into classical, romantic, French café, music hall, surfer, spa, and Scandihoovian. The band is: Richard Dworsky (leader, keyboards), Pat Donohue (guitar), Gary Raynor (bass), Peter Johnson (percussion), and Richard Kriehn (fiddle, mandolin).

WHAT: Garrison Keillor's A Prairie Home Companion Radio Romance Tour 2013

WHO: Garrison Keillor, the Guy's All-Star Shoe Band, sound-effects wizard Fred Newman, singers Aoife O'Donovan or Sara Watkins (see list)

WHEN/WHERE:
July 8, Spokane, WA - INB Performing Arts Center (with Aoife O'Donovan)
July 9, Boise, ID - Botanical Gardens (with Aoife O'Donovan)
July 10, Portland, OR - Edgefield (with Aoife O'Donovan)
July 11, Sacramento, CA - Community Center Theater (with Aoife O'Donovan)
July 12, Saratoga, CA - Mountain Winery (with Aoife O'Donovan)
July 13, Saratoga, CA - Mountain Winery (with Aoife O'Donovan)
July 14, Paso Robles, CA - Vina Robles Amphitheatre (with Aoife O'Donovan)
July 15, San Diego, CA - Humphreys Concerts by the Bay (with Aoife O'Donovan)
July 17, Salt Lake City, UT - Red Butte Garden (with Aoife O'Donovan)
July 18, Morrison, CO - Red Rocks Amphitheatre (with Aoife O'Donovan)
July 19, Kansas City, MO - Starlight Theatre (with Aoife O'Donovan)
July 20, Louisville, KY - Iroquois Amphitheater (with Aoife O'Donovan)
July 21, Cincinnati, OH - PNC Pavilion (duet partner TBA)
July 23, Brevard, NC - Brevard Music Center (with Aoife O'Donovan)
July 24, Richmond, VA - Maymont (with Aoife O'Donovan)
July 25, Danbury, CT - Ives Concert Park (with Aoife O'Donovan)
July 26, Cohasset, MA - South Shore Music Circus (with Aoife O'Donovan)
July 27, Bangor, ME - Bangor Waterfront (with Sara Watkins)
July 28, Hampton, NH - Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom (with Sara Watkins)
July 29, Lancaster, PA - American Music Theatre (with Sara Watkins)
July 31, Shelburne, VT - The Green at Shelburne Museum (with Sara Watkins)
Aug. 1, Canandaigua, NY - CMAC (with Sara Watkins)
Aug. 2, Chautauqua, NY - Chautauqua Institution Amphitheater (with Sara Watkins)
Aug. 3, Williamsport, PA - Community Arts Center (with Sara Watkins)
Aug. 4, East Lansing, MI - Venue TBA (with Sara Watkins)
Aug. 5, Grand Rapids, MI - Meijer Gardens (with Sara Watkins)
Aug. 6, Interlochen, MI - Interlochen Center for the Arts (with Sara Watkins)

TICKET INFO: See links at www.prairiehome.org.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Go to www.prairiehome.org, or contact David O'Neill at davido@prairiehome.us.

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AMERICAN PUBLIC MEDIA/MINNESOTA PUBLIC RADIO CONTENTTO BE FEATURED AS NEW AUDIO CONTENTON GOOGLE CURRENTS MOBILE APP

Contact: Mardi Larson
651.290.1373
Email: mardi.larson@mpr.org

March 20, 2013

AMERICAN PUBLIC MEDIA/MINNESOTA PUBLIC RADIO CONTENT
TO BE FEATURED AS NEW AUDIO CONTENT
ON GOOGLE CURRENTS MOBILE APP

Iconic, Beloved Audio Programming -- A Prairie Home Companion®, Marketplace® and MPR News, Among Others -- Now Available on Google Currents

St. Paul, Minn., Because good stories are not limited to the written word, American Public Media (APM) and Google announced today that popular APM weekly radio programs such as A Prairie Home Companion®, The Splendid Table®, Wits™ and Dinner Party Download®, as well as daily episodes of Marketplace® and Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) News, will now be available via the Google Currents mobile application.

Google Currents brings a beautiful and simple way to discover, share, read and consume media -- articles, photos, videos -- on smartphones or tablets. Beginning today, through a licensing arrangement with APM, Google Currents offers iconic radio programs from APM/MPR, enriching the mobile application for consumers who can listen to audio programs on smartphones and tablets, while continuing to browse through other written content or while using other applications.

This new audio capability is perfect for the person-on-the-go who wants to listen to some of their favorite APM/MPR programming. Whether that's taking in the news on the morning commute or a favorite show while exercising at the gym, consumers can enjoy these programs anytime...anywhere. Simply download the Google Currents app for Android at play.google.com. Support for iOS is coming soon.

This is another example of how APM/MPR is dedicated to creating and curating indispensible content and expanding the reach for such programming through digital and mobile partnership channels.

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AMERICAN PUBLIC MEDIA NAMES NOEL KING, REPORTER, JOINS WEALTH & POVERTY DESK

Contact: Jen Keavy
Email: jkeavy@americanpublicmedia.org

March 11, 2013

AMERICAN PUBLIC MEDIA NAMES NOEL KING, REPORTER, JOINS WEALTH & POVERTY DESK

(ST. PAUL, Minn.) American Public Media (APM) has hired Noel King as a reporter for Marketplace's Wealth & Poverty desk. The six-member desk reports on the causes and consequences of the growing divide in income and wealth in the U.S.

A seasoned journalist with extensive experience as a foreign correspondent, King has worked as a managing producer of The Takeaway, a nationally-syndicated live morning show produced by WNYC and PRI in collaboration with The New York Times. During her time with the show, she traveled to South Sudan to cover the country's referendum and served as an occasional host for the program. She co-produced a series on The Great Migration by African-Americans who moved north in the early 20th century, changing America's social and cultural landscape. In 2011, she was part of a team whose coverage of issues affecting communities of color in America was recognized with an RTDNA UNITY Award. Inspired by political developments in North Africa and the Middle East in 2011, King moved to Cairo to cover Egypt's transition to democracy as a freelance reporter for radio, television and print outlets. Her reporting has aired on the BBC World Service, PRI's The World and The Takeaway, NPR, CBC radio and television and CBS radio. She has written for Reuters and USA Today.

"Noel's passionate pursuit of her stories, her curiosity and her fresh perspective on our beat make her a great addition to the Marketplace Wealth & Poverty Desk," said Senior Editor, Wealth & Poverty, Celeste Wesson upon announcing the hire.

At Marketplace, King will work closely with Wesson and Krissy Clark, Senior Reporter, Wealth & Poverty to conceive and execute insightful, original in-depth reporting on this critical socio-economic issue. Her work will be heard across all Marketplace programs (Marketplace, Marketplace Morning Report and Marketplace Money) and digital platforms.

"I am so excited to join the Wealth & Poverty desk at Marketplace," said King. "I greatly admire the reporting that the desk has produced so far. The growing divide in wealth and income is an issue that affects all Americans, and I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to report on it."

Recent highlights from the Wealth & Poverty desk include Senior Reporter Krissy Clark's profile of economic mobility counselors in Chicago and the audience-generated "You Know You're Wealthy When" project in which Marketplace listeners describe what "wealthy" means to them.

King is a native of Kerhonkson, New York. She graduated from Brown University with a degree in American Civilization and is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists and the Association of Independents in Radio. In her spare time, she studies Arabic and hangs out in public libraries, planning her next adventure. She officially joins Marketplace on March 25, 2013.

