Media Relations Contacts

If you are a listener with questions, contact our Audience Services team at 800-228-7123, weekdays 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. C.T.

APM | MPR Media Relations
mediarelations@mpr.org (Journalist inquiries, only.)

Media Releases

8/3/11 8/3/11

SIXTEEN RENOWNED RECORDING ARTISTS RELEASE "RAISE YOUR VOICE!" A FREE ALBUM IN SUPPORT OF PUBLIC BROADCASTING

Contact: Jeff Nelson
American Public Media
651 999-1036
jnelson@mpr.org

SIXTEEN RENOWNED RECORDING ARTISTS RELEASE "RAISE YOUR VOICE!" A FREE ALBUM IN SUPPORT OF PUBLIC BROADCASTING

August 3, 2011 - 170 Million Americans for Public Broadcasting and ANTI- Records are pleased to announce the release of Raise Your Voice!, a 16-track compilation of music from ANTI- artists being offered as a free download to advocates for public broadcasting. Anyone who signs up to join the campaign can download the compilation -- available for a limited time only -- by visiting RYVoice.org. Supporters will also have the opportunity to share Raise Your Voice! with their friends and social networks.

Artists contributing tracks to Raise Your Voice! include:- Wilco - Tom Waits - Neko Case - Booker T. Jones - Man Man - Dr. Dog - Mavis Staples - Jolie Holland - William Elliott Whitmore - Tinariwen - Lost In The Trees - Sean Rowe - Marketa Irglova - Joe Henry - The Swell Season - Devotchka

Public broadcasting offers millions of hours of free music, arts and cultural programming to American audiences, thanks in part to federal funding. From national music programs such as public television's Austin City Limits and public radio's Mountain Stage to the diverse local programming on public radio music stations throughout the country, public broadcasting is a vital part of our nation's musical landscape.

Public radio preserves American culture and is one of the only places left where uniquely American music -- jazz, rock, bluegrass and classical -- can be heard by a mass audience. Public radio stations around the country play an important role in the music economy and have created a valuable partnership that connects audiences to music, and all those who devote their lives to it-performers, singer-songwriters, musicians, lyricists and composers. More than 100 local public radio stations broadcast full-time music and hundreds more include music as part of their programming lineups.

While the average station gets the majority of its funding from listeners, underwriters and other local sources, federal funding helps close the gap and keep many small and rural stations on the air. Without federal funding these stations could go dark and the platform that they've provided for so many musicians could go with it.

"We are thrilled to offer Raise Your Voice! to our advocates," said Jeff Nelson, co-director, 170 Million Americans for Public Broadcasting. "It is critical that we raise awareness about the importance of public broadcasting to music in America as we make our case to Congress to maintain federal funding for local stations across the country. We are grateful to ANTI- and these fantastic artists for their generosity and for standing up in support for public broadcasting."

Ari Picker, frontman for ANTI- band Lost in the Trees added, "Our culture needs public broadcasting. And public radio has been an enormous resource for musicians like myself. I feel extremely privileged to donate our music to Raise Your Voice! to boost awareness about the need to protect public broadcasting in America."

The website for Raise Your Voice! was created by Oniracom, a Santa Barbara-based audience marketing agency for music and entertainment.

About 170 Million Americans for Public Broadcasting
The 170 Million Americans for Public Broadcasting campaign is a collaboration of public radio and television stations, national organizations, producers, viewers and listeners throughout the country who understand the critical need for a strong public media in the United States. The campaign is co-managed by the Association of Public Television Stations and American Public Media on behalf of more than 400 station partners. The centerpieces of the effort are its website, 170MillionAmericans.org, Facebook page, Facebook.com/170Million, and Twitter feed at http://twitter.com/#!/170million, that give supporters of public media a way to take action in support of their local public radio and television stations.

About ANTI-Records
Epitaph Records was founded in 1981 by Brett Gurewitz of the influential punk rock band Bad Religion. This incredibly diverse and resolutely artist friendly label first entered the annals of pop culture in the early 90s when it introduced previously underground artists such as Rancid, The Offspring and Pennywise to a vastly larger audience, earning the bands gold and platinum records, and forever changing the sound of popular music. Epitaph has since added additional imprint ANTI-Records, which has developed into an independent power house servicing a roster of acclaimed and iconic artists such as Tom Waits, Nick Cave, Neko Case, Mavis Staples and many more. Epitaph Records currently operates out of offices in Los Angeles, Canada, Melbourne and the Netherlands.

8/2/11 8/2/11

GARRISON KEILLOR'S A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION "SUMMER LOVE" TOUR HITS THE ROAD AUGUST 12th

Contact:
Kate Gustafson
Prairie Home Productions
Phone: 651.999.1092
E-mail: gustafsonk@prairiehome.us

GARRISON KEILLOR'S A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION "SUMMER LOVE" TOUR HITS THE ROAD AUGUST 12th
Keillor and company to do concerts in 20 cities coast to coast.

(SAINT PAUL, Minn.) — On Friday, August 12, Garrison Keillor's A Prairie Home Companion "Summer Love" Tour kicks off a 20-city run that will take the popular radio host and his pals from East Coast to West Coast, Michigan to Memphis.

This concert tour on the everlasting theme of romantic love will be jam-packed with tender duets and ballads, poetry, and stories. Perfect for a late-summer date night!While these are not APHC broadcast shows, they will include many favorite Prairie Home Companion elements — Guy Noir, Dusty and Lefty, and the News from Lake Wobegon. The Guy's All-Star Shoe Band and sound-effects man Fred Newman will be on hand. And depending on the particular date, you'll find either Andra Suchy, Heather Masse, or Sara Watkins on vocal duty — each a top-flight artist.

Garrison Keillor is the author of numerous books, including Life Among the Lutherans (Augsburg Books) and Pilgrims: A Wobegon Romance (Viking), and the editor of several anthologies of poetry, most recently Good Poems: American Places (Viking). He is the founder and host of the acclaimed public radio programs A Prairie Home Companion and The Writer's Almanac.

North Dakota native Andra Suchy is the daughter of two talented singers. By the time she was in grade school, she was traveling around, doing concerts and festivals with her family. These days, she sings with several groups in the Twin Cities area and has a solo recording called Patchwork Story.

Growing up in rural Maine, Heather Masse sang hymns and folk songs around home with her family. Now based in New York, this New England Conservatory of Music alum is a one-third of the Juno Award-winning Canadian trio The Wailin' Jennys. Her solo album is titled Song Bird.

Singer, songwriter, fiddle player Sara Watkins was only eight when she became one-third of the Grammy Award-winning acoustic trio Nickel Creek. Two decades later, she struck out on her own. A solo album, Sara Watkins (Nonesuch), was released in 2009.

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 Richard Dworsky (leader, keyboards), Pat Donohue (guitar), Gary Raynor (bass), Peter Johnson (percussion), and Richard Kriehn (fiddle).

A Prairie Home Companion has been a public radio mainstay since 1974. It is heard by more than 4 million listeners on some 600 public radio stations nationwide, as well as on XM Radio, the Armed Forces Network Europe, the Far East Network, and in dozens of European cities via the Astra satellite network. More information can be found online at www.prairiehome.org.

