APM Research Lab survey: While the Supreme Court considers union policy, the court of public opinion remains deadlocked

Americans evenly split over “right-to-work” or mandating union dues,despite a majority of Americans preferring stronger unions

ST. PAUL, Minn., June 13, 2018 — A new survey by the APM Research Lab has found that despite being tied in their preference for “fair share” and “right-to-work” policies, the majority of Americans think the country is better off with stronger unions. Released today, the findings come from APM Research Lab’s June survey, which reached more than 1,000 American adults.The survey, conducted in the wake of several national teachers strikes and just prior to the Supreme Court’s expected ruling in Janus v. American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Council 31, found a statistical tie with roughly 45 percent of Americans favoring each of the two options:

• “Each worker covered by a union contract should be allowed to decide for themselves whether or not to pay dues,” which describes a “right-to-work” policy, and
• “All workers covered by union contracts should pay at least some union dues” describing a “fair share” policy.

“The public is still deadlocked on whether or not workers covered by union contracts should be required to pay any union dues, just as the Supreme Court was prior to the addition of Justice Gorsuch,” said Craig Helmstetter, APM Research Lab’s Managing Partner. “And yet, 62 percent of Americans said they think the United States would be better off if unions were stronger.”Helmstetter added that this survey uniquely asked respondents to explain their reasons for supporting one policy over the other and asked about the union membership experience of the entire household.“Forty percent of American adults live in households that include past or present union members. Respondents from these union households are more likely to support ‘fair share’ policies and stronger unions than are those from non-union households,” he said.Additional key findings concerning “right-to-work” policies:

• Americans are evenly split in their preference for “right-to-work” as opposed to “fair share” union policy with about 45 percent choosing each option, and the remainder unsure.
• A “right-to-work” approach is favored by 50 percent or more of those with high school diplomas or less education, those without union experience in their household, Republicans, and those living in the south.
  • The most popular reasons for supporting “right-to-work” policies have to do with freedom of choice, with nearly 50 percent of “right-to-work” supporters saying things like “Why should somebody force someone to do what they don't want to do?”
• A “fair share” approach is favored by at least 50 percent of non-Hispanic Whites, those with at least some college education, those living outside of the South, and those living in states that have not adopted “right-to-work” legislation.
  • Additionally, “fair share” is favored by 60 percent or more of those who have direct union experience themselves or through a household member, Democrats, and those living in North Eastern states.
  • The most popular reasons given by those favoring “fair share” policies for their preference include a belief that workers who benefit from union contracts should pay something in return. For example: “If you are going to benefit from it, you should pay into it.”

Additional key findings concerning support for “weaker” or “stronger” labor unions:

• The majority of Americans (62%) indicate that stronger unions would be better for the country; only one-quarter of Americans indicate a preference for weaker unions.
• Stronger unions are preferred by at least three-quarters of Latinos and African Americans, Democrats, and those favoring “fair share” as opposed to “right-to-work” policies. Stronger unions also are preferred by at least two-thirds of women, those age 18-44, those with a high school diploma or less, and those with annual household incomes below $50,000.
• Weaker unions are preferred by at least one-third of those with annual household incomes of $75,000 or more, Republicans, and those favoring “right-to-work” policies over a “fair share” approach to unionization.
• Notably, even among these groups, about half indicated support for stronger unions. Even among Republicans—the only group APM Research Lab found where support for weaker unions was more common than support for stronger unions—over 40 percent supported stronger unions.

Complete results and methods are available online here. About American Public MediaAmerican Public Media® is the national programming division of Minnesota Public Radio® and reaches nearly 21 million listeners via more than 1,000 radio stations nationwide each week. APM is one of the largest producers and distributors of public radio programming in the world, with a portfolio that includes BBC World Service, Marketplace®, and the leading classical music programs in the nation. APM offers a diverse array of podcasts featuring the best in food, culture, entertainment, business and investigative journalism. For more information on APM, visit americanpublicmedia.org.Source: Data are copyright Nielsen Audio. Data are estimates only.About the APM Research LabThe APM Research Lab is a division of American Public Media aimed at informing the public by producing credible research- and analysis- based content. The Research Lab conducts research projects of all types — surveys, demographic analyses, literature reviews, and more — and informs the work of partner organizations and the broader public through traditional reports, as well as infographics, blog posts, interactives, presentations, and other platforms. For more information, visit apmresearchlab.org