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A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION RETURNS TO THE TOWN HALL FOR THIS SEASON'S FINAL TWO LIVE NEW YORK BROADCASTS

Contact: David O'Neill
Prairie Home Productions
Phone: 651-999-1095
Email: davido@prairiehome.us

February 27, 2013

A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION RETURNS TO THE TOWN HALL FOR THIS SEASON'S FINAL TWO LIVE NEW YORK BROADCASTS

Tickets for April 6 and 13 go on sale Tuesday, March 5, at noon ET.

(NEW YORK) — If you are not spending April in Paris, then perhaps you would opt for April with Garrison Keillor's A Prairie Home Companionone of two shows at The Town Hall (West 43rd Street between 6th Avenue and Broadway). Due to a busy touring schedule, the popular radio program has only two live New York broadcasts scheduled for the remainder of the current season: Saturdays, April 6 and 13.

Tickets go on sale at noon ET on Tuesday, March 5. Purchase in person at The Town Hall Box Office or via Ticketmaster at (212) 307-4100 or www.ticketmaster.com.

The Royal Academy of Radio Actors — Sue Scott, Tim Russell (the man of many voices), and sound-effects wizard Fred Newman — will be on hand, along with the Guy's All-Star Shoe Band, led by pianist Richard Dworsky. Count on the Prairie Home classics — Guy Noir, Private Eye and The Cowboys, along with show "sponsors" Powdermilk Biscuits and Ketchup — and Keillor will share all the latest News from Lake Wobegon during his signature monologue. Check the Prairie Home website, www.prairiehome.org, for more details.

Currently in its 39th season, A Prairie Home Companion has made the fictional small town of Lake Wobegon part of American popular culture. The show is broadcast on more than 600 public radio stations nationwide, with a weekly audience of nearly 4 million listeners. The program can also be heard on the American Forces Network Europe, the Far East Network, and in dozens of European cities via the Astra satellite network.

Garrison Keillor has been the host and writer of A Prairie Home Companion since the program started productionin 1974. He has been honored with Grammy, ACE, and George Foster Peabody awards, the National Humanities Medal, and election to the American Academy of Arts and Letters. His many books include Lake Wobegon Days, The Book of Guys, Pilgrims: A Wobegon Romance, and his latest, Guy Noir and the Straight Skinny (Viking). He is also the host of the daily program The Writer's Almanac and the editor of several anthologies of poetry, most recently, Good Poems: American Places (Viking). In 2006, Keillor played himself in the movie adaptation of his show, a film directed by Robert Altman. In 2007, he opened an independent bookstore, Common Good Books, in St. Paul, the city where he and his wife and daughter make their home.

A Prairie Home Companion is produced by Prairie Home Productions and presented by American Public Media. The show is sponsored nationally by Allianz and by Ford. Audio clips, scripts, and more information on A Prairie Home Companion can be found online at www.prairiehome.org.

WHAT: A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor.

WHO: Garrison Keillor, with Tim Russell, Sue Scott, Fred Newman, the Guy's All-Star Shoe Band, plus special guest performers. Visit www.prairiehome.org for details.

WHEN: Saturdays, April 6 and 13, at 5:45 p.m.

WHERE: The Town Hall — 123 West 43rd St. (between 6th Ave. and Broadway) New York, NY.

TICKETS: On sale Tuesday, March 5, at noon ET. Purchase in person at The Town Hall Box Office, or through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com or (212) 307-4100.

Ticket prices: $58.00, $64.00. (Includes $2 service fee. There is a limit of 4 tickets per order.)

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Go to www.prairiehome.org or become a fan on Facebook.

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A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION MOSEYS ON DOWN TO LUBBOCK FOR AN APRIL 27 LIVE BROADCAST FEATURING THE FLATLANDERS AND ASHLEY MONROE

Contact: David O'Neill
Prairie Home Productions
Phone: 651-999-1095
Email: davido@prairiehome.us

February 26, 2013

A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION MOSEYS ON DOWN TO LUBBOCK FOR AN APRIL 27 LIVE BROADCAST FEATURING THE FLATLANDERS AND ASHLEY MONROE

Tickets go on sale Saturday, March 2, at 10 a.m.

(St. Paul) — Garrison Keillor will be uprooting his Minnesota-based radio program for back-to-back broadcasts from the great state of Texas. The show kicks things off in Austin on April 20 and then heads northwest for APHC's first-ever live broadcast from Lubbock — Saturday, April 27, from the City Bank Auditorium. Special guests include Lubbock's own The Flatlanders as well as country singer-songwriter Ashley Monroe.

Tickets go on sale at 10:00 a.m. CT on Saturday, March 2, available at SelectASeatLubbock.com and in person at all Select-A-Seat locations.

The Royal Academy of Radio Actors — Sue Scott, Tim Russell (the man of many voices), and sound-effects wizard Fred Newman — will be on hand, along with the Guy's All-Star Shoe Band, led by pianist Richard Dworsky. Count on the Prairie Home classics — Guy Noir, Private Eye and The Cowboys, along with show "sponsors" Powdermilk Biscuits and Ketchup — and Keillor will share all the latest News from Lake Wobegon during his signature monologue. Check the Prairie Home website, www.prairiehome.org, for more details.

Currently in its 39th season, A Prairie Home Companion has made the fictional small town of Lake Wobegon part of American popular culture. The show is broadcast on more than 600 public radio stations nationwide, with a weekly audience of nearly 4 million listeners. The program can also be heard on the American Forces Network Europe, the Far East Network, and in dozens of European cities via the Astra satellite network.

Garrison Keillor has been the host and writer of A Prairie Home Companion since the program started production in 1974. He has been honored with Grammy, ACE, and George Foster Peabody awards, the National Humanities Medal, and election to the American Academy of Arts and Letters. His many books include Lake Wobegon Days, The Book of Guys, Pilgrims: A Wobegon Romance, and his latest, Guy Noir and the Straight Skinny (Viking). He is also the host of the daily program The Writer's Almanac and the editor of several anthologies of poetry, most recently, Good Poems: American Places (Viking). In 2006, Keillor played himself in the movie adaptation of his show, a film directed by Robert Altman. In 2007, he opened an independent bookstore, Common Good Books, in St. Paul, the city where he and his wife and daughter make their home.

A Prairie Home Companion is produced by Prairie Home Productions and presented by American Public Media. The show is sponsored nationally by Allianz and by Ford. Audio clips, scripts, and more information on A Prairie Home Companion can be found online at www.prairiehome.org.

WHAT: A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor, Live in Lubbock.

WHO: Garrison Keillor, with Tim Russell, Sue Scott, Fred Newman, the Guy's All-Star Shoe Band, plus special guest performers The Flatlanders and Ashley Monroe. Visit www.prairiehome.org for details.

WHEN: Saturday, April 27, at 4:45 p.m.

WHERE: City Bank Auditorium, 2720 Drive of Champions, Lubbock, TX 79409.

TICKETS: On sale Saturday, March 2, at 10 a.m. CT. Purchase in person at any Select-A-Seat location, at SelectASeatLubbock.com, or by phone at (806) 770-2000 or 1-800-735-1288.

Ticket prices: $30.00, $40.00, $50.00.Student price $15, two per student ID. Note: all tickets subject to service charges.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Go to www.prairiehome.org or become a fan on Facebook.