WHAT: Garrison Keillor's A Prairie Home Companion "Summer Love" Tour

WHO: Garrison Keillor, the Guy's All-Star Shoe Band, sound-effects wizard Fred Newman, singers Andra Suchy, Heather Masse, or Sara Watkins (see list)

WHEN/WHERE:

Aug. 12 Grand Rapids, MI — Meijer Gardens (with Andra Suchy)
Aug. 13 East Lansing, MI — Wharton Center for Performing Arts (with Andra Suchy)
Aug. 14 Louisville, KY — Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts (with Andra Suchy)
Aug. 16 Greensboro, NC — White Oak Amphitheatre (with Heather Masse)
Aug. 17 Portsmouth, VA — nTelos Wireless Pavilion (with Heather Masse)
Aug. 19 Portland, ME — State Theatre (vocals: Heather Masse)
Aug. 20 Hyannis, MA — Cape Cod Melody Tent (with Heather Masse)
Aug. 21 Lewiston, NY — Artpark (with Heather Masse)
Aug. 23 Saratoga, CA — Mountain Winery (with Heather Masse)
Aug. 24 Chico, CA — Laxson Auditorium (with Heather Masse)
Aug. 25 Bend, OR — Les Schwab Amphitheater (with Heather Masse)
Aug. 26 Boise, ID — Eagle River Pavilion (with Heather Masse)
Aug. 28 Palmer, AK — Alaska State Fair (with Heather Masse and Sara Watkins)
Aug. 31 Kansas City, MO — Kansas City Starlight Theatre (with Sara Watkins)
Sept. 6 Fort Worth, TX — Bass Hall (with Sara Watkins)
Sept. 7 Austin, TX — Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater (with Sara Watkins)
Sept. 8 College Station, TX — Rudder Auditorium (with Sara Watkins)
Sept. 9 Tuscaloosa, AL — Tuscaloosa Amphitheater (with Sara Watkins)
Sept. 10 Chattanooga, TN — Chattanooga Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium (with Sara Watkins)
Sept. 11 Memphis, TN — Mud Island Amphitheater (with Sara Watkins)

TICKET INFO: See links at www.prairiehome.org

FOR MORE INFORMATION: go to www.prairiehome.org, or contact Kate Gustafson at gustafsonk@prairiehome.us

7/20/11 7/20/11

TICKETS ON SALE FOR A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION'S FALL RUN AT THE FITZGERALD THEATER

Contact: Kate Gustafson
651 999-1092

TICKETS ON SALE FOR A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION'S FALL RUN AT THE FITZGERALD THEATER

Season #38 kicks off on Saturday, September 17, followed by the annual street dance and meatloaf supper.

(ST. PAUL, MINN.) July 20, 2011; Time flies. Seems like just yesterday (at least to some of us) that A Prairie Home Companion was starting its very first season. Now Garrison Keillor is set to kick off season number 38 with six fun-packed St. Paul broadcasts - plus the fan-favorite street dance.

The opening show and annual street dance will be held on Saturday, September 17 - the live broadcast from the Fitzgerald Theater in downtown St. Paul, followed by the 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 Richard Dworsky. And Garrison will welcome special guests and get us caught up on the news from Lake Wobegon during his signature monologue.

After the broadcast, everyone heads outside for the Prairie Home Street Dance. Enjoy the music, food (the famous $5 meatloaf dinner!), and fun, with Garrison leading the festivities. This event is open to the public and free ó 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 24, October 1, 8, 15, and 22. Tickets are on sale now 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 4.3 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 Ford Motor Company. Audio clips, scripts and more information on A Prairie Home Companion can be found online at www.prairiehome.org.

WHAT: 2011ñ12 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, special guests, and much more.

WHEN: Season-opening broadcast is Saturday, September 17, 2011, 4:45 p.m., followed by the Prairie Home Street Dance, 7ñ10 p.m., whatever the weather.

The rest of the St. Paul fall run: September 24, October 1, 8, 15 and 22.

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

TICKETS: 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.

7/13/11 7/13/11

American Public Media Group Selects David Kansas as New COO

Contact: Bill Gray
(651) 290-1543
bgray@americanpublicmedia.org
www.americanpublicmedia.org

American Public Media Group Selects David Kansas as New COO
St. Paul Native and Wall Street Journal Alum to Focus on Strategic Service Growth

(St. Paul, Minn.) July 13, 2011—American Public Media Group, parent company of Minnesota Public Radio and American Public Media, announced today that David Kansas has accepted the position of chief operating officer. Kansas, a Wall Street Journal veteran and digital startup pioneer who grew up in St. Paul, will succeed Jon McTaggart, who took over as CEO on July 1.

"Finding a talented leader to be our next COO has been one of my top priorities since the day that learned I would be the next president of APMG," said McTaggart. "Dave has terrific journalistic and executive management experience. In addition to his strengths as an award-winning journalist, his experience building and leading innovative digital media companies and his strategic planning and business development skills will make him a great addition to our strong senior team." The selection of Kansas follows a national search that attracted more than 100 highly-qualified candidates to the open position.

Kansas has held a variety of positions with Dow Jones & Company and The Wall Street Journal, including reporter, online deputy managing editor, European markets editor and, most recently, chief markets commentator. Kansas also was editor of Money and Investing, and was on the founding team of TheStreet.com where his positions included executive vice president, executive editor and chief strategic officer. He is the author of several books, including The Wall Street Journalís Guide to the End of Wall Street as We Know It and TheStreet.com's Guide to Investing in the Digital Age. Kansas holds a bachelor's degree in American History from Columbia College in New York.

American Public Media Group is the parent company of Minnesota Public Radio, a 42-station radio network serving virtually all of Minnesota and parts of surrounding states and home to the largest and most experienced radio newsroom in the Upper Midwest, and American Public Media, one of the largest producers of public radio programming in the world with a portfolio including A Prairie Home Companion®, Marketplace®, Performance Today®, The Splendid Table®, Krista Tippett on BeingTM, and American RadioWorks®. APMG is also the parent company of Southern California Public Radio in Los Angeles, Classical South Florida in Miami, the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul and the Greenspring Company in Minneapolis. APMG programming is heard by 16 million listeners on 800 radio stations nationwide each week, and is supported financially by contributions from over 185,000 members. A complete list of stations, programs and additional services can be found at www.minnesotapublicradio.org and www.americanpublicmedia.org.

6/6/11 6/6/11

American Public Media Promotes Yore to General Manager, Marketplace

Contact: Dawn Lindgren
(651) 290-1113

American Public Media Promotes Yore to General Manager, Marketplace

Growth of Thriving Business Portfolio Cited as Top Priority

(ST. PAUL, Minn.) June 6, 2011 - American Public Media (APM) today announced the promotion of JJ Yore from VP/Executive Producer to VP/General Manager of Marketplace. The move reflects the success the Marketplace enterprise has enjoyed during the last year and plans for additional growth in the future. In his new role, Yore will be responsible for overseeing and driving that growth including editorial and business operations activity.