Lunar Startups Seeks Applications, Expands Team for First Cohort

ST. PAUL, Minn., April 30, 2018 – Earlier this year, American Public Media announced the launch of the Glen Nelson Center and its first program, Lunar Startups. Supported by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the new program – dedicated to supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs leading high growth startups – is seeking applications for its inaugural cohort beginning today and lasting until Friday, June 1, at lunarstartups.org.Lunar Startups will accept five to seven early-stage companies to occupy dedicated space within Lunar Startups’ offices at Osborn370 in St. Paul’s downtown. In addition to office space, benefits of the 12-month cohort include ongoing visibility, education, stewardship and team development. Lunar Startups will measure success of the cohort based on the companies’ growth including customers and milestones achieved.“Women and people of color are building exciting growth businesses but are often not provided with the same opportunities and access due to social capital and networks that still determine early success for most startups,” said Lunar Startups managing director Melissa Kjolsing Lynch. “We want to change that by surrounding our cohort with focused opportunities and experiences to cut through these societal challenges.”American Public Media’s national reach creates a unique value proposition for startups interested in applying to the cohort, which can help startups connect and expand outside of Minnesota. Both American Public Media and Knight Foundation strive to strengthen the communities, including St. Paul, in which they exist and operate.“Lunar Startups aims to provide important opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs to grow and thrive. We look forward to seeing how this first class of innovators will add to St. Paul’s momentum for inclusive growth and innovation,” said Jai Winston, Knight Foundation program director for St. Paul.Entrepreneurs who have validated that there is a need for their product or service through customers, users or by raising money are encouraged to apply. Lunar Startups will host a session on Tuesday, May 8, at Wilder Foundation in St. Paul to share more information and answer questions about the application process. For more information about the event and to access the cohort application, visit lunarstartups.org.Lunar Startups Hires Danielle SteerTo support the cohort and community experience, Lunar Startups has hired Danielle Steer as senior program manager. Prior to Lunar Startups, Danielle served as manager of operations and member services at Impact Hub Minneapolis-St. Paul for three years, building a community of social entrepreneurs and changemakers. In her role, she also worked with a coalition of programs, organizations, and individuals to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Twin Cities.“I’m thrilled to join Lunar Startups and believe in its vision of equitable opportunities and access for all of Minnesota’s high growth entrepreneurs,” said Steer. “Our approach of using human-centered design is collaborative and drives real value creation. Entrepreneurs are shaping this program directly and we believe that it will translate into real change and growth for these startups.”###About American Public Media American Public Media® is the national programming division of Minnesota Public Radio® and reaches nearly 21 million listeners via more than 1,000 radio stations nationwide each week. APM is one of the largest producers and distributors of public radio programming in the world, with a portfolio that includes BBC World Service, Marketplace®, and the leading classical music programs in the nation. APM offers a diverse array of podcasts featuring the best in food, culture, entertainment, business and investigative journalism. For more information on APM, visit americanpublicmedia.org.Source: Data are copyright Nielsen Audio. Data are estimates only.About the John S. and James L. Knight FoundationKnight Foundation is a national foundation with strong local roots. We invest in journalism, in the arts, and in the success of cities where brothers John S. and James L. Knight once published newspapers. Our goal is to foster informed and engaged communities, which we believe are essential for a healthy democracy. For more, visit knightfoundation.org.

American Public Media Launches New Mental Health Initiative: Call to Mind

ST. PAUL, Minn., April 26, 2018 – Coinciding with National Mental Health Month, American Public Media will launch the APM Mental Health Initiative – Call to Mind – in May. Call to Mind is a new five-year initiative created with the intent to inform and mobilize new conversations about mental health.Call to Mind will initiate awareness and understanding through partnerships and leveraging of APM’s media platforms. The aim is twofold: activate and amplify public conversation by bringing people together and establishing a platform for change. Such a platform will bring potential for change for individuals, communities, educators, employers and health care systems, and will inform policy discussions.In November 2017, APM named Babette Apland as the managing director of the new national undertaking, which is funded by the MPR | APM Inspired by You capital campaign and individual supporters.“Mental health and wellbeing are important aspects of everyone’s life and all of us experience various levels of mental wellbeing throughout our life. Yet we are still stymied by a lack of understanding that leads to prejudice and discrimination,” said Apland. “Our goal is to open the minds and engage the hearts of Minnesotans and the American public about mental health and its central importance to individuals and communities.”In effort to expand focus on mental health coverage, MPR News will have a dedicated mental health reporter in place to increase both the volume and diversity of mental health coverage on-air and online. This expanded coverage will begin in the summer of 2018.Call to Mind will extend beyond current public radio listeners in efforts to engage new audiences with both live events and opportunities to participate online. During the month of May, MPR’s regional services will weave mental health-themed on-air programming and presence, digital activity and live events with local partnerships.