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AMERICAN PUBLIC MEDIA'S MARKETPLACE APPOINTS NPR'S SARAH GILBERT AS MANAGING EDITOR

Contact: Mary Sutherland
msutherland@americanpublicmedia.org

AMERICAN PUBLIC MEDIA'S MARKETPLACE APPOINTS NPR'S SARAH GILBERT AS MANAGING EDITOR

Former BBC Americas Bureau Chief Will Be Marketplace's Chief Journalist

(St. Paul, Minn. & Los Angeles, Calif.) December 17, 2012– After an extensive nationwide search, today American Public Media (APM) announced the hiring of Sarah Gilbert as the new Managing Editor of Marketplace, APM's signature business and economic news program. In her new role, Gilbert will oversee journalism across Marketplace's digital and audio services.

Ms. Gilbert comes to Marketplace from NPR where she currently serves as the Senior Editor of Weekend Edition, hosted by Scott Simon and Rachel Martin. Before her stint at NPR, Gilbert spent several years at the BBC in a variety of roles including that of Executive Producer of BBC Americana, the BBC World Service's weekly program on American politics and culture. Prior to that, Gilbert served as the Deputy Bureau Chief of the BBC Americas Bureau in Washington, D.C., where she led BBC's 200 staff members in Washington D.C., New York, Los Angeles and Miami. As Deputy Bureau Chief, she led the BBC's 2008 election coverage and oversaw a 100-person election team. Before her role in Washington, Gilbert was the Senior Europe Producer for the BBC Europe Bureau in Brussels and the World Duty Editor for the BBC World Desk in London, from which she traveled extensively to run global breaking news operations, including coverage of the Iraq War.

Announcing Gilbert's hire, Marketplace Executive Producer Deborah Clark said, "As soon as I met Sarah, I knew she had the sensibility and journalism chops to be a great partner for me at Marketplace. She's quick, decisive and won't be afraid to challenge all of us in our approach to news."

Gilbert's former BBC colleagues praised her work as a journalist and manager as well. "Sarah has tremendous experience and reputation. Her time at the BBC will be a great help as APM and BBC News work together in the future." Dick Meyer, Executive Producer of BBC's news services in America.

As Managing Editor, Gilbert will be Marketplace's chief journalist, overseeing the business program's newsroom in Los Angeles and its bureaus in New York, Washington D.C., London and Shanghai.

Gilbert, who will join Marketplace starting February 4, 2013, succeeds longtime Managing Editor George Judson who was appointed Marketplace's Senior Editor, Sustainability in April. Gilbert will report to Deborah Clark, Executive Producer.

To find where you can tune-in Marketplace in your area, visit Marketplace.org and click on "Shows" or listen on demand via the website.


About Marketplace
Marketplace® is produced and distributed by American Public Media (APM), in association with the University of Southern California. Public radio consists of more than 900 individually owned and operated public radio stations (or regional systems of stations). American Public Media™ is one of the largest producers of public radio programming in the world, with a portfolio reaching 17 million listeners via nearly 800 radio stations nationwide each week. For more information on Marketplace visit marketplace.org.

About American Public Media
American Public Media™ is one of the largest producers and distributors of public radio programming in the world, with a portfolio reaching over 17 million listeners via more than 800 radio stations nationwide each week. Programs include A Prairie Home Companion®, BBC World Service, Marketplace®, Performance Today®, The Splendid Table®, On Being™, American RadioWorks® and many others. American Public Media's 140,000 member-strong Public Insight Network promotes deep connections between journalists across the country and the communities they serve. American Public Media is the parent organization for Minnesota Public Radio, Southern California Public Radio and Classical South Florida. A complete list of stations, programs and additional services can be found at www.americanpublicmedia.org. Source: Data are copyright Arbitron, Inc. Arbitron data are estimates only. Spring 2011/Fall 2011 average

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PUBLIC MEDIA'S NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS BREAK DOWN BARRIERS TO SHARE DIGITAL CONTENT

PUBLIC MEDIA'S NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONSBREAK DOWN BARRIERS TO SHARE DIGITAL CONTENT

A New Public Media Platform Promises to Bring More Public Radio and Television Content to More People

Washington, DC; Dec. 17, 2012 – Public media's leading national organizations will launch a ground-breaking collaboration to build a shared technology resource this coming year. The Public Media Platform (PMP) will allow public media producers and stations to gather their digital content in one place, and cost-effectively distribute it across digital platforms to achieve a critical mass of compelling non-commercial content.

Listeners, viewers, and website and mobile users will find it easier to find and interact with the news, entertainment, and cultural and educational content produced by the public media community once the PMP is in operation. Currently 37 million people listen to a mix of news, music and cultural programming every week on public radio stations. Public television educates, entertains, and informs nearly 123 million viewers every month. Millions more listen, view and learn from a multitude of public media websites, apps and mobile platforms.

Producers – from national networks like PBS, NPR, APM, PRI and PRX to public television and radio stations to independent producers – will have the opportunity to store and share text, digital video, audio and photos via the PMP. A new non-profit organization with officers drawn from the five founding organizations will oversee this new resource. The officers are David Kansas of APM/MPR, President; Kinsey Wilson of NPR, and Jason Seiken of PBS, Vice Presidents; Cory Zanin of PRI, Secretary; and Jake Shapiro of PRX, Treasurer. Four at-large members will be named soon.

Kristin Calhoun, currently Director of Station Products and Innovation at PBS, has been named Executive Director of the PMP, and she will begin work on January 7. She will oversee the creation of the PMP and manage its contracts, budget and finances, as well as station relations and marketing. Work on the technology infrastructure and creation of business rules will begin immediately.

Funding for the PMP comes from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). In 2010, CPB funded a pilot and planning process, and based on the success of that work, they will fund the creation the PMP and help underwrite its operating costs through May 2017. "The Public Media Platform will significantly enhance the way public media producers and stations use technology to innovate, collaborate and develop compelling programs for national and local audiences across all public media platforms – on air, online and in the community," said Patricia Harrison, president and CEO of CPB.

About the PMP Partners

American Public Media™, the parent organization for Minnesota Public Radio, Southern California Public Radio and Classical South Florida, is one of the largest producers and distributors of public radio programming in the world, with a portfolio reaching 17 million listeners on more than 800 radio stations nationwide each week.

NPR is public radio's largest producer and an influential force in American life. In collaboration with more than 880 independent public radio stations nationwide, NPR strives to create a more informed public – one challenged and invigorated by a deeper understanding and appreciation of events, ideas and cultures.

PBS, with its nearly 360 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and online content. Each month, PBS reaches nearly 123 million people through television and more than 21 million people online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and to take front row seats to world-class drama and performances.

PRI helps listeners "hear a different voice™" and to connect with one another and the larger world. It represents public radio's largest portfolio of independent and station-based productions, produces programming including PRI's The World®, and delivers this content on-air, on-line and through mobile devices.

PRX is an award-winning public media company, harnessing innovative technology to bring significant stories to millions of people. PRX operates public radio's largest distribution marketplace, offering thousands of audio stories for broadcast and digital use, including signature programs like The Moth Radio Hour. PRX mobile apps include This American Life, KCRW Music Mine, Radiolab, and Public Radio Player.

- NPR -

Media Contacts:

  • APM: Mary Sutherland, 651-290-1373, msutherland@americanpublicmedia.org
  • NPR: Danielle Deabler, 202.360.7492, ddeabler@npr.org
  • PBS: Jan McNamara, 703.739.5028, jmcnamara@pbs.org
  • PRI: Julia Yager, 612.330.9231, jyager@pri.org
  • PRX: Patrick Kowalczyk, 212-627-8098, patrick@pkpr.com
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TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION'S 2013 CRUISE

Contact: David O'Neill
Prairie Home Productions
Phone: 651-999-1095
Email: davido@prairiehome.us

December 8, 2012

TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION'S 2013 CRUISE

APHC's next sea adventure takes travelers Barcelona to Venice, August 21–31

(St. Paul, Minn.)— Last year's cruise down the Iberian Coast was so much fun that Garrison Keillor and the folks at A Prairie Home Companion are busy planning for next summer's adventure at sea — a 10-day trip that begins where the last one left off: Barcelona.