The Marketplace portfolio of programs includes: Marketplace Morning Report; Marketplace; Marketplace Money; and the new, Marketplace Tech Report.

"For more than 20 years, JJ's guidance and leadership has helped our award-winning Marketplace programming grow and evolve to where it is today - the top of its field," said Judy McAlpine, American Public Media SVP/GM National Content. "JJ's passion to create new editorial ventures while consistently improving established ones is part of what makes him one of the top leaders in this industry."

During the last year Marketplace has inaugurated new partnerships with The New York Times and the BBC. Marketplace has added new high-profile series, including a regular segment with "Freakonomics" co-author Stephen Dubner and "Economy 4.0" reports from David Brancaccio that look at how the national and global economy can better serve more people. Last month, Marketplace launched the Marketplace Tech Report, a four-minute daily technology show available to public radio stations across the country. The report delivers technology news with an entertaining twist, in language anyone can understand.

"With so many journalism companies struggling, it's exciting to be at the helm of a dynamic portfolio that is prospering, and growing," said Yore. "I'm excited about what's ahead for us." Yore was part of a small creative team that invented Marketplace in 1988. He has worked as a reporter, editor, and broadcast producer. In his most recent role as Executive Producer, Yore oversaw Marketplace's on air and online programming. Prior to launching Marketplace, Yore was editor and associate publisher of Current, the primary newspaper for the public broadcasting industry.

"JJ is widely recognized as an energetic and talented leader," McAlpine added. "We're pleased he has agreed to take on this larger leadership role within APM, and we're confident he'll position the Marketplace portfolio for even greater success in years to come."

APM will launch a national search for a new Marketplace Executive Producer immediately.

About Marketplace
Marketplace reports on business, the economy and money as they affect people every day. The portfolio reaches 9.3 million listeners each week on more than 500 public radio stations through its award-winning news shows: Marketplace Morning Report; Marketplace; and Marketplace Money. 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 16 million listeners via nearly 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 nearly 100,000 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 2010/Fall 2010 average.

5/23/11 5/23/11

Marketplace Adds Daily Tech Report

Contact: Dawn Lindgren
(651) 290-1113

Marketplace Adds Daily Tech Report

Program Is Newest In American Public Media's National Portfolio

(ST. PAUL, Minn.) May 23, 2011 - American Public Media's Marketplace announced today the launch of Marketplace Tech Report, a four-minute daily technology show available to public radio stations across the country. The report delivers technology news with an entertaining twist in language anyone can understand.

"Marketplace Tech Report covers technology the way the other Marketplace shows cover business - with a fresh and accessible sound, and a touch of irreverence," said JJ Yore, executive producer, Marketplace. "This is a new offering from Marketplace on a topic the public radio audience clearly cares about."

Starting today, Marketplace Tech Report is available to public radio stations to air in their daily schedules. During the past seven months, stations in markets including Los Angeles, Seattle, Minneapolis, Austin and San Francisco have aired the Tech Report in its pilot phase, helping refine the sound and focus of the show. Audiences and program directors in those markets have been enthusiastic, calling it 'essential and meaty, with a light sensibility.'

Hosted by long-time technology journalist John Moe, Marketplace Tech Report adds to a robust portfolio of shows that includes Marketplace, Marketplace Morning Report and Marketplace Money. In the Tech Report, Moe speaks with newsmakers, innovators, visionaries and creators about how technology is expanding, informing and transforming everyday experience.

"Technology is changing how we work, play and live, and every day John delivers a confident, informed and entertaining take on technology news," said Larissa Anderson, producer, Marketplace Tech Report. "He focuses on the listener's experience of tech and explains the bigger trends shaping the world we all live in - and he does it in language we can all understand."

About Marketplace
Marketplace reports on business, the economy and money as they affect people every day. The portfolio reaches 9.3 million listeners each week on more than 500 public radio stations through its award-winning news shows: Marketplace Morning Report; Marketplace; and Marketplace Money. 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 16 million listeners via nearly 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 nearly 100,000 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 2010/Fall 2010 average.

5/5/11 5/5/11

AMERICAN PUBLIC MEDIA'S PUBLIC INSIGHT NETWORK PARTNERS WITH NATIONAL LIBRARY GROUPS, LAUNCHES LIBRARIUS

Contact: Dawn Lindgren
(651) 290-1113

AMERICAN PUBLIC MEDIA'S PUBLIC INSIGHT NETWORK PARTNERS WITH NATIONAL LIBRARY GROUPS, LAUNCHES LIBRARIUS

(ST. PAUL, Minn.) May 5, 2011ñ American Public Media's Public Insight Network (PIN) announced today the launch of LibrariUS, an online engagement project that explores the information, social and civic needs of communities through the lens of local libraries. The project is available to any public library, via embedding the LibrariUS widget on its web site. LibrariUS is a shared collaboration between APM, The American Library Association (ALA) and its Public Library Association (PLA) division.

"This is a common sense collaboration of two professions that are undergoing profound change as they adapt to the digital age," said Linda Fantin, director, Network Journalism and Innovation, American Public Media. "Journalists and librarians provide people with information they need to understand the world and to improve it. LibrariUS leverages technology to inform that work while also giving citizens a meaningful way to participate by sharing their insights about how their needs and those of their community are changing."

Through LibrariUS, library patrons share stories about how and why they use the library, and see their insights mapped in real time. Patrons also become sources for journalists on future news stories via the PIN, a growing network of more than 100,000 citizen sources who add context, depth and relevance to news stories produced in newsrooms around the country.

"Libraries serve people of all ages, ethnicities, income and education levels, as well as people who live in rural communities or do not have Internet access in their homes," Fantin said. "These are often the same people whose voices are under-represented in the news media, something we aim to remedy with PIN."

The ALA and PLA have encouraged tens of thousands of librarians throughout the United States to participate, and APM has reached out to the more than 700 librarians and staff who are part of PIN.

"The more we can talk about libraries and the many ways they impact and improve our communities, the better," said Audra Caplan, president, PLA. "Participation in the LibrariUS program offers library users an exciting opportunity to become a part of APM's Public Insight Network-ensuring libraries remain at the forefront of the media, and therefore, public consciousness."

To learn how you or your library can participate, visit publicinsightnetwork.org/librarius.

About American Library Association
The American Library Association is the voice of America's libraries and the millions of people who depend on them. With more than 63,000 members, ALA is the oldest and largest library association in the world and represents all types of libraries and library staff.

About American Public Media
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. Programs include A Prairie Home Companion, Marketplace, Performance Today, The Splendid Table, Being, American RadioWorks and many others.

About the Public Insight Network
Founded in 2003, American Public Media's Public Insight Network has more than 100,000 sources around the country who inform reporting at more than three dozen media partners, including Minnesota Public Radio, The Miami Herald, The Center for Public Integrity, WNYC public radio in New York and KQED public radio in San Francisco among others. Demographic information and insights are stored in a secure, searchable database, and Public Insight journalists search the database for knowledgeable sources, and query sources to test hunches, identify trends and support production of major projects.

