WDET Detroit Joins Public Insight Network to Expand News Coverage

Contact: Jacqueline Cartier
(651) 290-1113
jcartier@americanpublicmedia.org
www.americanpublicmedia.org


WDET Detroit Joins Public Insight Network to Expand News Coverage
American Public Media Initiative Promotes Relevant Journalism through
Active Audience Engagement

ST. PAUL, MN (June 28, 2010)ñ American Public Media's Public Insight Network today announced the addition of WDET Detroit as its latest newsroom partner. The Public Insight Network, founded in 2003 and funded in part by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, is a groundbreaking model for journalistic audience engagement giving individuals a direct channel for sharing their knowledge, experience and insights with news reporters around the country. This in turn helps newsrooms improve journalistic context, depth and quality while forging deeper connections with the communities they cover.
 
"American Public Media's Public Insight Network is a unique point of leverage for stations like WDET, that are committed to a model of local service based on deep, authentic relationships," says J. Mikel Ellcessor, WDET's general manager. "Our audience is consistently observing and commenting on the ways Detroit is misrepresented in the national media. The Public Insight Network creates a new ground where the news maker and the news consumer can collaborate around the goal of the most accurate, representative coverage of the community and the issues that shape our lives."
 
WDET joins a growing number of leading news organizations utilizing the Public Insight Network, from WNYC in New York and Southern California Public Radio in Los Angeles , to Oregon Public Broadcasting and the St. Louis Beacon . In the last year alone, Network sources, which number more than 87,000 nationwide, informed or unearthed more than 700 stories for Minnesota Public Radio News, and for American Public Media's public radio programs Marketplace and Being.
 
"WDET embodies the promise of the Public Insight Network, which is to transform the media's relationship with the public and fulfill the information needs of diverse communities," says Linda Fantin, director of networked journalism and innovation at American Public Media. "WDET is an important addition to the Public Insight Network, and we're thrilled to be working with them."
 
To learn more about American Public Media's Public Insight Network, visit PublicInsightNetwork.org.

Southern California Public Radio President Bill Davis Elected to Serve on NPR Board of Trustees

Contact: Jacqueline Cartier
(651) 290-1113
jcartier@americanpublicmedia.org
www.americanpublicmedia.org


Southern California Public Radio President Bill Davis Elected to Serve on NPR Board of Trustees

LOS ANGELES, CA (June 28, 2010) ñ Southern California Public Radio (SCPR) and American Public Media Group announced today that SCPR President Bill Davis has been elected a Member Director to NPR's Board of Trustees. He will begin his three-year term on NPR's Board in November 2010.

"I am honored to be elected to NPR's Board," said Davis . "The talent and vision of NPR's leadership is shaping the future of media and journalism. I look forward to working with my colleagues in public media as we strive to improve the quality of our journalism and extend our service to more Americans."

Bill Davis is the founding president of Southern California Public Radio, a subsidiary of American Public Media Group. He joined SCPR in January 2001, and prior to his appointment was Senior Vice President for programming at NPR in Washington , D.C. , where he directed NPR's programming divisions: news, cultural programming, new media, and satellite. For ten years, he served as General Manager of WUNC-FM, licensed to the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill , directing all aspects of the station and making it one of the nation's most-listened-to public radio outlets. Prior to his time at WUNC, Davis managed WBFO-FM in Buffalo , NY , and KALX-FM in Berkeley , CA .

Mr. Davis earned a B.A. from Occidental College in Los Angeles , a masters in journalism from the Graduate School of Journalism at UC Berkeley, and a MBA from the Kenan-Flagler School of Business at UNC-Chapel Hill. While in journalism school, he produced and edited reports for the statewide news operation at California Public Radio.

The NPR board of directors is responsible for the governance of the corporation, setting policies and overall priorities for NPR management, monitoring management's performance, and providing financial oversight. For more information about NPR, go to www.npr.org .

Southern California Public Radio is a member-supported public radio network that operates 89.3 KPCC-FM in Los Angeles and Orange County , 89.1 KUOR-FM in the Inland Empire, and 90.3 KPCV in the Coachella Valley . Reaching more than a 680,000 listeners every week, SCPR is the most listened-to public radio news service in Southern California . SCPR's flagship station, KPCC, has garnered more than 200 journalistic honors in this decade, including three Distinguished Radio Journalist awards (from the Greater LA Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists) and the 2008 top honor for Breaking News from the LA Press Club. SCPR features signature public radio programs from American Public Media, NPR, the BBC and PRI. Listeners around the globe can access news, join blogs, download podcasts, as well as hear a live Web stream at www.scpr.org .

AMERICAN RADIOWORKS WINS RTDNA / UNITY AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVMENTS IN THE COVERAGE OF DIVERSITY "EARLY LESSONS" DOCUMENTARY EXAMINED THE PERRY PRESCHOOL PROJECT

Contact: Jacqueline Cartier
(651) 290-1113
jcartier@americanpublicmedia.org
www.americanpublicmedia.org


AMERICAN RADIOWORKS WINS RTDNA / UNITY AWARD
FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVMENTS IN THE COVERAGE OF DIVERSITY
"EARLY LESSONS" DOCUMENTARY EXAMINED THE PERRY PRESCHOOL PROJECT

ST. PAUL, MN (June 1, 2010) ñ American RadioWorks (ARW) from American Public Media is being honored with a RTDNA/UNITY Award for excellence in the coverage of diversity. The award was announced May 26 by the Radio Television Digital News Association in partnership with UNITY: Journalists of Color, Inc.

The winning documentary, produced by Emily Hanford and edited by Catherine Winter, examines the stunning results from the Perry Preschool Project - one of the most famous education experiments of all time. Fifty years later, the original researchers are still collecting data and asking questions about the results. "Early Lessons" traces the roots of the modern preschool movement, and explores how preschool helped prevent a group of poor African American children from failing in school.

In the 1950's, David Weikart, working as a school administrator in Michigan, discovered how poorly many African-American children were doing in the classroom. With the goal of boosting IQ scores, Weikart set up the Perry Preschool in 1962, when preschool itself was still a new idea. The innovation marked the dawn of a new way of thinking about education.

Student IQs increased significantly, up until the age of eight when scores leveled out. However, the Project uncovered other surprising effects on the lives of the children who went there, including better attitudes toward school, higher performance on achievement tests, and lower drop out rates. Later in life, the Perry students were more likely to be employed, own homes, and to be more satisfied with their relationships. The most stunning result was the effect the Perry Preschool had on crime. The odds of a Perry student being arrested by age 40 were half as great as their non-preschool counterparts. Economists and education experts say this research has implications for all levels of education, and that doing well in school, and in life, is about more than just a test score.

"We are very proud of the many journalistic achievements of American RadioWorks, and are thrilled to see Early Lessons chosen as one of this year's Unity Awards," said Judy McAlpine, American Public Media's senior vice president of content. "The changing nature of education and learning is one of the most important issues facing the country today, and we plan to continue our sharp focus in this critical area."