Those signing up for the 2013 "APHC at Sea" will set sail from Barcelona aboard Holland America's ms Ryndam on Wednesday, August 21. From there, stops include Marseille, Monte Carlo, Livorno, Civitavecchia (gateway to Rome), Naples, Kotor (Montenegro), Ravenna, and on to Venice on Saturday, August 31.

Garrison says: With this cruise, you can check off on your lifetime list —

Marseille, France, a seaport city of a million, another place entirely from Paris, the entry point for immigrants, with a large Italian population, Algerians, Turks, and the gateway to Provence where all those Americans wrote books about discovering the secret of life.

Monte Carlo on the Riviera, playground of the rich and famous, home of the Place du Casino, a center for the reckless dispersal of wealth.

Livorno, Tuscany, gateway to Florence, the Duomo, Michelangelo's David, the Uffizi, and the best gelato in Italy.

Civitavecchia, gateway to Rome, birthplace of Western Civilization and also the home of two and a half million good-humored Romans and the cafés and coffee bars that cater to them. Plus the Forum, the Pantheon, St. Peter's Basilica, and dozens of other fabulous churches. A great walking city. The ship will dock overnight so you can have an unrushed day and evening in the Eternal City.

Naples, a city of great pizza and great craziness — streets choked with Vespas, noisy markets, corrupt politicians — in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius. You can visit nearby Pompeii, a Roman town of 200 B.C. preserved by the volcano's eruption.

Kotor, Montenegro, on a deep natural fjord on the Adriatic Sea, between Croatia and Bosnia and Albania, a handsome town of 23,500, surrounded by steep mountains, with narrow streets and squares in an Old Town well preserved from the 14th century, designed by the founders to be maze-like and confuse invaders.

Ravenna, Italy, a provincial town famous for its Byzantine churches, and nearby the Republic of San Marino, an independent state within Italy, where males enjoy the highest life expectancy (for men) of any nation in the world.

And finally, Venice, the city of canals and gondolas, of mask-makers, ornate (decaying) palaces, narrow mysterious streets, and marble bridges.

In addition to musicians, naturalists, and plenty of other talented experts, Garrison will welcome aboard Prairie Home regulars Tim Russell, Sue Scott, sound-effects man Fred Newman, and The Guy's All-Star Shoe Band with Richard Dworsky. There's never a dull moment — unless you want one.

The cruise is open to the public. Reservations can be made through A Prairie Home Companion's website at www.prairiehome.org. [The cruise is not a fundraiser for any public radio station, and no part of the associated cost is tax deductible.]

This Prairie Home Companion Cruise aboard the ms Ryndam from Holland America Lines is produced by Prairie Home Productions and presented by American Public Media Group.

Currently in its 39th season, A Prairie Home Companion has made the fictional small town of Lake Wobegon part of American popular culture. The show is broadcast on some 600 public radio stations nationwide, with a weekly audience that tops 4 million listeners. The program can also be heard on the Armed Forces Network Europe, the Far East Network, and in dozens of European cities via the Astra satellite network.

Garrison Keillor has been the host and writer of A Prairie Home Companion since the program started production in 1974. He is also the author of more than a dozen books, including Lake Wobegon Days, Love Me, Homegrown Democrat, and his latest, Guy Noir and the Straight Skinny (Viking).


WHAT: APHC at Sea — Barcelona to Venice, A Prairie Home Companion's seventh cruise.

WHEN: August 21-31, 2013

WHO: Garrison Keillor and the APHC cast, plus dozens of special guests from the world of music, natural history, and more.

WHERE: The ship, the ms Ryndam from Holland America Lines, departs Barcelona and sails to Marseille, Monte Carlo, Livorno, Civitavecchia (Rome), Naples, Kotor (Montenegro), Ravenna, and Venice.

RESERVATIONS: Cabins on sale now. To book a reservation, go to www.prairiehome.org.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Go to www.prairiehome.org.

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A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION RETURNS TO ST. PAUL IN FEBRUARY

Contact: David O'Neill
651-999-1095

A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION RETURNS TO ST. PAUL IN FEBRUARY

Tickets go on sale November 27 for five fun-packed winter broadcasts from the Fitzgerald.

(SAINT PAUL, Minn.) Wherever A Prairie Home Companion travels, it's always good to come home. And home means the beautiful Fitzgerald Theater in downtown St. Paul.

So after spending a couple of months doing shows from New York to California, Texas to Wisconsin, Garrison Keillor and the cast and crew return to the Fitz for five rollicking Saturday broadcasts this winter: February 2, 9, 16, 23, and March 2 — the only remaining St. Paul shows for the rest of Prairie Home's current season. The fun begins at 4:45 p.m. CT.

Actress Sue Scott and Tim Russell (the man of many voices) will be on hand, along with the Guy's All-Star Shoe Band, led by pianist Richard Dworsky. There will be special guests from near and far; we'll hear from Private Eye Guy Noir and the Cowboys, Dusty and Lefty; and everyone will catch up on the news from Lake Wobegon during Keillor's signature monologue.

Tickets go on sale at noon on Tuesday, November 27, available through Ticketmaster (Ticketmaster.com or 1-800-745-3000) or in person at the Fitzgerald Theater. Minnesota Public Radio members may also order tickets by phone at 651-290-1200.

A Prairie Home Companion is heard on over 600 public radio stations across the U.S., with a weekly audience that tops 4 million listeners. The program can also be heard on the Armed Forces Network Europe, the Far East Network, and in dozens of European cities via the Astra satellite network.

Garrison Keillor has been the host and writer of A Prairie Home Companion since the program started production in 1974. He is also the author of more than a dozen books, including Lake Wobegon Days, Love Me, Homegrown Democrat, and his latest, Guy Noir and the Straight Skinny (Viking).

WHAT: A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor presents a Vocal Duet Contest.

WHEN: Saturday, October 20, 2012, 4:45 p.m. (broadcast live at 5:00 p.m. Central Time).

WHERE: Fitzgerald Theater, 10 East Exchange Street, St. Paul, MN.

TICKETS: Go to www.prairiehome.org or Ticketmaster.com for information.

TUNE IN: Tune in Saturdays to any of hundreds of public radio stations coast to coast (many rebroadcast the show on Sunday). To check local listings, go to www.prairiehome.org.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: go to www.prairiehome.org

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IT TAKES TWO! FINALISTS SELECTED FOR A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION'S OCTOBER 20th VOCAL DUET CONTEST

Contact: David O'Neill
651-999-1095

IT TAKES TWO!

FINALISTS SELECTED FOR A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION'S OCTOBER 20th VOCAL DUET CONTEST

Winner of the Silver Water Tower Trophy will be determined by audience vote — at St. Paul's Fitzgerald Theater and by listeners to the live broadcast.

(SAINT PAUL, Minn.) A Prairie Home Companion has selected six finalist pairs for its Vocal Duet Contest. Like Porter and Dolly, Don and Phil, or Simon and Garfunkel, there's nothing that beats those sweet harmonies. After the competition was announced in July, some 750 entries poured in from all over the country — each hoping for a chance to take home the coveted Silver Water Tower Trophy and one of the cash prizes.