About Public Library Association
The Public Library Association is a division of the American Library Association. PLA's core purpose is to strengthen public libraries and their contribution to the communities they serve. Its mission is to enhance the development and effectiveness of public library staff and public library services.

4/21/11 4/21/11

American Public Media's The Splendid Table and The Huffington Post Break Bread

Contact: Dawn Lindgren
(651) 290-1113

American Public Media's The Splendid Table and The Huffington Post Break Bread

(ST. PAUL, Minn.) April 21, 2011 ñ American Public Media (APM) today announced that The Splendid Table host, Lynne Rossetto Kasper is joining the ranks of featured contributors in the food section of the award-winning and top-ranked Internet news and blog outlet, The Huffington Post.

"The Huffington Post has been one of my go-to sites since its early days and it's exciting to now be a part of it, swapping ideas and takes on how we eat," said Kasper. "Each week on the show we dig into all the new ways food is playing in our lives and now I can do the same thing with The Huffington Post."

Kasper's weekly posts fall under the title "The Splendid Table" a take-off on the award-winning radio program produced and co-founded with Sally Swift. The posts will be a question and answer exchange between Kasper and readers looking for advice and guidance on their culinary questions.

"American Public Media is proud of the continued success of The Splendid Table," said Judy McAlpine, APM senior vice president for content and media. "This expansion to food-loving audiences through The Huffington Postís food blog emphasizes our mission to engage audiences where they are and in their diverse life experiences."

"For more than 16 years, we've been talking food, from the basics of what to eat and how to find it, to issues surrounding sustainability, science and politics," added Swift. "This opportunity with HuffPost Food allows us to expand our reach to others with similar culinary passions."

The Splendid Table program can be heard weekly on nearly 300 public radio stations nationwide with podcasts available via SplendidTable.org. Upcoming shows feature the new science behind life long happiness and food; Britain's latest culinary phenomenon Yotam Ottolenghi, author of "Plenty"; a Mexican road food score in a gas station in Dallas; and celebrity rounds of Stump the Cook.

About The Splendid Table
Produced and distributed by American Public Media in Saint Paul, Minn., The Splendid Table is the show about lifeís appetites, about all the fascinating ways food is playing in our lives right now - whether we cook or never intend to walk into a kitchen. It's about enjoying what we eat and how we live.

Each week, The Splendid Table's Lynne Rossetto Kasper talks with the people who are shaping what's happening to our food today - from chefs, cookbook folk, artists and iconoclasts, to scientists, historians, comedians and home cooks. Most of all Lynne talks to listeners. Working off the cuff, she takes calls every week from fans around the world.

###

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. Programs include A Prairie Home Companion, Marketplace, Performance Today, The Splendid Table, Being, American RadioWorks and many others. American Public Media's nearly 100,000 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 2010/Fall 2010 average.

4/20/11 4/20/11

American Public Media Group Selects Jon McTaggart as New CEO

Contact: Bill Gray
(651) 290-1019

American Public Media Group Selects Jon McTaggart as New CEO

Unanimous Endorsement Follows Wide-Ranging Search

Saint Paul, MN - (Apr. 20) - American Public Media Group, parent company of Minnesota Public Radio and American Public Media, announced today that its board of trustees has unanimously chosen Jon McTaggart as the organization's next chief executive officer. McTaggart, who currently serves as APMG's senior vice president and chief operating officer, will succeed Bill Kling, the company's founder and current CEO, on July 1.

"After thorough succession planning and a comprehensive search process, the board is pleased to have found the best individual to assume leadership of this world-class media organization," said Randy Hogan, chairman of the APMG board of trustees and CEO of Minnesota-based Pentair, Inc. "Jon has a track record of strong leadership both inside and outside of public media. This combined with his deep industry knowledge and institutional tenure makes Jon uniquely qualified to lead APMG successfully into the future."

The selection of McTaggart caps a search process facilitated by Spencer Stuart, a global executive search firm which specializes in placing executives at the nation's largest and most prestigious non-profit organizations. A large initial prospect pool was narrowed by stages to a group who interviewed with the board's succession committee, and then to a final round who met with board leadership.

"Jon is the best choice from a deep pool of interested and highly qualified candidates," said Ian Friendly, chair of the board's succession committee and COO, U.S. Retail, for General Mills. "He's been a successful executive here and elsewhere. Even more important, he's a great fit with each of the four 'critical leadership competencies' we evaluated as part of our selection process: strategic agility, business acumen, vision, and mission-driven orientation. We're delighted that he's accepted the position."

"I'm honored, and I'm grateful to the board for the opportunity to lead this exceptional organization of creative, dedicated and talented professionals," said McTaggart. "We produce innovative, relevant and insightful programming, every day, and our public service impacts the world far beyond where we live. This is a terrific opportunity that any leader would welcome."

McTaggart, 50, holds a bachelor's in communications and journalism from Bemidji State University in Minnesota, and a Masters in Public Administration from Kutztown University in Pennsylvania. He joined Minnesota Public Radio in 1983, and has held various management positions within the organization ever since - with the exception of two three-year stints as an executive in other industries. He serves on several organizational boards, including Second Harvest Heartland, Bemidji State University Foundation and National Public Radio. A resident of Maplewood, McTaggart grew up on a farm in Campbell, Minnesota. He and Debra, his wife of 31 years, have two daughters and one granddaughter.

Bill Kling, who will exit the CEO post on June 30, expressed confidence in the board's choice. "Jon is a remarkable leader who has been responsible for a great portion of our success over the years," said Kling. "I'm very happy with the board's decision, and I'm confident Jon will ensure that APMG continues to lead the way in public media's ongoing evolution."

Hogan thanked the APMG management team for not allowing the search process to disrupt the organization's operations or strategic activities. "Bill Kling and his team have done a remarkable job during this period of staying focused and moving forward," said Hogan. "The APMG team can take justifiable pride in the fact that what it has accomplished over the last year is no less innovative and forward-thinking than the work that built this organization into the powerhouse it is today. Those efforts made our selection work easier, and allowed the process to go smoothly."

For media inquiries, contact Bill Gray, MPR/APM communications director, at 651-734-8239.

###

American Public Media Group is the parent company of Minnesota Public Radio, a 42-station radio network serving virtually all of Minnesota and parts of surrounding states and home to the largest and most experienced radio newsroom in the Upper Midwest, and American Public Media, one of the largest producers of public radio programming in the world with a portfolio including A Prairie Home Companion, Marketplace, Performance Today, The Splendid Table, Krista Tippett on Being, and American RadioWorks. APMG is also the parent company of Southern California Public Radio in Los Angeles, Classical South Florida in Miami, the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul and the Greenspring Company in Minneapolis. APMG programming is heard by 16 million listeners on 800 radio stations nationwide each week, and is supported financially by contributions from over 160,000 members. A complete list of stations, programs and additional services can be found at www.minnesotapublicradio.org and www.americanpublicmedia.org.