• MPR Presents: An Evening with Lulu Miller at the Fitzgerald Theater – Lulu Miller, Peabody Award-winner and former co-host of the NPR program Invisibilia, interweaves personal stories and fascinating new psychological and brain science in a way makes you see your own life differently. Miller covers stories that challenge our assumptions about how the human organism works. Date: Friday, May 4, 8:00 p.m. Ticket information available here.
• Call to Mind Presents Voices of Minnesotans – MPR News will run vignettes at the top and bottom of programs featuring the mental health stories of real people. Dates: Throughout May, beginning Friday, May 4
• Your Classical Story Partnership – Classical MPR provides a collection of Your Classical story submissions aligned with mental health themes on Classical MPR and Classical 24. Dates: Mondays and Wednesdays throughout May, beginning Monday, May 7
• Note to Self at The Science Museum of Minnesota – A fun evening of music with Manchita and conversation about innovative ways to care for your mental wellbeing. MPR News’ Tom Weber will host a recorded discussion with influential leaders in the field of mental health. Join them in conversation about taking control of mental wellbeing through innovative approaches like nutrition, mindfulness, and digital tools. Discover more about the role of community and culture in mental health. Attendees will be able to visit the Science Museum’s exhibit “Mental Health: Mind Matters” after the discussion. Date: Wednesday, May 16, 6:30 p.m. This is event is not ticketed, but a reservation is requested. Reservation information available here.
• Online – Beginning May 3, social media participation in Call to Mind is possible via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram by visiting @CallToMindNow and using the hashtag #CallToMind. Call to Mind’s website will also launch this day at calltomindnow.org.

###About American Public MediaAmerican Public Media® is the national programming division of Minnesota Public Radio® and reaches nearly 21 million listeners via more than 1,000 radio stations nationwide each week. APM is one of the largest producers and distributors of public radio programming in the world, with a portfolio that includes BBC World Service, Marketplace®, and the leading classical music programs in the nation. APM offers a diverse array of podcasts featuring the best in food, culture, entertainment, business and investigative journalism. For more information on APM, visit americanpublicmedia.org.Source: Data are copyright Nielsen Audio. Data are estimates only.

In the Dark's Second Season Investigates Injustice and Race in a Murder Case

Saint Paul, Minn., April 16, 2018 –  On May 1, APM Reports will release Season Two of In the Dark, the Peabody Award-winning investigative podcast. This season digs into the case of one man who has been tried for the same crime six times, trapped in a terrifying loop within the criminal justice system.Over 10 episodes, listeners will be brought to a small Mississippi town to learn about the case of Curtis Flowers, who’s on death row charged with killing four people in 1996. For more than a year, a team of APM Reports journalists talked with hundreds of people and read thousands of documents to understand how Flowers came to be tried multiple times for the same crime and why the local prosecutor is determined to have him executed.In Season Two, APM Reports thoroughly investigates this extraordinary case. Three of the four people murdered were white. Months after the crime, despite having no witnesses, law enforcement arrested Flowers, a black man. What follows is a story of injustice and a racial divide. The reporters powerfully show what can happen within the criminal justice system when no one is watching. But most of all, it’s the story of one man’s fight for his life.Season Two of In the Dark will deliver extraordinary investigative journalism and vivid story-telling along with the exceptional audio production audiences heard in the podcast’s Peabody Award-winning first season, which investigated a 27-year-old child abduction case in Minnesota. Like Season One, Season Two reveals a story that is not isolated to one person or place. As Season Two of In the Dark unfolds, so too will troubling evidence of failures within the justice system.In the Dark’s episodes will be released weekly, beginning May 1 and ending June 26. The second episode also will be available May 1. View the Season Two trailer, available now on Apple Podcasts, to learn more. Listeners can receive these and other important updates by subscribing to the APM Reports email newsletter.APM Reports, formed in November 2015, is a collection of investigative journalists and documentary producers, editors, data reporters, researchers and digital producers dedicated to producing high quality reporting on issues that are often hidden from public view. At the heart of every APM Reports investigation lies a critical question — about powerful institutions and people, injustice and accountability – that deserves an unflinching commitment to finding answers in the public’s best interest. APM will work with Westwood One Podcast Network to expand promotion and reach new audiences for In the Dark’s second season.Visit apmreports.org for more.###About American Public Media American Public Media® is the national programming division of Minnesota Public Radio® and reaches nearly 21 million listeners via more than 1,000 radio stations nationwide each week. APM is one of the largest producers and distributors of public radio programming in the world, with a portfolio that includes BBC World Service, Marketplace®, and the leading classical music programs in the nation. APM offers a diverse array of podcasts featuring the best in food, culture, entertainment, business and investigative journalism. For more information on APM, visit americanpublicmedia.org.Source: Data are copyright Nielsen Audio. Data are estimates only.