The competition will be held on the show's October 20th live broadcast from the Fitzgerald Theater in downtown St. Paul. Winners will be selected by vote of the theater audience and listeners everywhere.

Showcasing a wide range of styles, these are the contenders:
Avenue Elle (Alison Lumley and Chrissie Natoli), from Austin, Texas

Arnaé Batson and Tim McAfee-Lewis, from Los Angeles, California

Kaija and Brian Bonde, from Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Molly and Jack Tuttle, from Palo Alto, California

The Half Step Sisters (Katie Burk and Julia Conway), from Indianapolis, Indiana

MaMuse (Sarah Nutting and Karisha Longaker), from Chico, California

Now in its 39th season, A Prairie Home Companion is broadcast on more than 600 public radio stations nationwide. The weekly audience is nearly 4 million listeners. The program can also be heard on XM Radio, the Armed Forces Network Europe, the Far East Network, and in dozens of European cities via the Astra satellite network. Garrison Keillor's signature monologue, The News from Lake Wobegon, is available via podcast/iTunes.

Garrison Keillor is the recipient of Grammy, ACE, and George Foster Peabody awards, and has been inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters. His books include Lake Wobegon Days, Pilgrims: A Wobegon Romance, and his latest, Guy Noir and the Straight Skinny (Viking).

A Prairie Home Companion is produced by Prairie Home Productions and presented by American Public Media. The show is sponsored nationally by Allianz and Ford. Audio clips, scripts, and more information on A Prairie Home Companion can be found online at www.prairiehome.org.

WHAT: A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor presents a Vocal Duet Contest.

WHEN: Saturday, October 20, 2012, 4:45 p.m. (broadcast live at 5:00 p.m. Central Time).

WHERE: Fitzgerald Theater, 10 East Exchange Street, St. Paul, MN.

TICKETS: Go to www.prairiehome.org or Ticketmaster.com for information.

TUNE IN: Tune in Saturdays to any of hundreds of public radio stations coast to coast (many rebroadcast the show on Sunday). To check local listings, go to www.prairiehome.org.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: go to www.prairiehome.org

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American Public Media's Marketplace Money Announces Host Tess Vigeland is Leaving

Contact: David O'Neil
(651)999-1095
davido@prairiehome.us

American Public Media's Marketplace Money Announces Host Tess Vigeland is Leaving

(SAINT PAUL, Minnesota & Los Angeles, California - August 17, 2012) American Public Media today announced Marketplace Money host Tess Vigeland has shared her intention to leave at the end of November. She will continue to have a role as a contributor to Marketplace, extending a relationship of more than a decade.

Since Vigeland became host of Marketplace Money in 2006, the show's audience has grown by almost 40 percent, to more than 750,000 weekly listeners. She was the most visible part of a partnership with The New York Times, producing stories for both outlets. Vigeland also was an important stabilizing presence during the financial crisis of 2008-9, when calls and letters from nervous listeners quadrupled.

"From my days as a cub reporter in the early 90's, I knew I wanted to someday work at Marketplace. Any show that had that much fun on the air had to be a great place to do the news (not to mention "The Numbers"),î said Vigeland. "I got my wish, and the last decade-plus has been extraordinary. I arrived two weeks after 9/11, and have since shared a journey with our audience through war, economic boom and bust, corporate scandals, stock market mayhem, and the Great Recession. Even through all that, we still did manage to have fun. It's been an honor, and I will miss our listeners more than I can express."

Vigeland joined Marketplace in September 2001, as a host of Marketplace Morning Report. She delivered the latest in business and economic news for nearly four years before returning briefly to reporting and producing. Vigeland also is back-up host for Marketplace.

"One of the many great things about working with Tess has been her unflagging desire to challenge herself - and by extension, the show - to do new things. Whether it was a live show in Portland, Oregon on kids and money or hosting one of our specials from a car; that ambition has been infectious and fun. And it will be great to have her continued contributions to the shows, as she moves forward into the next chapter of her career," said Marketplace Executive Producer, Deborah Clark.

In her more than 20-year journalism career, Vigeland has earned numerous awards from the Associated Press and Society of Professional Journalists. Vigeland has a bachelor's degree from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University. She is a contributor to The New York Times and is a volunteer fundraiser for the Pasadena Animal League and Pasadena Humane

Society. In her free time, Vigeland studies at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music, continuing 20-plus years of training as a classical pianist.

To find where you can tune-in Marketplace in your area, visit Marketplace.org and click on "Shows", or listen on demand via the website.

About Marketplace
Marketplace is produced and distributed by American Public Media (APM), in association with the University of Southern California. Public radio consists of more than 900 individually owned and operated public radio stations (or regional systems of stations). American Public Media is one of the largest producers of public radio programming in the world, with a portfolio reaching 16 million listeners via nearly 800 radio stations nationwide each week. In addition to APM, Public Radio International and National Public Radio distribute and produce national programs. For more information on Marketplace visit marketplace.org. For more information on American Public Media visit publicradio.org.

About American Public Media
American Public Media is one of the largest producers of public radio programming in the world, with a portfolio reaching over 17 million listeners via more than 800 radio stations nationwide each week. Programs include A Prairie Home Companion, BBC World Service, Marketplace, Performance Today, The Splendid Table, On Being, American RadioWorks and many others. American Public Media's 140,000 member-strong Public Insight Network promotes deep connections between journalists across the country and the communities they serve. American Public Media is the parent organization for Minnesota Public Radio, Southern California Public Radio and Classical South Florida. A complete list of stations, programs and additional services can be found at www.americanpublicmedia.org. Source: Data are copyright Arbitron, Inc. Arbitron data are estimates only. Spring 2011/Fall 2011 average.



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A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION KICKS OFF ITS 39th SEASON.

Contact: David O'Neill
651-999-1095

A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION KICKS OFF ITS 39th SEASON.

SEPT. 15th BROADCAST FROM THE FITZGERALD THEATER TO BE FOLLOWED BY ANNUAL STREET DANCE AND MEATLOAF SUPPER.

Tickets for all six fall shows at the Fitz go on sale July 31 at noon CT.

(SAINT PAUL, Minn.) — As we slog through the summer heat and humidity, it's good to think about a crisp fall evening and the kick off of A Prairie Home Companion's 39th season.

Join Garrison Keillor for the Saturday, September 15th season-opening live broadcast from the Fitzgerald Theater in downtown St. Paul. Actress Sue Scott and Tim Russell (the man of many voices) will be on hand, along with the Guy's All-Star Shoe Band, led by pianist Richard Dworsky. Garrison will welcome special guests and get us caught up on the news from Lake Wobegon during his signature monologue.

Following the show, whoop it up at the annual Prairie Home Street Dance and Meatloaf Supper, on Exchange Street, right in front of the Fitz. Enjoy music (by hard-driving Texas band the Derailers), food (the famous $5 meatloaf dinner!), and fun, with Garrison leading the festivities. This event is open to the public and free — save a small charge for refreshments.

And in the weeks that follow, there will be five more live APHC broadcasts at the Fitzgerald Theater: September 22, 29, October 6, 13, and 20. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, July 31, through Ticketmaster outlets or online, or in person at the Fitzgerald box office.

A Prairie Home Companion is heard on close to 600 public radio stations across the U.S., with a weekly audience that tops 4 million listeners. The program can also be heard on the Armed Forces Network Europe, the Far East Network, and in dozens of European cities via the Astra satellite network.