Audio, transcripts, photos and additional articles from "Early Lessons" can be accessed in their entirety at americanradioworks.org.

The RTDNA/UNITY Award honors outstanding achievements in media's coverage of diversity, recognizing organizations for "ongoing commitment to covering the cultural diversity of the communities they serve." This is the fourth Unity Award win for American RadioWorks. Previous awards went to "Fast Food and Animal Rights" (2002), "Whose Vote Counts?" (2003) and "Say It Plain" (2005). Among this year's other RTNDA/Unity Award winners are CNN and WBEZ- Chicago Public Radio. A complete list of winners is available at rtdna.org.

American RadioWorks is American Public Media's award winning documentary program. Based in St. Paul, Minn., ARW creates documentaries, series projects and investigative reports for the public radio system and the Internet. Its hour-long specials provide in-depth reporting on public affairs and social and cultural subjects. Support for Early Lessons came from The Spencer Foundation. American RadioWorks is on the Web at americanradioworks.org.

GARRISON KEILLOR ANNOUNCES A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION'S 2010 TALENT CONTEST

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

February 24, 2010

GARRISON KEILLOR ANNOUNCES A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION'S 2010 TALENT CONTEST

Bands that can get a crowd dancing will duke it outon APHC's April 17th broadcast from Newark, New Jersey.

(SAINT PAUL, Minn.) — A Prairie Home Companion has announced this season's talent competition — a battle of the bands. But not just any bands. APHC is looking for bands that know a thing or two about bringing an audience to its feet and dancing.

Groups with at least three players are invited to submit their most lively, toe-tapping, foot-stomping, get-folks-off-their-duffs-and-dancing tunes for a chance to showcase their skills on APHC's April 17th live broadcast from the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark.

Here are the specifics and submission guidelines:

• For this contest, "band" is defined as a group of three or more members. There is no limit to the number of people in the band, as long as there are at least three. Vocals are optional.

• Contestants will be judged on ability to make people want to get up and dance, so keep it up-tempo.

• Enter the piece you will perform if your band is chosen. List the names of everyone in the band and what instrument he or she plays. This will be the lineup that will, if chosen, perform on the show. Sorry, no personnel substitutions.

• Songs/instrumentals may be originals or covers of previously published works; there are no copyright restrictions for this performance.

Your act must be self-contained; APHC will not provide any accompanying musicians.

• All finalists chosen to appear on the April 17th broadcast will receive round-trip airfare and hotel accommodations for the nights of April 16th and 17th in Newark, New Jersey.All participants must be available from Friday morning, April 16tth, until Sunday morning, April 18th.

• Submissions must be received by 5:00 p.m. Central Standard Time on Monday, March 8, 2010.

• Digital entries will be accepted at www.prairiehome.org. If digital is not an option, you can send a CD instead. Mail to:Battle of the Bands submissions
APHC
611 Frontenac Place
St. Paul, MN 55104

NOTE: Mailed submissions will not be returned.

Filling out the submission form offers no guarantee of participation in the program.You must be 13 or older to submit information to American Public Media. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to contact you about your audition.

Currently in its 36th Anniversary season, A Prairie Home Companion has made Minnesota's way of life and the fictional small town of Lake Wobegon part of American popular culture. The show is heard on close to 600 public radio stations nationwide, with a weekly audience that tops 4.3 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 General Mills, Inc. 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 presents this season's talent contest — a battle of the bands

WHEN: Saturday, April 17, 2010, 5:45 p.m. (broadcast live 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time)

WHERE: New Jersey Performing Arts Center, One Center Street, Newark, NJ 07102

FOR MORE INFORMATION: go to www.prairiehome.org, or contact David O'Neill at 651 999-1095

# # #

PERFORMANCE TODAY INTRODUCES LIFE-CHANGING MUSIC IN NEW SERIES "MUSIC THAT MATTERS"

Contact: Jacqueline Cartier
(651) 290-1113
jcartier@americanpublicmedia.org
www.americanpublicmedia.org


PERFORMANCE TODAY INTRODUCES LIFE-CHANGING MUSIC IN NEW SERIES "MUSIC THAT MATTERS"

Monthly Stories of Impact & Transforming Lives Through Music

February 8, 2010; St. Paul, Minn. - American Public Media's Performance Today will highlight how music impacts people and their communities in a new series entitled "Music that Matters." Starting this month, Performance Today and host Fred Child aim to introduce new dialogue surrounding music's ability to give life direction, more meaning, and empathy. For local broadcast times visit performancetoday.org/stations.

The first story in the series highlights the Reverie Harp, a unique instrument developed by Peter Roberts and manufactured in Stillwater, Minnesota. Roberts, a music-thanatologist, specializes in music therapy for those in the last days of life. In the broadcast, Performance Today visits Colleen, a hospice patient, as she and her music therapist sing and play songs on the harp that have been important in her life. The gentle vibrations and angelic sound of the harp calm patients like Colleen and help them reflect on their life. Full audio from the program, photos and video of the Reverie Harp can be found at performancetoday.org.

Later this February, "Music that Matters" introduces listeners to Ramzi Aburedwan, a Palestinian who spent much of his childhood in refugee camps, but as a teenager went to Paris to study music. Today, Aburedwan helps shield Palestinian refugee children from a life of violence by teaching them music, through a program called Al Kamandjati. This broadcast will include a recording of some of the children and their teachers performing a special concert in Ramallah.

In March, Performance Today will feature Native American composers who train students in reservation high schools in the southwest United States. The students compose in a unique style; combining Native melodies, modern rock and classical influences. The program in April focuses on Fargo, N.D., where once-child-prodigy violinist Midori teaches rural students the art of performing and encourages the Fargo community to support the arts.

Check back to performancetoday.org or tune into your local public radio station, as "Music That Matters" showcases these life changing stories about music each month on Performance Today from now until June.

Performance Today, hosted by acclaimed classical music host and commentator Fred Child, is a unique celebration of today's art of classical music. The two-hour weekday program features classical music in concert from studios, festivals and concert halls across the nation and around the world, as well as classical music news, interviews and features from American Public Media studios. On any given day, listeners to Performance Today may hear performances from the great concert halls of New York, Prague, London, Berlin and Paris. For local broadcast times, visit performancetoday.org/stations.

AMERICAN PUBLIC MEDIAíS MARKETPLACE RECEIVES GRANT FOR POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION NEWS COVERAGE & PROGRAMMING

Contact: Jacqueline Cartier
(651) 290-1113
jcartier@americanpublicmedia.org
www.americanpublicmedia.org


AMERICAN PUBLIC MEDIAíS MARKETPLACE RECEIVES GRANT FOR POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION NEWS COVERAGE & PROGRAMMING

St. Paul, Minn. & Los Angeles, Calif., February 2, 2010 ó American Public Media today announced it has received a $300,000 grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to add reporting capacity to cover todayís most pressing postsecondary education issues. The grant enables the Marketplace portfolio of programs to enhance coverage of critical education issues in America by focusing on a central guiding question: "What kinds of education are needed for people and communities to thrive in the 21st century?"