4/4/11 4/4/11

AMERICAN PUBLIC MEDIA AND LAUNCH PRODUCTIONS, MINNEAPOLIS' THE PROMISED LAND WITH HOST MAJORA CARTER WINS PRESTIGIOUS PEABODY AWARD

Contact: Bill Gray
(651) 290-1019

AMERICAN PUBLIC MEDIA AND LAUNCH PRODUCTIONS, MINNEAPOLIS'THE PROMISED LAND WITH HOST MAJORA CARTER WINS PRESTIGIOUS PEABODY AWARD

(St. Paul, Minn.) - April 4, 2011 - American Public Media and Launch Productions, Minneapolis' The Promised Land, with host Majora Carter, has received a Peabody Award for best electronic media.

"American Public Media is proud to introduce audiences to diverse and engaging perspectives through our programming," said Judy McAlpine, senior vice president national content division, APM. "Of the 39 Peabody recipients this year, more than half are public or non-profit media, and we are honored that The Promised Land with Majora Carter's distinctive vision, is among them."

"The Promised Land brings new voices to public radio - visionaries whose lives and stories inspire," said Marge Ostroushko, The Promised Land's executive producer and founder of Launch Productions, Minneapolis. "Our thanks to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and American Public Media for their support. I canít think of a better way to celebrate this great honor than to introduce the next visionaries that are featured in our spring season." Follow this link http://www.thepromisedland.org/about for a preview of "Voices from the Gulf Coast," The Promised Land's next series of shows.

"We are thrilled that The Promised Land is able to spotlight the work of such inspirational individuals," said Majora Carter, the program's host. "And we are grateful to be recognized in such an extraordinary way in our first year."

The Peabodys are the oldest awards in broadcasting and are considered among the most prestigious and selective prizes in media. They recognize excellence and meritorious work by radio and television stations, networks, webcasters, producing organizations and individuals.

The winners, chosen by the Peabody board as the best in media for the year 2010, were named on March 31 in a ceremony in the Peabody Gallery on the University of Georgia campus.

About The Promised Land

Vision and leadership ó these are the ideas at the very heart of the public radio series The Promised Land. The dynamic host, Majora Carter, introduces listeners to today's visionaries ó the passionate men, women, and young adults who see potential in unlikely places. The spring series, ìVoices from the Gulf Coast,î will follow the leaders who are finding innovative and sustainable ways to rebuild after last yearís oil spill, hurricanes and the recession.The series is produced by Emily Botein and Mary Beth Kirchner, and the executive producer is Marge Ostroushko. Segment producers are Catherine Winter and Chris Julin. To learn more about The Promised Land, visit ThePromisedLand.org.The Promised Land was created by Launch Productions, Minneapolis, a production group formed to produce radio and media, featuring new voices, new ideas and new hosts.The Promised Land was funded by The Corporation for Public Broadcasting with additional support from the Kendeda Fund.###American Public Mediaô 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. Programs include A Prairie Home CompanionÆ, MarketplaceÆ, Performance TodayÆ, The Splendid TableÆ, Beingô, American RadioWorksÆ and many others. American Public Media's nearly 100,000 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 2010/Fall 2010 average.

3/7/11 3/7/11

Alison Young Named New SymphonyCast Host

Contact: Jacqueline Cartier
(651) 290-1113

Alison Young Named New SymphonyCast Host

THE HOST OF WEEKDAY MORNINGS ON CLASSICAL MINNESOTA PUBLIC RADIO OFFICIALLY STEPS INTO NEW HOSTING ROLE TODAY

(St. Paul, MN) - March 7, 2011 - Alison Young has been named the new host of American Public Media's popular weekly classical music radio program SymphonyCast. Young takes over from former host, Brian Newhouse, who recently was named Managing Director of classical programming for all of American Public Media.

"I'm handing the microphone to the wonderful Alison Young, and you're going to be in superb hands," says Newhouse. "Alison knows music from the inside-out from her years playing in orchestras. But what I especially love about her is the sense of passion for, and joy in, the music she's describing."

A graduate of the University of Southern California with a Masters from the Cleveland Institute of Music, Young has a long connection with music. Before her career in radio Young was a successful concert flutist. She was praised by critics and the Atlanta Journal Constitution even stated that she was a "recitalist of great poise and technical security, dazzling precision and virtuosic flair." Young has given numerous recitals in the United States, Europe, Asia, and South America.

Changing stages, Young transitioned from playing orchestras on stage to sharing those orchestras with radio listeners as she hosted, and continues to host, Classical Minnesota Public Radio's Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra broadcasts and American Public Media's annual St. Olaf Christmas Festival. Young's energy and exuberance can be felt on air where she considers herself more of a performer than a broadcaster. "There is definitely a musical feeling to it, a performance feeling to it," Young says. Listeners across the nation will not only hear the various selections of music from SymphonyCast, but also will experience the bravado and passion that Young exudes.

SymphonyCast is a two-hour weekly radio program produced and distributed by American Public Media and featuring a full-length concert by a national or international symphony orchestra. Concerts are drawn from Europe's leading ensembles, along with U.S. orchestras, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, The Philadelphia Orchestra and The Cleveland Orchestra. SymphonyCast boasts an audience of over 200,000 listeners per week and can be heard on more than 90 radio stations across the country.

2/16/11 2/16/11

American Public Media Calls on Congress to Keep Public Media Strong

Contact: Christina Schmitt
(651) 290-1449
cschmitt@mpr.org
www.americanpublicmedia.org

American Public Media Calls on Congress to Keep Public Media Strong

St. Paul, Minn. (February 16, 201l)--American Public Media (APM) is calling on Congress to reject a House Appropriations Committee proposal to eliminate all federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). The proposed elimination is part of $100 billion in cuts to the current federal budget.

"Pubic media has an enormous positive impact on the lives of 170 million Americans each week," says Bill Kling, President of APM. "There's no doubt that the current federal balance sheet needs to be revamped. But the complete elimination of CPB, rather than a budget reduction on par with the rest of the federal budget, would unravel a system created by local communities around the country via individual contributions over the last forty years."

Federal funding is a modest, yet critical, part of the public-private partnership that is public media, amounting to $1.35 annually for each American. In turn, every dollar of the federal share is leveraged into six additional dollars at the local station level from other sources. "Public broadcasting is one of the most successful public-private partnerships in the United States today," says Kling.

As a co-manager of the 170 Million Americans for Public Broadcasting campaign, American Public Media is actively working to help public media supporters stay up to date on this issue and let their voices be heard by those making the decisions in Washington.

More information is available online at 170MillionAmericans.org.

2/7/11 2/7/11

AUTHOR JOHN THORN TALKS BASEBALL HISTORY WITH GARRISON KEILLOR, AT THE FITZGERALD ON MARCH 29th

Contact:
David O'Neill
Prairie Home Productions
Phone: 651.999.1095
E-mail: davido@prairiehome.us

AUTHOR JOHN THORN TALKS BASEBALL HISTORY WITH GARRISON KEILLOR, AT THE FITZGERALD ON MARCH 29th
Think you know a thing or two about the national pastime? Not so fast.

St. Paul, Minn. – (February 7, 2011) – On Tuesday, March 29, as major league baseball gears up for a new season, Garrison Keillor welcomes baseball historian John Thorn to the stage of the historic Fitzgerald Theater for an evening of conversation about this beloved sport.