A Prairie Home Companion is produced by Prairie Home Productions and presented by American Public Media. The show is sponsored nationally by Allianz and Ford. Audio clips, scripts, and more information on A Prairie Home Companion can be found online at www.prairiehome.org.

WHAT: 2012–13 Season Opener of A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor, followed by the annual (and free) Street Dance.

WHO: Garrison Keillor, with Tim Russell, Sue Scott, the Guy's All-Star Shoe Band, the Derailers, and much more.

WHEN: Season-opening broadcast is Saturday, September 15, 2012, 4:45 p.m., followed by the Prairie Home Street Dance, 7–10 p.m., whatever the weather.

The rest of the St. Paul fall run: September 22, 29, October 6, 13, and 20.

WHERE: The Fitzgerald Theater, 10 East Exchange St. (at Wabasha), downtown St. Paul (Street Dance on Exchange Street, in front of the theater).

TICKETS: On sale beginning Tuesday, July 31, at noon Central Time. Prices: $48.00, $38.00, $32.00 (includes $2.50 facility fee). There is a limit of 4 tickets per order. Minnesota Public Radio members receive a $2 discount.

Order online through Ticketmaster.com, call 800-982-2787, or visit any Ticketmaster outlet. The general public may purchase tickets in person at the Fitzgerald box office. Minnesota Public Radio members may order tickets by phone at 651-290-1200. A limited number of rush tickets are sold on day of show: numbers issued at 2:00 p.m. and rush ticket sales at 4:00 p.m. ($15 each, limit of two, cash only).

TUNE IN: Tune in Saturdays to any of hundreds of public radio stations coast to coast (many rebroadcast the show on Sunday). Check local listings or go to www.prairiehome.org for specifics.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: go to www.prairiehome.org

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IT TAKES TWO! A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION ANNOUNCES VOCAL DUET CONTEST, HELD ON OCT. 20th BROADCAST FROM ST. PAUL'S FITZGERALD THEATER

Contact: David O'Neill
651-999-1095

IT TAKES TWO!

A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION ANNOUNCES VOCAL DUET CONTEST, HELD ON OCT. 20th BROADCAST FROM ST. PAUL'S FITZGERALD THEATER

Deadline for entries is Friday, September 21st.

(SAINT PAUL, Minn.) — Porter and Dolly, Don and Phil, Simon and Garfunkel, Sonny and Cher, Waylon and Willie — there's nothing like those sweet harmonies. So A Prairie Home Companion has announced a vocal duet contest to be held on the show's October 20th live broadcast from the Fitzgerald Theater. From the submissions received, five or six finalists will be chosen to sing on the show, and winners will take home cash prizes awarded by the vote of the APHC audience and listeners.

Singers can record their duet and submit it online by Friday, September 21, 5 p.m. (CT). Or send a CD to:
Prairie Home Duet Contest Submissions
611 Frontenac Place
St. Paul, MN 55104.

Some guidelines (see complete rules at www.prairiehome.org):

1. Vocal duet means two voices — can be male/female, male/male, or female/ female — but not instrumental duet. Any spoken language is acceptable.
2. Has to be a true duet song — not simply a lead singer with backup vocal.
3. Submissions must be received by 5 p.m. (Central Time) on Friday, September 21, 2012.

A Prairie Home Companion's 39th season kicks of on Saturday, September 15, with a live broadcast from the Fitzgerald Theater in downtown St. Paul, followed by the annual street dance and meatloaf supper on Exchange Street, right in front of the Fitz. Tickets for the fall run of six St. Paul shows go on sale Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at noon Central Time.

A Prairie Home Companion is broadcast on close to 600 public radio stations nationwide. The weekly audience tops 4 million listeners. The program can also be heard on XM Radio, the Armed Forces Network Europe, the Far East Network, and in dozens of European cities via the Astra satellite network. Garrison Keillor's signature monologue, The News from Lake Wobegon, is available via podcast/iTunes.

A Prairie Home Companion is produced by Prairie Home Productions and presented by American Public Media. The show is sponsored nationally by Allianz and Ford. Audio clips, scripts, and more information on A Prairie Home Companion can be found online at www.prairiehome.org.

WHAT: A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor presents a vocal duet contest.

WHEN: Saturday, October 20, 2012, 4:45 p.m. (broadcast live at 5:00 p.m. Central Time).

WHERE: Fitzgerald Theater, 10 East Exchange Street, St. Paul, MN.

TICKETS: Tickets for APHC's six fall shows at the Fitz go on sale beginning July 31 at noon CT. See www.prairiehome.org or Ticketmaster.com for information.

TUNE IN: Tune in Saturdays to any of hundreds of public radio stations coast to coast (many rebroadcast the show on Sunday). Check local listings or go www.prairiehome.org for specifics.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Go to www.prairiehome.org.

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A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION KICKS OFF ITS 39th SEASON

Contact: David O'Neil
(651)999-1095
davido@prairiehome.us

A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION KICKS OFF ITS 39th SEASON

SEPT. 15th BROADCAST FROM THE FITZGERALD THEATER
TO BE FOLLOWED BY ANNUAL STREET DANCE AND MEATLOAF SUPPER

Tickets for all six fall shows at the Fitz go on sale July 31 at noon CT

(SAINT PAUL, Minn. - July 25, 2012) As we slog through the summer heat and humidity, it's good to think about a crisp fall evening and the kick off of A Prairie Home Companion's 39th season.

Join Garrison Keillor for the Saturday, September 15th season-opening live broadcast from the Fitzgerald Theater in downtown St. Paul. Actress Sue Scott and Tim Russell (the man of many voices) will be on hand, along with the Guy's All-Star Shoe Band, led by pianist Richard Dworsky. Garrison will welcome special guests and get us caught up on the news from Lake Wobegon during his signature monologue.

Following the show, whoop it up at the annual Prairie Home Street Dance and Meatloaf Supper, on Exchange Street, right in front of the Fitz. Enjoy music (by hard-driving Texas band the Derailers), food (the famous $5 meatloaf dinner!), and fun, with Garrison leading the festivities. This event is open to the public and free - save a small charge for refreshments.

And in the weeks that follow, there will be five more live APHC broadcasts at the Fitzgerald Theater: September 22, 29, October 6, 13, and 20. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, July 31, through Ticketmaster outlets or online, or in person at the Fitzgerald box office.

A Prairie Home Companion is heard on close to 600 public radio stations across the U.S., with a weekly audience that tops 4 million listeners. The program can also be heard on the Armed Forces Network Europe, the Far East Network, and in dozens of European cities via the Astra satellite network.

A Prairie Home Companion is produced by Prairie Home Productions and presented by American Public Media. The show is sponsored nationally by Allianz and Ford. Audio clips, scripts, and more information on A Prairie Home Companion can be found online at www.prairiehome.org.

WHAT: 2012-13 Season Opener of A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor, followed by the annual (and free) Street Dance.
WHO: Garrison Keillor, with Tim Russell, Sue Scott, the Guy's All-Star Shoe Band, the Derailers, and much more.
WHEN: Season-opening broadcast is Saturday, September 15, 2012, 4:45 p.m., followed by the Prairie Home Street Dance, 7-10 p.m., whatever the weather.
The rest of the St. Paul fall run: September 22, 29, October 6, 13, and 20.
WHERE: The Fitzgerald Theater, 10 East Exchange St. (at Wabasha), downtown St. Paul (Street Dance on Exchange Street, in front of the theater).
TICKETS: On sale beginning Tuesday, July 31, at noon Central Time. Prices: $48.00, $38.00, $32.00 (includes $2.50 facility fee). There is a limit of 4 tickets per order. Minnesota Public Radio members receive a $2 discount.