Media can play a key role in addressing the top issues confronting postsecondary education, and Marketplace's content stream of radio segments and digital features seeks to take on that role through the exploration of many topics:

- Do current degree programs adequately prepare graduates to earn a living and participate in society?

- What is the implication and causes for the relative decline in educational outcomes from this generation? Does this compare with other developed countries; and what are the proposals to reverse this trend?

- How do higher education institutions respond to meet demands from employers regarding the quality of graduates? What makes some institutions more/less responsive than others?

In 2004, then U.S. Education Secretary Richard Riley said, "None of the top ten jobs that will exist in 2010 exist today." As we enter 2010, his prediction is materializing, and the decades to come will inevitably bring more job growth in fields we can't yet imagine. Marketplace's postsecondary education coverage will explore how to educate today's students for tomorrow's jobs.

Marketplace's postsecondary education coverage will seek dialogue with the stakeholders in postsecondary education issues ñ students, parents, practitioners, policymakers and business leaders - who are experiencing different facets of postsecondary education issues firsthand. Marketplace will utilize APM's Public Insight Journalism network, and its growing resource of more than 70,000 voluntary members, to find both themes and sources to help drive this coverage.

"American Public Media considers postsecondary education among the top issues impacting our country and its future" said Bill Kling president and CEO of American Public Media Group. "The Gates Foundationís grant increases our capacity to deeply research those issues and bring the results, illustrating the impact and opportunities of our current educational system to the largest audience in America for a business related program through Marketplace. We hope that APMís coverage will stimulate new substantive, original and engaging discussions of education in America."

American Public Media is the largest owner and operator of public radio stations, and produces top programs reaching more than 16.5 million listeners weekly. National programs include A Prairie Home CompanionÆ, MarketplaceÆ, Marketplace Morning ReportÆ, Marketplace MoneyÆ, The Splendid TableÆ, BeingÆ, Performance TodayÆ, and the national documentary unit, American RadioWorks. A complete list of stations, programs and additional services from the American Public Media national network can be obtained at www.americanpublicmedia.org.

AMERICAN PUBLIC MEDIA'S PERFORMANCE TODAY ANNOUNCES NATIONAL MASTER CLASS CONTEST FOR YOUNG STRING QUARTETS

Contact: Jacqueline Cartier
(651) 290-1113
jcartier@americanpublicmedia.org
www.americanpublicmedia.org


AMERICAN PUBLIC MEDIA'S PERFORMANCE TODAY ANNOUNCES NATIONAL MASTER CLASS CONTEST FOR YOUNG STRING QUARTETS

WINNING QUARTET TO RECEIVE A MASTER CLASS WITH ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE THE PARKER QUARTET

Contestants Must Be High School or Undergraduate College Students to Qualify For a Private Master Class with the World Renowned Parker Quartet; For More Information Visit performancetoday.org

January 26, 2010, St. Paul, Minn. - American Public Media's Performance Today has partnered with the world-renowned Parker Quartet to offer an exciting national competition opportunity for young aspiring classical string quartets. Performance Today will award the winning quartet a Master Class with the Parker Quartet in APM's state-of-the-art Maud Moon Weyerhaeuser Music Studio in St. Paul, Minnesota. The prize includes a CD recording of the class, as well as airfare and hotel accommodations.

The Parker Quartet was recently announced as the first-ever Artists-in-Residency for Classical Minnesota Public Radio, which is owned and operated by American Public Media. The internationally lauded string quartet features four of the fastest rising stars of the classical music world, with The New York Times calling them "something extraordinary", and The Washington Post declaring them 'a quartet that deserves close attention.' The Parker Quartet are winners of the First Prize and the Mozart Prize at the Bordeaux International String Quartet, and more recently the prestigious Cleveland Quartet Award.

APM will judge all entries in the Master Class Competition. All contestants must be over 14 years of age and be attending high school or an undergraduate college program. Interested quartets are invited to send a CD recording to:

American Public Media

ATT: Parker Quartet Master Class Competition

480 Cedar St.

Saint Paul, MN 55101

CDs will not be returned and must be clearly marked with all of the following information: the words: "Parker Quartet Master Class Competition"; the string quartetís name; a contactís name along with his/her postal address, e-mail address, and phone number; and name(s) of musical work(s) performed. The CD must also be accompanied by a cover letter containing all of the above CD information, as well as: the name, address, age, and instrument of each performer and the name of each musical work performed, including composer, title, and movement information.

Entries must be received by American Public Media by April 1, 2010 to be included. All performances must be between 15 and 20 minutes long. At least two contrasting examples from different stylistic periods must be performed, and each selection must be on its own separate track on the submitted CD. The string quartet must own all rights to its performance on the CD. Entries with incomplete information will be disqualified. Each string quartet may only enter once; however, individual performers may participate in multiple string quartets. Multiple entries by the same string quartet will be disqualified.

For more information and contest specifications, visit performancetoday.org.

Performance Today, hosted by acclaimed classical music host and commentator Fred Child, is a unique celebration of today's art of classical music. The two-hour weekday program features classical music in concert from studios, festivals and concert halls across the nation and around the world, as well as classical music news, interviews and features from American Public Media studios. On any given day, listeners to Performance Today may hear performances from the great concert halls of New York, Prague, London, Berlin and Paris. For local broadcast times, visit performancetoday.org/stations.

New American RadioWorks Documentaries Examine Civil Rights and Black History

Contact: Jacqueline Cartier
(651) 290-1113

New American RadioWorks Documentaries Examine Civil Rights and Black History

Audio & Reporting Available at AmericanRadioWorks.org

St. Paul, Minn. ñ (January 25, 2010) ñ American RadioWorks (ARW), the award-winning documentary unit of American Public Media, has released three new public radio documentaries. The programs examine three distinct subjects that sculpted the course of America's Civil Rights movement. Say It Loud looks at the public speeches that played a powerful role in the struggle for equality, highlighting rhetoric from an eclectic mix of black leaders. State of Siege portrays Mississippi's extreme efforts to maintain racial segregation, where tactics were fierce and for a time, very effective. Back of the Bus examines the fight for equal treatment in public transportation, a battle that still rages today.

Say It Loud: Great Speeches on Civil Rights and African American Identity

Chronicling the last 50 years of black history through stirring, historically important speeches by African Americans from across the political spectrum, Say It Loud illuminates tidal changes in African American political power and questions of identity. The program features recordings unearthed from libraries and sound archives and made widely available here for the first time, including landmark speeches by Malcolm X, Lorraine Hansberry, Angela Davis, Martin Luther King Jr., Henry Louis Gates, and many others.