Tickets go on sale Tuesday, February 8, at noon.

Forget what you've heard about Abner Doubleday and Cooperstown — maybe peanuts and Cracker Jack too. Thorn's brand-new book, Baseball in the Garden of Eden: The Secret History of the Early Game (Simon & Schuster), busts the myths and traces the true development of the game through the stories of the men and the teams that shaped it in its formative years. With the 2011 season's opening day right around the corner, this is a not-to-be-missed event for anyone who's ever thrilled to the crack of the bat.

John Thorn is a historian and writer. He founded and edits Base Ball: A Journal of the Early Game, a semiannual scholarly publication. He was the co-author of Total Baseball, a well-known baseball book, and many other baseball books, notably The Hidden Game of Baseball. He often appears on ESPN, the History Channel, and the MLB Network. He was the chief consultant and on-screen historian for Ken Burns's PBS series Baseball. And he serves as publishing consultant to the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Museum of the City of New York.

Garrison Keillor, who roots for the Twins, 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 books include Lake Wobegon Days, The Book of Guys, Lake Wobegon Summer 1956, 77 Love Sonnets, Pilgrims: A Wobegon Romance, and A Christmas Blizzard.

WHAT: Author and baseball historian John Thorn in conversation with Garrison Keillor

WHEN: Tuesday, March 29, at 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: The Fitzgerald Theater, 10 East Exchange Street, St. Paul, MN 55101

TICKETS: On sale starting Tuesday, February 8, at noon. Price: $20.00.Minnesota Public Radio members receive a $2 discount.With purchase of each $20 ticket, you will receive $10.00 off the price of a copy of Baseball in the Garden of Eden: The Secret History of the Early Game (from Common Good Books). Just bring your ticket stub to the gift shop counter at the Fitz on the night of the performance to receive your discount.

OUTLETS:

Ticketmaster –
Tickets are available for the general public through Ticketmaster. Order online through Ticketmaster.com, call (800) 982-2787, or visit any Ticketmaster outlet.

Fitzgerald Theater–
The general public can purchase tickets at the Fitzgerald Theater by phone at 651-290-1200 or in person.Box office hours: Tuesday–Friday, noon–5 p.m.http://fitzgeraldtheater.publicradio.org/

Common Good Books –
Tickets may also be purchased in person at the Common Good Books, 165 Western Ave. N., St. Paul. Phone: 651-225-8989Store hours: MondayñSaturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.info@commongoodbooks.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Go to: http://commongoodbooks.com/ or to: http://fitzgeraldtheater.publicradio.org/

1/19/11 1/19/11

The Media Consortium Joins American Public Media's Public Insight Network

Contact: Jacqueline Cartier
(651) 290-1113

The Media Consortium Joins American Public Media's Public Insight Network

Ms., Mother Jones, ColorLines and Free Speech TV to Expand News Coverage through Active Audience Engagement

(Chicago, IL & St. Paul, MN) - January 19, 2011 - American Public Media's Public Insight Network (PIN) is proud to welcome The Media Consortium to its growing list of national partners. Consortium members Ms. Magazine, ColorLines, Mother Jones and Free Speech TV are the newest participants in the nation's most powerful platform for journalistic audience engagement.

The Media Consortium's Director Tracy Van Slyke says, "The partnership between the Public Insight Network and The Media Consortium is groundbreaking; bringing national, media producers that represent a diversity of platforms and focus together with a cutting edge journalism resource." Explaining the Consortium's impetus to join, Van Slyke, "TMC has been working with our members to discover and assess new community and journalism models, testing and exploring community engaged reporting in a way that that these journalism organizations have not been able to do on their own before."

Ms. Magazine Executive Editor Kathy Spillar adds, "We are so excited to be able to participate in the Public Insight Network's innovative approach to reporting. Being a part of this trailblazing initiative will let our community members engage more fully in our news making process, allowing us to tap into their incredible expertise and creative thinking." Monika Bauerlein, Co-Editor, Mother Jones notes, "We look forward to meeting our tens of thousands of new sources."

The Public Insight Network, funded in part by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, gives individuals a direct channel for sharing their knowledge, experience and insights with reporters around the country. Joaquin Alvarado, senior vice president of digital innovation at American Public Media, explains that the Public Insight Network strives to enhance quality journalism by bringing reporters unprecedented access to citizen sources around the country. "The Media Consortium newsrooms are the first magazine and national television outlets to use PIN in their reporting, and they represent a great opportunity to grow the diversity of the network and reach new communities. These newsrooms also work together well, so we're looking forward to how they engage the PIN for collaborative reporting."

The Consortium members joining the PIN are influential media outlets in the industry. ColorLines features journalism in service to racial justice. Ms. Magazine is known as the countryís flagship feminist publication. Mother Jones sets the standard for investigative, political, and social justice reporting. Free Speech TV aims to inspire viewers to become civically engaged.

Founded in 2003, American Public Media's Public Insight Network has nearly 100,000 sources around the country being engaged for reporting at more than two dozen media partners, including ProPublica, The Miami Herald, WNYC public radio in New York, and KQED public radio in San Francisco among others. Demographic information and insights are stored in a secure, searchable database, and participating journalists search the database for knowledgeable sources, query sources to test hunches, identify trends, and support production of major projects.

To learn more about American Public Media's Public Insight Network, visit PublicInsightNetwork.org.

The learn more about The Media Consortium, visit www.themediaconsortium.org and follow on twitter: @tmcmedia

1/18/11 1/18/11

MARKETPLACE NAMES FINANCIAL JOURNALIST HEIDI MOORE AS NEW YORK BUREAU CHIEF

Contact: Jacqueline Cartier
(651) 290-1113

MARKETPLACE NAMES FINANCIAL JOURNALIST HEIDI MOORE AS NEW YORK BUREAU CHIEF

American Public Media expands New York bureau, strengthens financial industry coverage

(January 18, 2011) - Los Angeles, CA - American Public Media's Marketplace has named Heidi Moore its New York bureau chief as the program expands its coverage of the financial industry in the U.S. and globally.

Well known on Wall Street, Moore has reported for the New York Times' DealBook, The Wall Street Journal, Slate.com's The Big Money, and New York Magazine. Moore is familiar to Marketplace listeners as a regular guest of host Kai Ryssdal's Friday segment, The Weekly Wrap.

Moore will report on-line on Marketplace.org and on-air on Marketplace's three programs, Marketplace, Marketplace Morning Report and Marketplace Money.

"Heidi is a natural to lead Marketplace's New York bureau," says JJ Yore, executive producer for the Marketplace program portfolio. "She's an established, authoritative source on Wall Street developments in traditional as well as social media venues, and we're very pleased to welcome her to the Marketplace family."

"Marketplace is the best program on the radio today," says Moore. "I am thrilled to become a part of it."

Marketplace has three reporters in its New York bureau. In addition, the bureau recently expanded to include former Marketplace host David Brancaccio who's "Economy 4.0" segments cover evolving changes in the global economy and financial system in the wake of the financial crisis.

Marketplace reports on business, the economy and money as they affect people every day. The portfolio reaches 9.3 million listeners each week on more than 500 public radio stations through its award-winning news shows: Marketplace Morning Report; Marketplace; and Marketplace Money.