Order online through Ticketmaster.com, call 800-982-2787, or visit any Ticketmaster outlet. The general public may purchase tickets in person at the Fitzgerald box office. Minnesota Public Radio members may order tickets by phone at 651-290-1200. A limited number of rush tickets are sold on day of show: numbers issued at 2:00 p.m. and rush ticket sales at 4:00 p.m. ($15 each, limit of two, cash only).TUNE IN: Tune in Saturdays to any of hundreds of public radio stations coast to coast (many rebroadcast the show on Sunday). Check local listings or go to www.prairiehome.org for specifics. FOR MORE INFORMATION: go to www.prairiehome.org

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A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION ANNOUNCES VOCAL DUET CONTEST, HELD ON OCT. 20th BROADCAST

Contact: David O'Neil
(651)999-1095
davido@prairiehome.us

A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION ANNOUNCES VOCAL DUET CONTEST, HELD ON OCT. 20th BROADCAST
FROM ST. PAULíS FITZGERALD THEATER

St. PAUL, MN - (July 25, 2012) - Porter and Dolly, Don and Phil, Simon and Garfunkel, Sonny and Cher, Waylon and Willie - there's nothing like those sweet harmonies. So A Prairie Home Companion has announced a vocal duet contest to be held on the show's October 20th live broadcast from the Fitzgerald Theater. From the submissions received, five or six finalists will be chosen to sing on the show, and winners will take home cash prizes awarded by the vote of the APHC audience and listeners.

Singers can record their duet and submit it online by Friday, September 21, 5 p.m. (CT). Or send a CD to: Prairie Home Duet Contest Submissions. 611 Frontenac Place, St. Paul, MN 55104.

Some guidelines (see complete rules at www.prairiehome.org):

1. Vocal duet means two voices - can be male/female, male/male, or female/female - but not instrumental duet. Any spoken language is acceptable.
2. Has to be a true duet song - not simply a lead singer with backup vocal.
3. Submissions must be received by 5 p.m. (Central Time) on Friday, September 21, 2012.

A Prairie Home Companion's 39th season kicks of on Saturday, September 15, with a live broadcast from the Fitzgerald Theater in downtown St. Paul, followed by the annual street dance and meatloaf supper on Exchange Street, right in front of the Fitz. Tickets for the fall run of six St. Paul shows go on sale Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at noon Central Time.

A Prairie Home Companion is broadcast on close to 600 public radio stations nationwide. The weekly audience tops 4 million listeners. The program can also be heard on XM Radio, the Armed Forces Network Europe, the Far East Network, and in dozens of European cities via the Astra satellite network. Garrison Keillor's signature monologue, The News from Lake Wobegon, is available via podcast/iTunes.

A Prairie Home Companion is produced by Prairie Home Productions and presented by American Public Media. The show is sponsored nationally by Allianz and Ford. Audio clips, scripts, and more information on A Prairie Home Companion can be found online at www.prairiehome.org.

WHAT: A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor presents a vocal duet contest.
WHEN: Saturday, October 20, 2012, 4:45 p.m. (broadcast live at 5:00 p.m. Central Time).
WHERE: Fitzgerald Theater, 10 East Exchange Street, St. Paul, MN.
TICKETS: Tickets for APHC's six fall shows at the Fitz go on sale beginning July 31 at noon CT. See www.prairiehome.org or Ticketmaster.com for information.
TUNE IN: Tune in Saturdays to any of hundreds of public radio stations coast to coast (many rebroadcast the show on Sunday). Check local listings or go www.prairiehome.org for specifics.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Go to www.prairiehome.org.

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BBC WORLD SERVICE APPOINTS AMERICAN PUBLIC MEDIA AS NEW DISTRIBUTOR IN THE UNITED STATES

BBC WORLD SERVICE APPOINTS AMERICAN PUBLIC MEDIA AS NEW DISTRIBUTOR IN THE UNITED STATES

St. PAUL, MN/NEW YORK -(July 12, 2012) - BBC World Service and American Public Media have announced today that American Public Media will distribute BBC World Service English radio programs to public radio stations in the United States for the next five years.

American Public Media began distribution of BBC World Service on July 1, 2012. This new partnership will ensure that Americans have increased access to the highest quality global news that affects their lives. It also provides an opportunity to build on and expand the relationship already established with American Public Media through editorial collaborations between its daily national business program, Marketplace and BBC World Service journalists. In 2011, Marketplace and the BBC's Business Daily co-presented specials examining the impact of the debt crisis in Europe on the wider global economy, with reports from Kenya, China, London and Los Angeles. Since 2010, BBC reporters have regularly contributed global economic stories to Marketplace Morning Report.

In the U.S. more than 500 local public radio stations broadcast BBC content - mainly news and current affairs programming, including its flagship global newscast Newshour.

"With global events often resonating at national and local levels, BBC World Service is a distinct voice offering U.S. audiences access to independent and impartial news," said Richard Porter, Controller English, Global News. "Against a news landscape of increased noise and opinion, BBC World Service gets to the heart of news stories with objective reporting from around the world and allows U.S. audiences a unique perspective on their own country. I'm delighted that we are working with American Public Media in the U.S., and hope that together we can best serve the needs of our audiences here."

"We're committed to helping U.S. audiences understand our rapidly changing world, and we are excited by this new partnership with the BBC World Service" said Jon McTaggart, president and CEO, American Public Media. "Now more than ever, U.S. audiences are wrestling with important questions, and the BBC World Service provides an uncompromised free press that informs, illuminates and explains the "what" and "why it matters" from around the globe."

Contacts:

BBC World Service
Penny Crook
212-705-9335
Penny.Crook@bbc.co.uk
bbcworldservice.com

American Public Media
Tara Schlosser
651-290-1436
Tschlosser@americanpublicmedia.org
americanpublicmedia.org

About BBC World Service
BBC Global News includes BBC World Service, BBC World News television, bbc.com/news (the BBC's international-facing online news site) and BBC Monitoring. The BBC attracts a weekly global audience of 239 million people to its international news services including BBC World Service, BBC World News television channel and bbc.com/news.

BBC World Service is an international multimedia broadcaster, delivering a wide range of language and regional services on radio, TV, online and via wireless handheld devices. It uses multiple platforms to reach its weekly audience of 180 million globally, including shortwave, AM, FM, digital satellite and cable channels. Its news sites include audio and video content and offer opportunities to join the global debate. BBC World Service offers its multilingual radio content to partner FM stations around the world and has numerous partnerships supplying content to news websites, mobile phones and other wireless handheld devices as well as TV channels. For more information, visit bbcworldservice.com.

2012 has been a landmark year for BBC World Service as it marked its 80th anniversary and also moved into a new state of the art home in central London, joining the BBC's UK and international TV, radio and multimedia services. In June 2012 BBC World Service's annual audiences estimate revealed that the broadcaster had increased its overall global audience to 180 million from 166 million in 2011 (an 8% increase).

About American Public Media
American Public Media is one of the largest producers of public radio programming in the world, with a portfolio reaching over 17 million listeners via more than 800 radio stations nationwide each week. Programs include A Prairie Home Companion, BBC World Service, Marketplace, Performance Today, The Splendid Table, On Being, American RadioWorks and many others. American Public Media's 140,000 member-strong Public Insight Network promotes deep connections between journalists across the country and the communities they serve. American Public Media is the parent organization for Minnesota Public Radio, Southern California Public Radio and Classical South Florida. A complete list of stations, programs and additional services can be found at www.americanpublicmedia.org.