State of Siege: Mississippi Whites and the Civil Rights Movement

Mississippi occupies a distinct and dramatic place in the history of America's civil rights movement. No state in the South was more resistant to the struggle for black equality, or more violent. While the history of civil rights activists has been well documented in radio and television, the stories and strategies of their white opponents are not. Drawing on newly discovered archival audio and groundbreaking research on the civil rights era, State of Siege brings to light the extraordinary tactics whites in Mississippi used to battle integration, and the lasting impact of that battle in American politics today.

Back of the Bus: Mass Transit, Race and Inequality

A collaborative documentary from Transportation Nation and WNYC, distributed by American RadioWorks, Back of the Bus presents the fight for equal rights on America's roads and transit lines. Many African American communities were bulldozed in the 1960s to make way for highways. Today, bus service to poor neighborhoods in cities across the country is being cut in favor of more expensive rail. This program visits communities from the snowy streets of St. Paul, to Oakland, Atlanta, Denver and our nation's capital Washington D.C. where people of color still struggle for equal treatment in public transportation.

Tune In: All three documentaries will be broadcast on public radio stations nationwide. Check local listings for availability. In addition, visit AmericanRadioWorks.org for access to additional resources, audio and transcripts.

American RadioWorks is American Public Media's award-winning documentary program. Based in St. Paul, Minnesota, ARW creates documentaries, series projects and investigative reports for the public radio system and the Internet. Its hour-long specials provide in-depth reporting on public affairs and social and cultural subjects.

IN COLLABORATION WITH WHYY, MARKETPLACE CREATES HEALTH DESK IN PHILADELPHIA WITH THE ADDITION OF REPORTER GREGORY WARNER

Contact: Jacqueline Cartier
(651) 290-1113
jcartier@americanpublicmedia.org
www.americanpublicmedia.org


IN COLLABORATION WITH WHYY, MARKETPLACE CREATES HEALTH DESKIN PHILADELPHIA WITH THE ADDITION OF REPORTER GREGORY WARNER

LOS ANGELES and PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 12, 2010 - Marketplace announces the addition of reporter Gregory Warner to cover the business of health care from one of the top regional healthcare-industry economies in the country, Philadelphia. Produced and distributed by American Public Media in St. Paul, Minn., Marketplace will work in partnership with WHYY to host a Marketplace Health Desk with WHYY's Health and Science Desk.

Marketplace is public radio's daily magazine explaining the impact of money, business and economics on everyone's lives. Hosted by Kai Ryssdal, it reaches more than 5 million listeners weekly. Marketplace is broadcast on WHYY-FM from 6:30 to 7 p.m. weekdays; Marketplace Morning, 7:50 to 8 a.m. weekdays; and Marketplace Money, 3 to 4 p.m. Saturdays. The three programs, based in Los Angeles with four domestic bureaus and bureaus in London and Shanghai, together reach more than 9 million listeners a week.

"WHYY is pleased to partner with Marketplace and Gregory Warner," said Bill Marrazzo, WHYY president and chief executive officer. "Eighty percent of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies have a presence in Greater Philadelphia, so it's clear that Warnerís reporting will be a valuable asset."

Warner establishes the Healthcare Desk as the industry enters a period of historic transformation. His reports will explore all aspects of the health-care system from the practice of medicine to the inner workings of the insurance, pharmaceutical and hospital industries.

Warner has reported from around the world for numerous public radio programs including Marketplace and This American Life and for National Public Radio. He received the 2009 Third Coast award for Best News Feature for a piece in the "Working" series on Marketplace. He has also been the recipient of numerous other awards and fellowships. He is a graduate of Yale University.

AMERICAN PUBLIC MEDIA NAMES JOAQUIN ALVARADO SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR DIGITAL INNOVATION

Contact: Jacqueline Cartier
(651) 290-1113
jcartier@americanpublicmedia.org
www.americanpublicmedia.org

AMERICAN PUBLIC MEDIA NAMES JOAQUIN ALVARADO SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR DIGITAL INNOVATION

St. Paul, Minn., December 9, 2009: St. Paul, Minn. December 9, 2009: American Public Media announced today that Joaquin Alvarado, former senior vice president for Diversity and Innovation at the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) has been named senior vice president for Digital Innovation for American Public Media and Minnesota Public Radio (APM|MPR).

As SVP for Digital Innovation, Alvarado will lead strategic development of APMís Public Insight initiatives, as well as develop models for deepening audience engagement, widening digital reach and increasing digital revenue growth across all operating divisions. Alvarado will report to Jon McTaggart, chief operating officer for APM|MPR.

"Joaquin is one of the most visionary and strategic thinkers about digital media that I have met,î said Bill Kling, president and CEO for APM|MPR. ìHe understands the mounting crisis in news delivery and he is one of the nation's most respected analysts of the options facing American media in presenting quality content with workable business plans. His opinions are sought by the country's major think tanks and major foundations, and by regulators reviewing the future of media. We look forward to having that expertise and vision added to the strength of American Public Media and Minnesota Public Radio."

ìEngaging audiences on digital platforms is increasingly important for American Public Media,î said McTaggart. ìJoaquin's wide range of experience will help us to serve more audiences in new ways. We are delighted to have him join our team."

Said Alvarado, ìI look forward to working with this dynamic organization and to further build on the strengths and quality of APMs innovative services. The APM team has developed some of the most important Public Media innovations and Public Insight Network represents a true future path for journalism and engagment in our field."

In his most recent role at the CPB, Alvarado led successful initiatives in broadening the reach and diversity within public media. Prior to joining CPB, Alvarado was the founding director of the Institute for Next Generation Internet (INGI), which launched in 2005 from San Francisco State University. During his time leading INGI, the group developed the Digital Media Advisory Council and Digital Sister Cities initiatives, enabling communities across the globe to connect and further advance digital growth, diversity and economic development. Alvarado has also been a key innovator of projects and companies that promote new frameworks for public media, education and community leadership in the Internet age.

Once he assumes his new position, Alvarado will maintain residence in Washington D.C. working from APMís Marketplace bureau through the spring, followed by relocation to the Bay Area in 2010.

Alvarado holds B.A. in Chicano Studies from U.C. Berkeley and an M.F.A. from the UCLA School of Film, Television, and Digital Media and has served on the boards of the California Council for the Humanities, TechSoup Global and Latino Public Broadcasting.

American Public Media is the nation's second largest producer of public radio programs, reaching 16 million listeners nationwide each week. National programs include A Prairie Home Companion, Marketplace, Marketplace Money, The Splendid Table, Being, Performance Today, and special reports produced by its national documentary unit, American RadioWorks. 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.

FORMER VICE PRESIDENT AL GORE TELLS MARKETPLACE OF THE ECONOMIC REALITIES OF CLIMATE CHANGE: "...PUTTING A PRICE ON CO2 EMISSIONS IS THE WAY TO INTRODUCE A LEVEL OF REALITY..."