1/13/11 1/13/11

Jeremy Hobson Named Marketplace Morning Report Host

Contact: Jacqueline Cartier
(651) 290-1113

Jeremy Hobson Named Marketplace Morning Report Host

Former Marketplace Reporter Officially Steps Into Hosting Role Today

(Los Angeles, CA) - January 13, 2011 - Jeremy Hobson has been named a host of American Public Media's signature morning business newscast, Marketplace Morning Report. The Morning Report airs across the nation on over 400 public radio stations, offering listeners a fresh look at business news from a global perspective. Hobson will now officially join Steve Chiotakis as a Marketplace Morning Report host. He had been serving as an interim host since October 2010, when former host Bill Radke returned to his hometown of Seattle.

Hobson has been with American Public Media since 2007, reporting for Marketplace from its New York and Washington D.C. bureaus and filing daily stories, features and interviews on the financial markets and on Wall Street's impact on ordinary Americans.

"I'm thrilled at the opportunity to host the Marketplace Morning Report", says Hobson. "The show's mission - breaking down the complex business stories of the day so we can actually understand them - is more important now than it has ever been." Hobson continues, "I've been in public radio since I was nine years old, and Marketplace is everything I've always loved about this unique medium. It's timely, insightful, educational, and most importantly, fun to listen to. It's an honor to help make it what it is each morning.î

Rod Abid, senior producer of Marketplace Morning Report, says Hobson has flourished despite his short time with the show. "Jeremy has really found his voice and has truly taken ownership of the interim host position," says Abid. "He's done an outstanding job, and we're looking forward to the new energy that Hobson will bring to listeners nationwide."

Before joining Marketplace, Hobson frequently found himself in locations where news was happening: calling Florida precincts for NPR's 2000 election coverage; working for Boston's WBUR during the Boston Catholic Church Sex Abuse scandal; and interning for NPR's Guy Raz in Turkey at the start of the Iraq War. In addition, Hobson has worked as producer for NPR's All Things Considered, Day to Day and Wait WaitÖDonít Tell Me! He has also worked as a host and reporter for public radio stations WILL Urbana, WCAI Cape Cod and WRNI Providence.

Produced by American Public Media, Marketplace, Marketplace Morning Report, Marketplace Money and Marketplace Tech Report cover everything business from the stock market to the supermarket. Marketplace Morning Report reaches more than 5 million listeners weekly.

1/7/11 1/7/11

KNOCK, KNOCK … THE PRAIRIE HOME JOKE SHOW IS BACK!

Contact: David O'Neill
(651) 999-1095

KNOCK, KNOCK … THE PRAIRIE HOME JOKE SHOW IS BACK!

Garrison Keillor and the Prairie Home bunch throw a midwinter laugh-a-thon.

(ST. PAUL, Minn.)—Talk about a January thaw! Get ready to laugh yourself into a sweat when A Prairie Home Companion's Joke Show returns to St. Paul's Fitzgerald Theater on Saturday, January 22. It'll be a blizzard of penguin jokes, lightbulb jokes, knock-knocks, political, tasteless, and more. And Philip Brunelle and the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers will add their comical twist too.

Listeners can add their favorite knee-slappers to the mix. Notes Keillor:
"People say that the joke is a dead item, that nobody tells them anymore, and for that reason, if for no other, we decided we MUST have a Joke Show ASAP. On January 22nd, in fact. If you've heard a good joke lately, one not found in our Pretty Good Joke Book, we'd love to hear it. We don't want Cute Stories, or stand-up stuff, or long-winded stories, just joke jokes. Clean, but maybe just barely. If you send us a joke that we use on the show, we'll send you our 2011 Joke a Day Calendar."

The address is: www.prairiehome.org/jokes

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 Richard Dworsky. And as always, we'll catch up on the news from Lake Wobegon during Keillor's signature monologue.

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster 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 close to 600 public radio stations across the U.S., 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.

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 many books include Lake Wobegon Days, The Book of Guys, 77 Love Sonnets, Pilgrims: A Wobegon Romance,and A Christmas Blizzard.

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 Joke Show

WHO: Garrison Keillor, with actors Tim Russell and Sue Scott, sound-effects ace Tom Keith, and the Guy's All-Star Shoe Band, led by Richard Dworsky. Plus Philip Brunelle and the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers.

WHEN: Saturday, January 22, 2011, 4:45 p.m. CT.

WHERE: The Fitzgerald Theater, 10 East Exchange St. (at Wabasha), downtown St. Paul.

SUBMIT A JOKE: Send us a joke. If we use it on the Joke Show, we'll send you the 2011 Prairie Home Joke a Day Calendar. Address: www.prairiehome.org/jokes

TICKETS: $32, $38, $48 (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. MPR members may also order tickets by phone at 651.290.1200. A limited number of rush tickets are sold at 4:15 p.m. on day of show ($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). Or listen to a live audio Web stream. Check local listings or go to www.prairiehome.org for specifics.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Go to www.prairiehome.org or contact David O'Neill at 651.999.1095.

# # #

1/6/11 1/6/11

A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION KICKS OFF 2011 WITH FIVE FUN-PACKED SHOWS AT ST. PAUL'S FITZGERALD THEATER

Contact: David O'Neill
(651) 999-1095

A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION KICKS OFF 2011 WITH FIVEFUN-PACKED SHOWS AT ST. PAUL'S FITZGERALD THEATER

Garrison Keillor welcomes Nellie McKay, Sara Watkins, Sam Bush,and the return of the APHC Joke Show!

(ST. PAUL, Minn.)—After taking A Prairie Home Companion on the road for a few months, Garrison Keillor and the cast and crew return home to the beautiful Fitzgerald Theater in downtown St. Paul for five shows sure to kick off 2011 in style.

The upcoming Saturday broadcasts from the Fitz are January 8, 15, 22, 29, and February 5 — five shows packed with great music, wonderful guests, and wry humor. All the fun you expect — and maybe some you don't.

January 8: The incomparable Nellie McKay. And a group of young local fiddle players — Catie Jo Pidel and sisters Deena and Sedra Bistodeau — join Guy's All-Star Shoe Band fiddler Richard Kriehn in a stupendous rendition of the old favorite (and fitting) tune "The Eighth of January."

January 15: Nickel Creek alum Sara Watkins; clawhammer banjo player Abigail Washburn; singer-songwriter Tom Brosseau
The audience at the January 15 show will get to see a historic first — a guest host singing "O hear that old piano from down the avenue." Singer and fiddler Sara Watkins, who did a 25-city tour with Garrison, Fred Newman and the Shoe Band last summer, will take over the host duties and Garrison will be a featured guest, appearing as Guy Noir, Lefty, and of course doing the News from Lake Wobegon.

Says Garrison: "I've never gotten to see the show myself; I've always been standing in the wings and thinking about what I'm supposed to do next. For once in my life, I want to stand in the back of the hall and watch for a few minutes. And Sara is a smart and funny and hugely gifted young woman. And the Shoe Band and the Royal Academy of Radio Acting will be there, so she'll have all the support she needs. It'll be fun. And at long last, one person in the world will understand WHAT I GO THROUGH WEEK AFTER WEEK. (Just kidding.)"