Source: Data are copyright Arbitron, Inc. Arbitron data are estimates only. Spring 2011/Fall 2011 average.

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DAVID BRANCACCIO TO HOST MARKETPLACE TECH REPORT, JOHN MOE BECOMES FULL-TIME HOST OF WITS

Contact:
Mary Sutherland
Phone: (651) 290-1373
msutherland@americanpublicmedia.org

DAVID BRANCACCIO TO HOST MARKETPLACE TECH REPORT,
JOHN MOE BECOMES FULL-TIME HOST OF WITS

Moves strengthen APM business and entertainment programming offerings

St. PAUL, MN - (July 10, 2012) - American Public Media announced today changes to its popular Marketplace Tech Report and Wits programs to enhance the organization's business and entertainment programming.

First, David Brancaccio, Marketplace's special correspondent and recent host of Marketplace Morning Report, will be taking on the role of host of Marketplace Tech Report.

Brancaccio will continue to be based in New York City and will cover the entire span of tech news, but will be particularly well-positioned to follow the burgeoning tech activity up and down the East Coast. Since technology has become as much an East Coast story as a West Coast one, basing Marketplace Tech Report in New York will give listeners a perspective from outside Silicon Valley.

"By combining Marketplace Tech Report with coverage from Marketplace's technology correspondent on the West Coast, we will be able to offer listeners a more comprehensive look at the tech world," said Judy McAlpine, senior vice president and general manager, American Public Media.

"It's hard to ignore all the tech happenings here in New York; from players like Zynga, Facebook and Twitter setting up major centers, to the start-up culture thriving at companies like Tumblr and Foursquare," said Brancaccio. "I'm especially interested in enhancing Marketplace's existing new-driven technology coverage by providing compelling journalism that explores technology's social impact."

By having Brancaccio host Marketplace Tech Report, its current host, John Moe, will devote the full measure of his talents and energy to Wits, Minnesota Public Radio's two-year old show that features creative storytelling and musical performances by some of America's most talented writers and musicians including Fred Willard, Roseanne Cash, Andy Richter, Amy Sedaris and They Might Be Giants. Moe has been hosting the show, since its launch, in addition to his on-going duties hosting Marketplace Tech Report.

"In just two years, Wits has established itself as a weekend destination for great storytelling, great music and illuminating conversation" said McAlpine. "We think there is enormous potential for Wits to go national and John's absolutely the right person to lead that effort."

"It has been a fantastic opportunity to host and develop Marketplace Tech Report, while also pursuing my passion for music and storytelling on stage in front of a live studio audience," said Moe. "With Tech Report in such good hands, I'm free to plunge whole-heartedly into Wits and into making it a national show. I'm thrilled."

These changes will take effect beginning September 10, 2012.

About Marketplace
Marketplace reports on business, the economy and money as they affect people every day. The portfolio reaches 9.5 million listeners each week on more than 500 public radio stations through its award-winning news shows: Marketplace Morning Report; Marketplace; Marketplace Money; and Marketplace Tech Report. For more information on Marketplace, please visit marketplace.org.

About American Public Media
American Public Media is one of the largest producers of public radio programming in the world, with a portfolio reaching over 17 million listeners via more than 800 radio stations nationwide each week. Programs include A Prairie Home Companion, BBC World Service, Marketplace, Performance Today, The Splendid Table, On Being, American RadioWorks and many others. American Public Media's 140,000 member-strong Public Insight Network promotes deep connections between journalists across the country and the communities they serve. American Public Media is the parent organization for Minnesota Public Radio, Southern California Public Radio and Classical South Florida. A complete list of stations, programs and additional services can be found at www.americanpublicmedia.org.

Source: Data are copyright Arbitron, Inc. Arbitron data are estimates only. Spring 2011/Fall 2011 average.

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AMERICAN PUBLIC MEDIA'S MARKETPLACE HIRES STAFF FOR WEALTH AND POVERTY DESK

Contact:
Tara Schlosser
Phone: (651) 290-1436
tschlosser@americanpublicmedia.org

AMERICAN PUBLIC MEDIA'S MARKETPLACE HIRES STAFF FOR WEALTH AND POVERTY DESK

(ST. PAUL, Minn.) April 12, 2012 - After an extensive national search, American Public Media's Marketplace announces four new hires for the Wealth & Poverty Desk. Krissy Clark, senior reporter, is joining Marketplace from KQED where she is the Los Angeles bureau chief for California Report. Joining the Desk as reporter is Shereen Marisol Meraji, a business and economy reporter from KPCC. Rounding out the team are associate producer, Jolie Puidokas, former associate producer for Marketplace Morning Report and assistant producer, John Ketchum, a reporter from WCMU in Mount Pleasant, Mich. The four new hires will be staffing the Desk by early May and will report to Celeste Wesson, senior editor for the Wealth & Poverty Desk.

"I can't wait to see what this talented, diverse team comes up with when they start working together," said Celeste Wesson. "They have the curiosity and creativity to delve into economic data, and to translate their reporting into compelling stories about how the wealth gap affects our lives, at all economic levels."

"The realities of wealth, poverty and the country's growing income gap shape the world we live in, and yet they are subjects that can be loaded or hard to talk about," said Krissy Clark. "I hope our reporting will help shed light on the forces behind these issues and make them dinner table and bus stop conversation."

Clark is an award-winning journalist and documentary-maker, whose work has been featured on Morning Edition, All Things Considered, the BBC and Marketplace. She was on the founding staff of American Public Media's Weekend America and is founder of storieseverywhere.org.

"I'm excited to tell stories that move the conversation about the wealth gap beyond the numbers 1 and 99," said Shereen Marisol Meraji.

Before joining KPCC, Meraji was a producer at NPR's Day to Day and All Things Considered as well as a freelance reporter for NPR.

Marketplace launched the Wealth & Poverty Desk earlier this year with a grant from the Ford Foundation. Using Marketplace's signature style, the Wealth & Poverty Desk explores the human impact of the wealth gap and creates a thoughtful conversation among Americans from different classes, races and walks of life. To explore some of the critical reporting already produced by the Desk, visit marketplace.org/wealth-poverty.

Marketplace has a number of successes in recent weeks, from Kai Ryssdal's interview with President Obama, to Rob Schmitz's revealing reporting about a recent error-filled story on This American Life, to the formation of our groundbreaking new Wealth and Poverty Desk. To find where you can tune-in Marketplace in your area, visit Marketplace.org and click on "Local Air Times."

About Marketplace
Marketplace reports on business, the economy and money as they affect people every day. The portfolio reaches 9.5 million listeners each week on more than 500 public radio stations through its award-winning news shows: Marketplace Morning Report; Marketplace; Marketplace Money; and Marketplace Tech Report. For more information on Marketplace, please visit marketplace.publicradio.org.

About American Public Media
American Public Media is one of the largest producers of public radio programming in the world, with a portfolio reaching 15.4 million listeners via more than 800 radio stations nationwide each week. Programs include A Prairie Home Companion, Marketplace, Performance Today, The Splendid Table, On Being, American RadioWorks and many others. American Public Media's 140,000 member-strong Public Insight Network promotes deep connections between journalists across the country and the communities they serve. American Public Media is the parent organization for Minnesota Public Radio, Southern California Public Radio and Classical South Florida. A complete list of stations, programs and additional services can be found at www.americanpublicmedia.org.

Source: Data are copyright Arbitron, Inc. Arbitron data are estimates only. Spring 2011/Fall 2011 average.

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