Contact: Jacqueline Cartier
(651) 290-1113
jcartier@americanpublicmedia.org
www.americanpublicmedia.org


FORMER VICE PRESIDENT AL GORE TELLS MARKETPLACE OF THE ECONOMIC REALITIES OF CLIMATE CHANGE: "...PUTTING A PRICE ON CO2 EMISSIONS IS THE WAY TO INTRODUCE A LEVEL OF REALITY..."

FULL AUDIO AND TRANSCRIPT AVAILABLE AT MARKETPLACEíSCOPENHAGEN BLOG

December 9, 2009, Los Angeles, Calif. & St. Paul, Minn.; In his first interview since the commencement of the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2009, former Vice President Al Gore talks with public radio's Marketplace, sharing his confidence that delegates will come to an agreement. Gore elaborates on the economic realities of and the possibilities for a "low-carbon economy".

The interview will air TODAY, December 9 on local public radio stations, to find local stations and broadcast times, visit marketplace.org, where complete audio of the interview is also available.

Addressing the disparity in levels of income between countries Gore says: "...there will be an international fund established to help these poor countries with the adjustments they won't be able to make. The argument will be over the size of that fund."

When asked what has to come out of Copenhagen, to make climate change a viable investment and economic opportunity, Gore continues: "...the sooner we recognize the reality of the situation and start having rules of the road that let investors and business people and everybody get a clearer picture of the real value of the choices we're making, the better it's going to be for our economy, the better it's going to be for our children."

Gore continues: "Think about what happened after the Internet was introduced...in the same way the development of these smart grids with much more efficient energy generation, storage, transmission, distribution and consumption will trigger a giant, global marketplace" adding, "...there's going to be a giant new family of industries coming out of this transition to a low-carbon economy".

Marketplace joined the ever-engaging climate change discussion with, "The Climate Race", ongoing coverage and special series devoted to climate change and its effects on the global economy. Audio and interactive tools of "The Climate Race" are available at marketplace.org/climate. Part one of the series addressed what's at stake; how it's already affecting us and the tough choices lie ahead. Part two turned an economic focus on climate change, and what executive producer of Marketplace JJ Yore calls, the "...greatest economic transformation human beings have ever seen".

In the culmination of these series, Marketplace's Sam Eaton and Stephen Beard are reporting and live-blogging from the summit in Copenhagen, all available on the Copenhagen Blog. Users can access us up-to-date text, photos, and video as Eaton and Beard share their impressions of the events in and around the conference through December 18.

All excerpts from the interview must be credited to American Public Media's Marketplace.

Marketplace is public radio's daily magazine on business and economics news, hosted by Kai Ryssdal, reaching more than 5 million listeners weekly.

THE SPLENDID TABLE ANNOUNCES TURKEY CONFIDENTIAL 2009

Contact: Jacqueline Cartier
(651) 290-1113
jcartier@americanpublicmedia.org
www.americanpublicmedia.org

THE SPLENDID TABLE ANNOUNCES TURKEY CONFIDENTIAL 2009
LIVE THANKSGIVING MORNING, 11 A.M. ñ 1 P.M. ET

CALL 1.800.537.5252 OR JOIN US ONLINE AT SPLENDIDTABLE.ORG WITH YOUR FOOD QUESTIONS & EMERGENCIES!

St. Paul, Minn., November 19, 2009: Everyone at Thanksgiving knows the turkey is in the oven...some people are sneaking peaks at it while others are pretending to be busy watching football, feigning indifference. But they all know someone's in the kitchen cooking; yet when that final product hits the table, everyone's a critic.

On the biggest cooking day of the year, with too many cooks (seasoned and unseasoned) in the kitchen, something's bound to go awry. Enter Turkey Confidentialó an annual special from American Public Media's The Splendid Tableóoffering cooks, confused or celebrating, a chance to call in and have their "turkey triage" questions answered LIVE on public radio stations across the nation. Host Lynne Rossetto Kasper, along with culinary guests, lightens up the sometimes tense mood in the kitchen with her expertise, great attitude and great laugh.

Guests this year include: Garrison Keillor, host of American Public Media's A Prairie Home Companion, Christopher Kimball, Cookís Illustrated editor and host of public television's cooking show America's Test Kitchen, as well as The Splendid Table's regular contributers, wine wit Joshua Wesson and road food warriors Jane and Michael Stern.

Visit splendidtable.org/turkey-confidential to find the Turkey Confidential guest list, best past "disaster" stories, complete menus with recipes and more. For information regarding interview requests, please e-mail Jacqueline Cartier at jcartier@americanpublicmedia.org.

Produced and distributed by American Public Media in Saint Paul, Minn., The Splendid Table is a culinary, culture and lifestyle program that celebrates the intersection of food and life. The Splendid Table's Lynne Rossetto Kasper takes public radio audiences on a journey of the senses and leads discussions with a variety of writers and personalities who share their passion for culinary delights.

OVER 1,500 PARTICIPATE IN "FUTURE OF NEWS" DISCUSSION HOSTED BY APM AND MPR

Contact: Jacqueline Cartier
(651) 290-1113
jcartier@americanpublicmedia.org
www.americanpublicmedia.org


OVER 1,500 PARTICIPATE IN "FUTURE OF NEWS" DISCUSSION HOSTED BY APM AND MPR

SUMMIT ADVANCES DISCUSSION SURROUNDING LOCAL JOURNALISM'S CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

On Monday, American Public Media and Minnesota Public Radio welcomed 125 participants, including a former vice president of the United States, seven members of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting board of directors, and the chief executive officers of National Public Radio, PBS and WNYC, to St. Paul to discuss "The Future of News: Creating A New Model For Regional Journalism In America." At its peak, online attendance through thefutureofnews.org, Twitter and coveritlive.com exceeded 1,500 participants who offered more than 700 published comments. Online attendees spanned the globe, logging in from locations as varied as Guatemala, Latvia, Myanmar, Greece and French Polynesia.

While the perspectives and prescriptions were as varied as the participants, a consensus emerged around the need for news outlets to work together to create their best products and platforms for consumers, summed up by one online comment as, "Do what you do best, and link to the rest." Scott Lewis, CEO of voiceofsandiego.com, challenged attendees to consider that the future may not be an "either/or scenario", but an 'and scenario". Joaquin Alvarado, SVP for Diversity and Innovation for the CPB, noted that many news outlets, and specifically many non-profit organizations, do this poorly and that currently "Öfor all the talk, there are a lot of organizations that donít know others exist."

Participants in Saint Paul and online were also in rough agreement on the requirement for news organizations to make tough choices between "values worth saving and values worth leaving behind." Tom Rosenstiel, director of the Pew Research Center's Project for Excellence in Journalism, outlined eight journalistic attributes that should be carried forward: provide the facts, make sense of what is happening, stand as watchdog, show up and bear witness, be a forum leader in engaging the community, aggregate and distill information for the audience to digest, empower the audience, and, in recognition of the changing nature of journalism, "Öprovide a role model for how news reporting is done."