ATTENTION JOKE LOVERS: Send us a joke. If we use it on the Joke Show, we'll send you the 2011 Prairie Home Joke a Day Calendar. Address: www.prairiehome.org/jokes

January 29: Songbird Heather Masse

February 5: Grammy Award-winning bluegrass multi-instrumentalist Sam Bush

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster or in person at the Fitzgerald Theater. Minnesota Public Radio members may also order tickets by phone at 651.290.1200.

WHAT: A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor

WHO: Garrison Keillor, with actors Tim Russell and Sue Scott, sound-effects ace Tom Keith, and the Guy's All-Star Shoe Band, led by Richard Dworsky. Plus many special guests, including Nellie McKay, Sara Watkins, Heather Masse, Sam Bush, Philip Brunelle and the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers, and lots more.

WHEN: Saturdays, January 8, 15, 22 (Joke Show), 29, and February 5, 2011, 4:45 p.m. CT.

WHERE: The Fitzgerald Theater, 10 East Exchange St. (at Wabasha), downtown St. Paul.

SUBMIT A JOKE: Send us a joke. If we use it on the Joke Show, we'll send you the 2011 Prairie Home Joke a Day Calendar. Address: www.prairiehome.org/jokes

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Go to www.prairiehome.org or contact David O'Neill at 651.999.1095.

# # #

1/6/11 1/6/11

A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION KICKS OFF 2011 WITH FIVE FUN-PACKED SHOWS AT ST. PAUL'S FITZGERALD THEATER

Contact: David O'Neill
(651) 999-1095

A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION KICKS OFF 2011 WITH FIVEFUN-PACKED SHOWS AT ST. PAUL'S FITZGERALD THEATER

Garrison Keillor welcomes Nellie McKay, Sara Watkins, Sam Bush,and the return of the APHC Joke Show!

January 22: The ever-popular Joke Show returns — penguin jokes, lightbulb jokes, knock-knocks, political, tasteless, and more. Philip Brunelle and the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers add their comical twist. ATTENTION JOKE LOVERS: Send us a joke. If we use it on the Joke Show, we'll send you the 2011 Prairie Home Joke a Day Calendar. Address: www.prairiehome.org/jokes

January 29: Songbird Heather Masse

February 5: Grammy Award-winning bluegrass multi-instrumentalist Sam Bush

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster or in person at the Fitzgerald Theater. Minnesota Public Radio members may also order tickets by phone at 651.290.1200.

WHAT: A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor

WHEN: Saturdays, January 8, 15, 22 (Joke Show), 29, and February 5, 2011, 4:45 p.m. CT.

WHERE: The Fitzgerald Theater, 10 East Exchange St. (at Wabasha), downtown St. Paul.

SUBMIT A JOKE: Send us a joke. If we use it on the Joke Show, we'll send you the 2011 Prairie Home Joke a Day Calendar. Address: www.prairiehome.org/jokes

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Go to www.prairiehome.org or contact David O'Neill at 651.999.1095.

# # #

1/4/11 1/4/11

KCET'S SoCal Connected and American Public Media's Marketplace Team Up to Explore America's Real Estate Meltdown Through the Story of One Los Angeles Home

Contact: Jacqueline Cartier
(651) 290-1113

KCET'S SoCal Connected and American Public Media's Marketplace Team Up to Explore America's Real Estate Meltdown Through the Story of One Los Angeles Home

Los Angeles - January 4, 2011 - SoCal Connected, KCET's hard-hitting weekly news program, and Marketplace, American Public Media's acclaimed public radio business show, are teaming up to take a tough look at the housing market crisis through one Los Angeles home. The special report ñ "Lot 354: A Tale of Americaís Housing Meltdown" ñ will premiere on KCET's SoCal Connected and on public radio stations across the nation on Marketplace on Thursday, January 13, 2011.

Reported by Marketplace's Kai Ryssdal, "Lot 354" will trace the property from savvy investment boom to foreclosure bust and back again. Participants in the piece will include the couple who bought the home low in 2002, improved it, and sold it 4 years later at almost triple the price; the couple who bought high and lost the home to foreclosure; and the couple who bought it this year at a fraction of the price it sold for in 2006. The story also will include Lot 354's real estate broker, an auctioneer, and a housing banker who will discuss why the home's life on the Los Angeles real estate market reflects the true story of the lending practices that contributed to the crisis in America's housing market. SoCal Connected's Val Zavala and Marketplace host Kai Ryssdal will anchor the program, and will look at how economic forces led to the housing crisis and what the future may hold for both buyers and sellers.

"Lot 354: A Tale of America's Housing Meltdown" will include an online component at KCET.org/SoCalConnected. Content will include a guide for home buyers and sellers as well as advice on what to look out for in any real estate transaction. Marketplace.org will feature additional interviews with the key figures in the Lot 354 story as well as the latest housing market research and statistics.

ìLot 354: A Tale of Americaís Housing Meltdownî is produced by SoCal Connectedís Rick Wilkinson and Marketplaceís Nancy Farghalli, Megan Larson and Jonathan Karp. SoCal Connectedís anchor is Val Zavala, and the executive producer is Bret Marcus. Kai Ryssdal is the host and senior editor of Marketplace.

In Los Angeles, Marketplace airs on 89.3 KPCC at 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m and on KCRW 89.9 FM at 2:00 p.m. Visit marketplace.org to find local station listings. SoCal Connected airs Thursdays at 9:00 p.m. on KCET and is available on-demand at www.kcet.org/socalconnected.

About Marketplace

Marketplace is public radio's award-winning daily magazine on business and economics news. The 30-minute program airs weekday evenings on nearly 350 public radio stations nationwide and boasts the largest audience for any business program in the United States reaching more than 5 million listeners weekly. Produced by American Public Media, Marketplace, Marketplace Morning Report, Marketplace Money and Marketplace Tech Report cover everything business from the stock market to the supermarket.

About SoCal Connected

SoCal Connected, winner of the Peabody Award, the duPont-Columbia Award, 11 Emmys, eight Golden Mikes, including Best News Public Affairs Show, 18 LA Press Club awards for journalism, recipient of the Edward R. Murrow Award for Best News Documentary, and Los Angeles Magazineís ìBest New Local TV Programî of 2009, airs Thursdays (9:00 ñ 9:30 p.m.), Fridays (8:30 ñ 9:00 p.m.), Saturdays (6:00 ñ 6:30 p.m.) and Sundays (6:30 ñ 7:00 p.m.), exclusively on KCET. For more information, to view episodes online or to post comments, please visit www.kcet.org/socalconnected.

SoCal Connected is made possible through the generous support of The Ahmanson Foundation, serving the Los Angeles community since 1952; Jim and Anne Rothenberg; Maddocks-Brown Foundation; The Elizabeth Hofert-Dailey Trust; The John Randolph Haynes & Dora Haynes Foundation; Akaloa Resource Foundation; The City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, UCLA and U.S. Bank.