The New York Times, American Public Media to Launch The Daily April 2 on 16 Stations

Saint Paul, Minn. and New York, March 27, 2018 – The new radio edition of the popular podcast The Daily will be available to public radio listeners across the country beginning April 2. The New York Times and American Public Media announced earlier this year that they will be joining forces in this collaboration, which will extend the audio news report’s following of 4.5 million monthly unique listeners to the radio audience.The Daily draws on the unrivaled quality and expertise of The New York Times’s global footprint of more than 1,450 journalists. The Daily podcast has found massive success, becoming the most-downloaded new show in 2017 on Apple Podcasts and winning the DuPont-Columbia University Award for audio excellence. The radio edition will give public radio listeners a deep analysis of one or two of the day’s top news stories.The radio edition of the popular podcast will be hosted by celebrated journalist Michael Barbaro. Barbaro’s resume includes a tenure as a national political correspondent at The New York Times, and he also has served as host of The Run-up, a political podcast that chronicled the 2016 election. Prior to that, he covered New York’s City Hall and the U.S. retail industry.The Daily will air after 4 p.m. ET, and listeners can find their area’s specific air time by visiting their local station online. To date, 16 public radio stations across the country have committed to bringing The Daily to their audiences. Though the list continues to grow, stations that will carry The Daily beginning April 2 include:

• KALW (San Francisco)
• KCPW (Salt Lake City)
• KNOW (Minneapolis-St. Paul)
• KOPB (Portland, Ore.)
• KOSU (Oklahoma City)
• KPCC (Los Angeles)
• KSFC/Spokane Public Radio (Spokane, Wash.)
• KUHF (Houston)
• KUOW (Seattle)
• WCPN ideastream (Cleveland)
• WFDD (Winston-Salem, N.C.)
• WGVU (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
• WKSU (Akron, Ohio)
• WMPN/Mississippi Public Broadcasting (Jackson, Miss.)
• WOSU (Columbus, Ohio)
• WSQX/WSKG (Binghamton, N.Y.)

Additional stations will launch The Daily after its public radio premiere.###About American Public MediaAmerican Public Media® is the national programming division of Minnesota Public Radio® and reaches nearly 21 million listeners via more than 1,000 radio stations nationwide each week. APM is one of the largest producers and distributors of public radio programming in the world, with a portfolio that includes BBC World Service, Marketplace®, and the leading classical music programs in the nation. APM offers a diverse array of podcasts featuring the best in food, culture, entertainment, business and investigative journalism. For more information on APM, visit americanpublicmedia.org.Source: Data are copyright Nielsen Audio. Data are estimates only.About The New York Times CompanyThe New York Times Company is a global media organization dedicated to enhancing society by creating, collecting and distributing high-quality news and information. The Company includes The New York Times, NYTimes.com and related properties. It is known globally for excellence in its journalism, and innovation in its print and digital storytelling and its business model. Follow news about the company at @NYTimesPR.

In the Dark's Second Season Launching in May

Saint Paul, Minn., March 26, 2018 – In the fall of 2016, APM Reports produced In the Dark, a podcast that investigated a notorious child abduction case in Minnesota that had gone unsolved for 27 years. Through nine episodes, In the Dark revealed an incompetent investigation, showed the tragic effect it had on the lives of people involved in the case, chronicled the country’s embrace of “stranger danger” and exposed law enforcement’s poor rate of solving crimes nationwide.This powerful journalism has driven nearly 12 million downloads to date. Each month, In the Dark continues to be downloaded roughly 465,000 times, and it led the Apple Podcast Chart for 11 days and was ranked as the No. 1 podcast of 2016 by Vulture. The team that produced In the Dark won a Peabody Award – broadcast’s most prestigious award – for its investigation.On May 1, 2018, In the Dark returns for a second season.In Season Two, APM Reports examines the case of a man who’s been caught in a terrifying loop of injustice. It’s a story of questionable evidence, racism and what can happen when no one is looking. Ultimately, it’s the story of one man’s fight for his life.The In the Dark Season Two trailer will be available April 16. Listeners can receive these and other important updates by subscribing to In the Dark on Apple Podcasts and signing up for the APM Reports email newsletter.Formed in November 2015, APM Reports is a collection of investigative journalists and documentary producers, editors, data reporters, researchers and digital producers dedicated to producing high quality reporting on issues that are often hidden from public view. At the heart of every APM Reports investigation lies a critical question — about powerful institutions and people, injustice and accountability – that deserves an unflinching commitment to finding answers in the public’s best interest. Visit apmreports.org for more.###About American Public Media American Public Media® is the national programming division of Minnesota Public Radio® and reaches nearly 21 million listeners via more than 1,000 radio stations nationwide each week. APM is one of the largest producers and distributors of public radio programming in the world, with a portfolio that includes BBC World Service, Marketplace®, and the leading classical music programs in the nation. APM offers a diverse array of podcasts featuring the best in food, culture, entertainment, business and investigative journalism. For more information on APM, visit americanpublicmedia.org.Source: Data are copyright Nielsen Audio. Data are estimates only.