Many participants highlighted the importance of building media outlets that were fundamentally structured to be responsive to their communities' and audiences' needs, as opposed to the "top-down" structure of many traditional news organizations. Rick Kupchella, founder of bringmethenews.com, compared many traditional news organizations to health institutions built not to serve patients but doctors and administrators. Jim Hoolihan, president and CEO of the Blandin Foundation, quoting former Minnesota Governor Elmer Anderson, noted that journalists "Öshould aid the community in achieving the dreams of its people." Laura Walker, CEO of WNYC echoed the theme by saying, "We are attracting America by reflecting America."

The Future of News Summit convenes again today, November 17, as the CPB Board of Directors and Minnesota Public Radio Board meet in a joint board meeting in Saint Paul.

Audio and video clips of both days will be available at thefutureofnews.org on November 18 after 11 a.m. CT. For transcripts, clips or quotes, please contact Jacqueline Cartier at jcartier@mpr.org or 651.290.1113.

American Public Media is the nation's largest producer of public radio programs, reaching 16 million listeners nationwide each week. National programs include A Prairie Home Companion, Marketplace, Marketplace Money, The Splendid Table, Being, Performance Today, and special reports produced by its national documentary unit, American RadioWorks. 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.

AMERICAN RADIOWORKS DOCUMENTARIES FOR FALL 2009; FOCUSES ON EDUCATION CHALLENGES GRIPPING AMERICA

Contact: Jacqueline Cartier
(651) 290-1113
jcartier@americanpublicmedia.org
www.americanpublicmedia.org


AMERICAN RADIOWORKS DOCUMENTARIES FOR FALL 2009; FOCUSES ON EDUCATION CHALLENGES GRIPPING AMERICA

AUDIO AVAILABLE AT AMERICANRADIOWORKS.ORG

Nov. 5, 2009; St. Paul, Minn. - American RadioWorks, the award-winning documentary unit of American Public Media, has released its fall 2009 lineup of public radio documentaries. Through American RadioWorks' in-depth investigative reporting, the three documentaries explores how education during these hard times in America is central to economic opportunity and social mobility ñ and to our individual and collective well-being.

Fall 2009 Schedule:

Available Oct. 29 - "Early Lessons"

There's been a quiet revolution in America's schools over recent decades. We've added a whole extra grade to a child's education: Preschool. Economists say it's the smartest way to spend public money, especially in a tight economy. Preschool is perhaps the most researched idea in all of education. This documentary takes us back to the 1960s to tell the story of a landmark experiment that helped launch the preschool movement. Fifty years later, researchers are still learning powerful lessons for todayís youngest students. "Early Lessons" is now available.

Available Nov. 5 - "Rising by Degrees"

The United States is facing a dramatic demographic challenge: Young Latinos are the fastest-growing segment of the population, and they are among the least likely to graduate from college. Experts say the future of the American economy is at stake, because higher education is essential in the 21st century economy. This documentary tells the story of Latino students working towards a college degree-and why it's so hard for them to get what they want.

Available Nov. 12 - "Workplace U"

We know that a good education can be the ticket a good job. But for many Americans, conventional school isn't working. Every school day some seven thousand students drop out of high school. Often, what they managed to learn in the schoolhouse has not prepared them well enough for the job site. This documentary reports on a growing movement to turn workplaces into classrooms and marginal students into productive workers.

TUNE IN: The documentaries will broadcast on public radio stations nationwide. Check local listings for availability. In addition, visit the companion site at www.americanradioworks.org; for access to additional resources, audio and transcripts.

American RadioWorks

Based in St. Paul, Minn., American RadioWorks is public radio's largest documentary production unit. American RadioWorks creates documentaries, series projects and investigative reports for the public radio system and the Internet. Its hour-long specials provide in-depth reporting on public affairs, social and cultural subjects and the 20th-century experience. Major funding for American RadioWorks is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. American RadioWorks is on the Web at www.americanradioworks.org.

American RadioWorks on Itunes U

In partnership with Apple, American Public Media has created a rich archive of journalism from American RadioWorks and other signature radio programs available on the popular iTunes U platform. Get free, easy access to in-depth audio journalism that spans the globe and expands your mind with downloadable programs and interviews, searchable by subject; printable transcripts; discussion questions; and links to online resources: annotated program notes, primary source information, reading lists and interactive timelines. Learn more about Itunes U.

A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION LAUNCHES ITS 36th SEASON WITH MUSIC, MIRTH, AND MEATLOAF

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

September 17, 2009

A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION LAUNCHES ITS 36th SEASON WITH MUSIC, MIRTH, AND MEATLOAF

Season-opening show is Saturday, September 26, at the Fitzgerald Theater,followed by annual street dance and meatloaf supper

(ST. PAUL, MINN.) — Garrison Keillor is set to kick off A Prairie Home Companion's 36th season. The opening show and street dance will be held on Saturday, September 26 — the 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.

Actress Sue Scott, Tim Russell (the man of many voices), and sound-effects wizard Tom Keith will be on hand, along with the Guy's All-Star Shoe Band, led by pianist Rich Dworsky. Special guests — including the Sam Bush Band, Connie Evingson, Sarah Jarosz, and Andra Suchy — will provide the music, and everyone can catch up on the news from Lake Wobegon during Keillor's signature monologue.

Following the broadcast, we'll head outside for the annual Prairie Home Street Dance. There will be food (the famous $5 meatloaf dinner) and fun (contests, prizes, and more), with Garrison leading the festivities and Salsa del Soul stirring up music sure to get the most dyed-in-the-wool wallflowers kicking up their heels. This event is open to the public and free — save a small charge for refreshments.

There will be four more live broadcasts of A Prairie Home Companion at the Fitzgerald Theater this fall: October 3 (with guests Wilco and Patty Loveless); October 10 (Neko Case, Mark Knopfler); October 17 (Roseann Cash); and October 24 (Old Crow Medicine Show, Robin and Linda Williams, newsman Harry Smith). And on November 21, the show comes from the State Theatre in downtown Minneapolis, with guest Nellie McKay. (Details at www.prairiehome.org.)

A Prairie Home Companion is heard on close to 600 public radio stations nationwide, with a weekly audience that tops 4.3 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 General Mills, Inc. and by Ford. Audio clips, scripts and more information on A Prairie Home Companion can be found online at www.prairiehome.org.

WHAT: 2009–10 Season Opener of A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor,followed by the annual (and free) Street Dance

WHO: Garrison Keillor, with Tom Keith, Tim Russell, Sue Scott, and the Guy's All-Star Shoe Band. Plus special guests Connie Evingson, the Sam Bush Band, Sarah Jarosz, Andra Suchy, and Salsa del Soul

WHENA Prairie Home Companion Saturday, September 26, 2009, 4:45 p.m., followed by the Prairie Home Street Dance, 7–10 p.m., whatever the weather

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

ADMISSION: Tickets to A Prairie Home Companion are available online at prairiehome.org or by going to Ticketmaster.com. The general public may purchase tickets in person at the Fitzgerald box office. Minnesota Public Radio members may order tickets by phone at 651.290.1221. Rush tickets are sold at 4:15 p.m. on day of show ($15 each, limit of two, cash only)

FOR MORE INFORMATION: go to www.prairiehome.org, or contact David O'Neill at 651 999-1095

# # #

American Public Media Announces First Broadcast in DTS Neural Surround™

Contact: Brad Robideau
(651) 290-1113
brobideau@americanpublicmedia.org
www.americanpublicmedia.org

American Public Media Announces First Broadcast in DTS Neural Surround^™

(St. Paul, Minn.) August 17, 2009—American Public Media,^™ one of media's most active champions of classical music, today announced its first-ever broadcast in DTS Neural Surround^™ sound.

DTS Neural Surround^™ sound from DTS, Inc. (NASDAQ: DTSI) is an emerging technology that enables a standard stereo broadcast channel to carry a full 5.1 surround sound signal, allowing audiences to experience lush and immersive real-time surround sound.

Through a new partnership between American Public Media and DTS, Inc., American Public Media's Performance Today^® will broadcast concerts in DTS Neural Surround sound from the Aspen Music Festival, one of America's most popular summer festivals. Performance Today will air the concerts as part of its weeklong focus on the Aspen Music Festival during the week of August 17-21, 2009. For a list of Performance Today broadcast locations and times, visit www.performancetoday.org.

"DTS is thrilled to partner with American Public Media and Performance Today to deliver world class performances in surround sound," says Mark Seigle, Vice President Business Development. "It's always been our goal to provide the most cutting-edge surround sound experience to people and this exciting partnership allows us to reach a nationwide audience."

"I've heard studio-examples of what this amazing technology can do for music-lovers at home," says Brian Newhouse, executive producer of national classical programming at American Public Media. "We're excited to roll this out now in the real world of a national daily program like Performance Today."

About Performance Today
American Public Media's Performance Today, hosted by acclaimed classical music host and commentator Fred Child, is a unique celebration of today's art of classical music. The two-hour daily program features classical music in concert from studios, festivals and concert halls across the nation and around the world, as well as classical music news, interviews and features from American Public Media studios. On any given day, listeners to Performance Today may hear performances from the great concert halls of New York, Prague, London, Berlin and Paris.

About American Public Media
American Public Media is the nation's second-largest producer of public radio programs, reaching 16.5 million listeners nationwide each week. National programs include A Prairie Home Companion,^® Marketplace,^® Marketplace Money,^® The Splendid Table,^® Being.^® Performance Today,^® and special reports produced by its national documentary unit, American RadioWorks.^® 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.

About DTS, Inc.
DTS, Inc. (NASDAQ: DTSI) is a digital technology company dedicated to delivering the ultimate entertainment experience. DTS decoders are in virtually every major brand of multi-channel surround processor, and there are hundreds of millions of DTS-licensed consumer electronics products available worldwide. A pioneer in multi-channel audio, DTS technology is in home theatre, car audio, PC and game console products, as well as DVD-Video, Blu-ray Disc and surround music software. Founded in 1993, DTSí corporate headquarters are located in Agoura Hills, California with its licensing operations headquartered in Limerick, Ireland. DTS has US offices in Kirkland, Washington and Scotts Valley, California. DTS also has offices in Canada, China, France, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. For further information, please visit www.dts.com. DTS is a registered trademark of DTS, Inc.

# # #

Source: Data are copyright Arbitron, Inc. Arbitron data are estimates only. Fall 2008

American Public Media's The Splendid Table Wins 2009 Clarion Award

Contact: Brad Robideau
(651) 290-1113
brobideau@americanpublicmedia.org
www.americanpublicmedia.org

American Public Media's The Splendid Table Wins 2009 Clarion Award

(St. Paul, Minn.) July 13, 2009—American Public Media today announced that The Splendid Table®, public radio's national food show, has won a 2009 Clarion Award in the Radio Regular Talk or Interview Program category from The Association for Women in Communications. The Splendid Table won a Clarion Award in the same category in 2007 and 2008.

Produced and distributed by American Public Media in Saint Paul, Minn., the two-time James Beard Foundation Award-winning The Splendid Table is a culinary, culture and lifestyle one-hour program that celebrates the intersection of food and life. Each week, The Splendid Table's Lynne Rossetto Kasper leads public radio audiences on a journey of the senses and leads discussions with a variety of writers and personalities who share their passion for the culinary delights. The program is on the Web at www.splendidtable.org.

The Splendid Table production team includes host Lynne Rossetto Kasper, managing producer Sally Swift, producer Jennifer Russell and technical director Jennifer Luebke.

The Clarion Awards, named for the medieval trumpet known for its clarity, symbolize excellence in clear, concise communications. Clarion winners represent media companies large and small, leading corporations, small businesses, and nonprofit associations and institutions. Started in 1972, the Clarions honor excellence in more than 100 categories across all communications disciplines, including advertising & marketing, audiovisual productions, books & CDs, brochures, custom & special publications, education, fund development, magazines, major news events, newsletters, newspapers, online media, photography, graphics & design communications, public relations, radio, and television.

The Splendid Table will be recognized during The Association for Women in Communications annual conference in Seattle, Wash., on October 17, 2009.

A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION HEADS TO LAKE WOBEGON COUNTRY FOR 35th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

June 19, 2009

A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION HEADS TO LAKE WOBEGON COUNTRY FOR 35th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Stearns County town of Avon, Minn., is site of special Fourth of July broadcast

(ST. PAUL, MINN.) On July 6, 1974, a dozen or so people showed up at the Janet Wallace Auditorium at Macalester College in Saint Paul and plunked down their $1 admission (50 cents for kids) to attend the very first broadcast of A Prairie Home Companion. On Saturday, July 4, 2009, APHC's fans, which now number in the millions, have the chance to gather in the town of Avon, Minnesota, to celebrate the show's 35th anniversary. Admission this time: FREE.

Host Garrison Keillor says:

"Stearns County is about as close to Lake Wobegon as you can get so it's where we plan to observe the 35th anniversary of A Prairie Home Companion — in the town of Avon, which is on the Lake Wobegon Bike Trail, broadcasting live coast to coast and overseas via Armed Forces Radio — a brass band, speeches, acoustic blues and rock ’n’ roll, some reminiscences by old-timers, and the whole big crowd singing the national anthem, and our sound-effects man will make rockets go up in the air.

I've biked the Bike Trail a couple of times and love the ordinary beauty of farmland and meadow and the towns along it. And since the radio show had its origins there, in the stories I heard when I lived near Freeport and hung around St. John's, it's only right to return and say hello."

The show starts at 4:45 p.m. — rain or shine, but not lightning — in Lake Wobegon Park and will be broadcast on public radio stations nationwide. (See local listings for broadcast times.) Bring your own chair or blanket to sit on. Plenty of your favorite picnic food and cold beverages will be available for purchase.