American Public Media Group Names Michael Lewis as General Counsel

Saint Paul, Minn., March 7, 2018 – After an extensive national search, American Public Media Group (APMG) today announced it has hired Michael Lewis as the company’s new senior vice president & general counsel.Lewis was most recently general manager and regional leader for Axiom, a global leader in innovative legal services with 17 offices in North America, Europe and Asia. He led Axiom’s Los Angeles office and was responsible for the region’s legal services across all industry sectors including entertainment, media and technology. Prior to his leadership at Axiom, Lewis rose from deputy general counsel at Warner Bros. Online to senior vice president for business strategy and operations at Warner Bros. Animation. Before his tenure at Warner, he was the executive director of business and legal affairs at New Line Cinema, after beginning his legal career with the Los Angeles office of Latham & Watkins LLP.“Michael emerged quickly as the most qualified among a large field of candidates with a wide range of legal and business leadership experience,” said Jon McTaggart, President and CEO of APMG. “In addition to his exceptionally strong legal background, his personal experiences deeply inform his commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and help make him the right fit for APMG.”A native of Louisville, Ky., Lewis received his undergraduate degree from Graceland University, where he studied Speech Communication and Theatre. After earning his juris doctor at the University of California at Berkeley and studying at Harvard Law School, he was admitted to the California bar in 1995. In 2000, he received the Andrew Heiskell Community Service Award, given by Time Warner to employees who demonstrate exceptional commitment to equal opportunity and human rights.“As a public radio listener for my entire adult life, I am excited to be joining such an important voice as American Public Media Group and such an important effort as public broadcasting,” Lewis said. “APM’s and MPR’s mission of assisting our audiences to enhance their lives, expand perspectives and strengthen their communities thrills me, and I cannot wait to get to work.”About American Public Media GroupAmerican Public Media Group is the largest station-based public radio organization in the U.S., combining multi-regional station operations, national programming creation and distribution and innovative digital, social and mobile services in one organization. Supported financially by contributions from individual donors, sponsors, philanthropic foundations as well as the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, APMG’s operations include Minnesota Public Radio®, a 46-station network serving nearly all of Minnesota and parts of surrounding states, and Southern California Public Radio, a four-station network serving Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura County and the Inland Empire. Programs produced by MPR’s national programming division, American Public Media®, reach more than 20 million listeners via 1,000 radio stations nationwide each week. APM is one of the largest producers and distributors of public radio programming in the world, with a portfolio that includes BBC World Service, Marketplace®, Live from Here, and the leading classical music programming in the nation. APM also offers a diverse array of podcasts featuring the best in food, culture, entertainment, business and investigative journalism. For more information on American Public Media Group, visit americanpublicmediagroup.org.Source: Data are copyright Nielsen Audio. Data are estimates only.###

APM Research Lab finds 37 percent of Americans “more likely” to view Minneapolis as a desirable destination following Super Bowl LII coverage

Media contact: Angie Andresen, 651-290-1373

ST. PAUL, Minn., February 19, 2018 —The APM Research Lab released the results of its 2018 National Super Bowl Survey of nearly 1,000 American adults, living in all states except the Super Bowl host state, Minnesota. The nationally representative survey was conducted during the week following Super Bowl LII, which was played on Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis.The survey found that 54 percent of Americans could name the Super Bowl location (either city or state), and that more Americans had positive impressions (37%) than had negative impressions (29%) of Minneapolis as a result of Super Bowl media coverage.“Our basic question was ‘Did Minneapolis win the Super Bowl?’ and these results do suggest a victory, at least in terms of how the rest of the country views Minneapolis in the game’s immediate aftermath,” said Craig Helmstetter, APM Research Lab’s managing partner.Helmstetter added that this survey should not be confused with a comprehensive cost-benefit study of host city efforts. He also noted that the survey was internally funded, not commissioned by interests favoring or opposing the NFL or local host city efforts.Notable findings concerning awareness of where the Super Bowl was held include:

• Lower levels of awareness of where Super Bowl LII was hosted among younger adults (only 37% among those age 18-34), as well as Hispanics (32%), those with a high School diploma or less (38%), and those reporting annual household incomes under $25,000.
• Higher levels of awareness among those with a bachelor’s degree or more education (69%) and those reporting annual household incomes of $75,000 or more (73% of whom could name the host location).
• Those living in North East states, home to Super Bowl contenders Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots, were more likely to be aware of the game’s host location (60% correctly identifying the city or state), as were those living in the North Central states near Minnesota (70%). Less than half of those living in the South and West could name the location of Super Bowl LII.

In response to a question asking, “As a result of media coverage of the Super Bowl, are you more or less likely to think of Minneapolis as a good place to visit?” 37 percent said “more likely,” while 29 percent said “less likely.” Nearly a quarter said that Super Bowl coverage does not matter to them.Notable differences among sub-groups include:

• Over half of African Americans said that Super Bowl coverage made them more likely to think of Minneapolis as a good place to visit, compared to less than 40 percent of Whites and Latinos.
• Those with more education and higher incomes were more likely to report that media coverage did not sway their opinions of Minneapolis.
• By region, the highest proportion indicating positive impressions were from North Central states (near Minnesota), while the lowest proportion came from Southern states (44% and 32% respectively reporting “more likely” to think of Minneapolis as a good place to visit.)

“These mixed reactions show that hosting the Super Bowl carries potential risk as well as potential benefit for a city—especially when the day of the event turns out to be the coldest Super Bowl ever” noted Kassira Absar, an associate with the APM Research Lab.In a follow-up question about why people had altered impressions of Minneapolis as a result of Super Bowl coverage, most of the positive responses mentioned the Super Bowl and related media coverage (20%), personal connections with the area (19%), or other favorable attributes of Minneapolis, including the scenery and friendly people (16%).Those who were “less likely” to think of Minneapolis as a good place to visit as a result of Super Bowl Coverage tended to mention either personal reasons (for example: “I don't travel that much,” or “It's because of my age”) or the weather. One respondent said, “Minneapolis is cold. The Super Bowl isn’t going to change that.” The National Survey of Super Bowl Impressions included interviews with 977 adults, representing every state except the 2018 Super Bowl host state, Minnesota. Interviews were conducted by SSRS of Glen Mills, PA, by telephone, both landline (40%) and cell phone (60%), and in both English and Spanish. The margin of error associated with this survey is +/-3.1 percentage points. Complete results and methods are available online at bitly.com/SuperBowlSurvey2018 ### About American Public Media American Public Media® is the national programming division of Minnesota Public Radio® and reaches 20 million listeners via 1,000 radio stations nationwide each week. APM is one of the largest producers and distributors of public radio programming in the world, with a portfolio that includes BBC World Service, Marketplace®, and the leading classical music programs in the nation. APM offers a diverse array of podcasts featuring the best in food, culture, entertainment, business and investigative journalism.About the APM Research Lab the APM Research Lab is a division of American Public Media aimed at informing the public by producing credible research- and analysis- based content. The Research Lab conducts research projects of all types — surveys, demographic analyses, literature reviews, and more — and informs the work of partner organizations and the broader public through traditional reports, as well as infographics, blog posts, interactives, presentations, and other platforms. For more information, visit apmresearchlab.org.

Statement From Minnesota Public Radio Regarding Garrison Keillor and A Prairie Home Companion

NOVEMBER 29, 2017ST. PAUL, Minn. - Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) is terminating its contracts with Garrison Keillor and his private media companies after recently learning of allegations of his inappropriate behavior with an individual who worked with him.Last month, MPR was notified of the allegations which relate to Mr. Keillor's conduct while he was responsible for the production of A Prairie Home Companion (APHC). MPR President Jon McTaggart immediately informed the MPR Board Chair, and a special Board committee was appointed to provide oversight and ongoing counsel. In addition, MPR retained an outside law firm to conduct an independent investigation of the allegations. Based on what we currently know, there are no similar allegations involving other staff. The attorney leading the independent investigation has been conducting interviews and reviewing documents, and the investigation is still ongoing. We encourage anyone with additional information to call our confidential hotline 1-877-767-7781.MPR takes these allegations seriously and we are committed to maintaining a safe, respectful and supportive work environment for all employees and everyone associated with MPR. We want a workplace where anyone who experiences unwanted behavior feels comfortable in reporting concerns to MPR. Discrimination, harassment, retaliation or other inappropriate behaviors will not be tolerated.MPR will end its business relationships with Mr. Keillor's media companies effective immediately. By terminating the contracts, MPR and American Public Media (APM) will:* end distribution and broadcast of The Writer's Almanac and rebroadcasts of The Best of A Prairie Home Companion hosted by Garrison Keillor;* change the name of APM's weekly music and variety program hosted by Chris Thile; and,* separate from the Pretty Good Goods online catalog and the PrairieHome.org website.MPR and APM will work closely with public radio stations to help make the programming transitions as seamless as possible. "Garrison Keillor has been an important part of the growth and success of MPR, and all of us in the MPR community are saddened by these circumstances," said Jon McTaggart, President of MPR. "While we appreciate the contributions Garrison has made to MPR and to all of public radio, we believe this decision is the right thing to do and is necessary to continue to earn the trust of our audiences, employees and supporters of our public service." "Over the last several weeks, the special Board Committee has worked closely with MPR President Jon McTaggart and legal counsel to review the facts as we know them and carefully consider the implications of the various options," said David Murphy, Chair of the MPR Board of Trustees. "The Board Committee concluded that terminating the Keillor relationships was the appropriate decision and the Board and Jon are aligned in this action. Fortunately, MPR is one of the strongest public broadcasting organizations in the country. We are confident MPR will continue to innovate with programming and content that ensures MPR will remain one of the most valued sources of news, information and entertainment for decades to come."Angie AndresenDirector, Communications and Member & Audience ServicesAmerican Public Media | Minnesota Public Radio480 Cedar Street, Saint Paul, MN 55101