Sound-effects wizard Tom Keith will be on hand, along with the Guy's All-Star Shoe Band, the Lake Wobegon Brass Band, the St. John's Boys' Choir, and singer Andra Suchy. And as always, we'll catch up on the news from Lake Wobegon during Keillor's signature monologue.

Currently in its 35th season, A Prairie Home Companion is heard on close to 600 public radio stations nationwide, with a weekly audience that tops 4.3 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. The News from Lake Wobegon, is available via podcast/iTunes.

Garrison Keillor is the recipient of Grammy, ACE and George Foster Peabody awards, and he has been inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters. His weekly op-ed column, "The Old Scout," appears in newspapers coast to coast, and his books include Lake Wobegon Days, The Book of Guys, Lake Wobegon Summer 1956 and his latest, Liberty (Viking).

A Prairie Home Companion is produced by Prairie Home Productions and presented by American Public Media. The show is sponsored nationally by General Mills, Inc. and by the Ford Company. 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 sound-effects man Tom Keith, and the Guy's All-Star Shoe Band. Plus special guests, including the Lake Wobegon Brass Band, the St. John's Boys' Choir, and singer Andra Suchy

WHENLive performance: Saturday, July 4 at 4:45 p.m. CDT (check local listings for broadcast times)

WHERE:Lake Wobegon Park (Avon Ave. North and Second St. Northeast), Avon, Minnesota

ADMISSION: Free

FOR MORE INFORMATION: go to www.prairiehome.org

# # #

GARRISON KEILLOR RETURNS TO LOS ANGELES' GREEK THEATRE WITH A STAR-PACKED PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

June 1, 2009

GARRISON KEILLOR RETURNS TO LOS ANGELES' GREEK THEATRE WITH A STAR-PACKED PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION

June 5th show includes special guests Sheryl Crow, k.d. lang and Martin Sheen

(LOS ANGELES) — Garrison Keillor's ever-popular A Prairie Home Companion returns to the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles' Griffith Park with stellar slate of guest performers. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, June 5, and will be broadcast on public radio stations nationwide on Saturday, June 6. (See local listings for broadcast times.)

Two Grammy™-winning singer-songwriters — vocal powerhouse k.d. lang and pop-rock favorite Sheryl Crow — will be making their Prairie Home debuts. And renowned actor and human rights activist Martin Sheen will again take the APHC stage — perhaps with private eye Guy Noir or cowboys Dusty and Lefty or Ruth Harrison, reference librarian.

Actress Sue Scott, Tim Russell (the man of many voices), and sound-effects wizard Fred Newman will be on hand, along with vocalist Heather Masse and the Guy's All-Star Shoe Band. And as always, we'll catch up on the news from Lake Wobegon during Keillor's signature monologue.

It promises to be blockbuster show, under the stars at LA's premiere outdoor theater in picturesque Griffith Park.

Tickets are available online at www.ticketmaster.com, by phone at (213) 480-3232 or (714) 740-2000, or in person at the Greek Theatre Box Office and all Ticketmaster outlets.

Currently in its 35th season, A Prairie Home Companion is heard on close to 600 public radio stations nationwide, with a weekly audience that tops 4.3 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. The News from Lake Wobegon, is available via podcast/iTunes.

Garrison Keillor is the recipient of Grammy, ACE and George Foster Peabody awards, and he has been inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters. His weekly op-ed column, "The Old Scout," appears in newspapers coast to coast, and his books include Lake Wobegon Days, The Book of Guys, Lake Wobegon Summer 1956 and his latest, Liberty (Viking).

A Prairie Home Companion is produced by Prairie Home Productions and presented by American Public Media. The show is sponsored nationally by General Mills, Inc. and by the Ford Company. 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. Plus special guests Sheryl Crow, k.d. lang, and Martin Sheen

WHENLive performance: June 5 at 7:30 p.m. PT

WHERE:The Greek Theater, 2700 North Vermont, in Griffith Park, Los Angeles, California 90027

TICKET INFO: Saturdays: $46, $66, $89, $99. Purchase in person at the Greek Theater Box Office, or through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com or (213) 480-3232 or (714) 740-2000

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

# # #

American RadioWorks Announces Documentaries for Spring 2009

Contact: Brad Robideau
(651) 290-1113
brobideau@americanpublicmedia.org
www.americanpublicmedia.org

American RadioWorks Announces Documentaries for Spring 2009

Lineup Focuses on Economic Crisis Gripping America

(St. Paul, Minn.) April 2, 2009—American RadioWorks, the award-winning documentary unit of American Public Media, today announced its spring 2009 lineup of public radio documentaries. Through American RadioWorks’ in-depth and innovative investigative reporting, the four documentaries will provide audiences a deeper understanding of the current economic crisis.

Spring 2009 Schedule:

Available April 23—“Foreclosure City”

Las Vegas was recently a new kind of boomtown, but today it has the country's highest foreclosure rate. American RadioWorks takes a sober look to find out what happens to the American Dream after foreclosure and how residents are trying to build new lives.

Available May 7—“A Better Life: Creating the American Dream”

American RadioWorks chronicles the history of the American Dream throughout the 20th century. The program examines how this ideal has changed during cycles of economic boom and bust and asks—if the dream is indeed out of reach again—what the next version will look like?

Available May 20—“Bridge to Somewhere”

The Obama administration is seeking a 21st century version of the New Deal, but can this really pull us out of the deep recession? American RadioWorks explores the benefits and effects of President Roosevelt's New Deal—and the legacy that still lingers today.

Available May 21—“Hard Times in Middletown”

Since the 1920s, Muncie has been home to our country's proto-typical middle-class, but today it's a rust-belt city. American RadioWorks documents how the changing world economy and the new economic crisis are affecting the people of "Middletown USA." "Hard Times in Middletown" is a collaboration between American RadioWorks and American Public Media’s Marketplace®. This documentary will be hosted by Marketplace’s Kai Ryssdal.

TUNE IN: The documentaries will broadcast on public radio stations nationwide. Check local listings for availability.

WEB SITES: The documentaries will have companion Web sites at www.americanradioworks.org, which include audio, transcripts and links to additional resources.

American RadioWorks
Based in St. Paul, Minn., American RadioWorks is public radio’s largest documentary production unit. American RadioWorks creates documentaries, series projects and investigative reports for the public radio system and the Internet. Its hour-long specials provide in-depth reporting on public affairs, social and cultural subjects and the 20th-century experience. Major funding for American RadioWorks is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. American RadioWorks is on the Web at www.americanradioworks.org.

American RadioWorks on iTunes U
In partnership with Apple, American Public Media has created a rich archive of journalism from American RadioWorks and other signature radio programs available on the popular iTunes U platform. Get free, easy access to in-depth audio journalism that spans the globe and expands your mind with downloadable programs and interviews, searchable by subject; printable transcripts; discussion questions; and links to online resources: annotated program notes, primary source information, reading lists and interactive timelines.