American Public Media Group Names Babette Apland to Lead New Mental Health Initiative

American Public Media Group (APMG) has named former HealthPartners executive Babette Apland as managing director of its new mental health initiative. The hiring of Apland marks the beginning of the organization’s ambitious five-year plan to bring public attention to mental health issues.In her role, Apland will lead a new national initiative to measurably raise the American public’s understanding of mental health. The goal of the initiative is to activate public conversation and a platform for change to drive important policy discussions and investments in mental health. Apland’s work will leverage APMG’s innovative media and convening capabilities to grow a new media model based on partnerships that will shape and inform new on-air programming, digital content, civic engagement, and live events around the topic of mental health.“Mental health is a vitally important issue in our society, yet it’s woefully misunderstood and receives far too little media coverage,” said Dave Kansas, executive vice president and chief operating officer of APMG. “We have a responsibility to do better. Babette is the perfect choice to lead this new effort.”Apland comes to APMG from HealthPartners, where she grew several divisions including behavioral health, health and wellbeing solutions, and provider partnerships. Most recently, Apland served as vice president of HealthPartners Behavioral Health Care System and chief operating officer of Melrose Center for Eating Disorders. In that capacity, she led growth of HealthPartners mental health services and spearheaded several innovations to improve patient accessibility and quality of care, particularly in the areas of telemedicine, new treatment services and behavioral health integration in primary care clinics. Before joining HealthPartners, Apland led the creation of the Phillips Eye Institute and worked as strategy consultant supporting health care organizations’ growth and development.“One in five Americans experience a mental illness each year and, according to the CDC, nearly 50 percent of American adults will experience at least one mental illness during their lifetime,” said Apland. “Mental health touches all of us either personally or through a loved one, yet, the shadow of stigma and our fragmented mental health care system stand in the way of people receiving the support and treatment they need.” She added, “Mental health is integral to the wellbeing of individuals and communities and APMG is uniquely positioned to creatively engage the American public and key stakeholders and illuminate collaborative solutions and opportunities. For instance, the award-winning podcast, The Hilarious World of Depression hosted by John Moe, has helped drive greater awareness of mental health issues and reduce the stigma often associated mental health.”Apland received her Bachelor’s Degree in Speech from the University of Cincinnati. She earned a Master’s Degree in Speech Pathology at Purdue University and an M.B.A. from the University of Minnesota. She serves on the board of the Center for Victims of Torture and lives in Minneapolis with her husband and two dogs.American Public Media Group is the largest station-based public radio organization in the U.S., combining multi-regional station operations, national programming creation and distribution and innovative digital, social and mobile services in one organization. Supported financially by contributions from individual donors, sponsors, philanthropic foundations as well as the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, APMG’s operations include Minnesota Public Radio®, a 46-station network serving nearly all of Minnesota and parts of surrounding states, and Southern California Public Radio, a four-station network serving Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura County and the Inland Empire. Programs produced by MPR’s national programming division, American Public Media®, reach more than 20 million listeners via 1,000 radio stations nationwide each week. APM is one of the largest producers and distributors of public radio programming in the world, with a portfolio that includes A Prairie Home Companion®, BBC World Service, Marketplace®, and the leading classical music programming in the nation. APM also offers a diverse array of podcasts featuring the best in food, culture, entertainment, business and investigative journalism. In November 2015, APM launched APM Reports, a long-form reporting group aimed at creating distinct, high-impact journalism in the form of investigations and documentaries. APM Reports’ groundbreaking investigative podcast, In the Dark, which examined the 27-year-old cold case of the kidnapping of Jacob Wetterling in central Minnesota, recently won a George Foster Peabody Award, the highest honor in broadcasting. YourClassical, APM’s lifestyle classical music stream, packages classical music in an unconventional and innovative way with streams suited for life’s biggest moments and everyday situations. For more information on American Public Media Group, visit americanpublicmediagroup.org.

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American Public Media Receives $1.5 Million from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to Launch New Investigative Journalism Initiative

American Public Media is receiving a $1.5 million grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to lead a new investigative journalism initiative with Southern California Public Radio (KPCC), Kansas City Public Media (KCUR), New York Public Radio (WNYC), and Public Broadcasting Atlanta (WABE).APM’s Peabody award-winning investigative and documentary group APM Reports will partner with the four regional public radio stations to produce a stream of investigative stories over the next two years. The initiative aims to fill gaps left by newspapers that in recent years have cut their reporting ranks. The stations will build on their demonstrated strength and accomplishments in investigative journalism, and together represent a broad geographic sweep of the country.APM Reports will complement the stations’ journalism with research, data, and reporting support. APM will also organize ongoing training for journalists at the partner stations. Each partner station will devote current or newly hired journalists to pursue investigations that will resonate regionally or nationally. Chris Worthington, managing director and editor-in-chief at APM Reports, will serve as editor-in-chief of the project.“A healthy democracy needs investigative journalism,” said Worthington. “Without it, the powerful go unchecked and the voiceless have no voice. The initiative strengthens public media’s role in the Fourth Estate at a time when trusted, fact-based news is more important than ever.”Funding will support the initiative’s journalism, capacity building, training, and collaborations with respect to investigative reporting across the public media system.“CPB funds journalism to help ensure that the American public has access to high-quality reporting, as our legislated mission recognizes that educated and informed citizens are the basis of our civil society,” said Kathy Merritt, CPB senior vice president, journalism and radio. “We are making investments to build the capacity of public media to produce all kinds of journalism, including analysis and accountability journalism, on the local, regional, and national level.”The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), a private, nonprofit corporation created by Congress in 1967, is the steward of the federal government’s investment in public broadcasting. It helps support the operations of nearly 1,500 locally owned and operated public television and radio stations nationwide. CPB is also the largest single source of funding for research, technology, and program development for public radio, television, and related online services. For more information, visit www.cpb.org and follow us on Twitter @CPBmedia, Facebook, and LinkedIn, and subscribe for email updates.American Public Media (APM) is the second-largest producer of public radio programming in the U.S., and has earned 1,000 broadcasting and journalism awards, including seven George Foster Peabody Awards and a Grammy Award. Today, nearly 1,000 stations throughout the U.S. carry APM’s award-winning programs. APM reaches 20 million weekly listeners around the world. In November 2015, APM launched APM Reports, a long-form reporting group aimed at creating distinct, high-impact journalism in the form of investigations and documentaries. APM Reports’ groundbreaking investigative podcast, In the Dark, which examined the 27-year-old cold case of the kidnapping of Jacob Wetterling in central Minnesota, recently won a George Foster Peabody Award, the highest honor in broadcasting. APM Reports has teamed with Reveal and is developing additional collaborations.Southern California Public Radio (KPCC) is one of the most-listened-to public radio stations in the country, serving the region’s diverse communities on the air, online, and in person. KPCC’s 2015 multimedia investigative series, Officer Involved, which explored the data and stories behind police shootings in Los Angeles County, won a regional Edward R. Murrow Award. The series was recently extended into San Bernardino County. In 2016, KPCC helped launch the California Counts Collaborative, an election-year partnership with KQED, Capital Public Radio, and KPBS San Diego, supported by CPB and the James Irvine Foundation. KPCC also hosts a veterans and military issues reporter as part of the three-station American Homefront Project, and has collaborated with the USC Annenberg School for Communications and Journalism, Kaiser Health News/California HealthLine, NPR, and Marketplace, among others. New York Public Radio (WNYC) is the largest public radio station group in the nation and a major producer of audio content for radio and on-demand audiences, including the groundbreaking Radiolab, On the Media, and Freakonomics. Founded in 1924 as the municipal station of New York City, NYPR currently reaches more than 26 million listeners each month nationwide, including a terrestrial audience of more than 3 million in the New York metropolitan region. WNYC's newsroom of more than 70 journalists produces award-winning enterprise and investigative journalism for regional and national audiences, and has collaborated with many organizations including WHYY, NJ Spotlight, The Marshall Project, ProPublica, The Guardian, The New York Times, and more. WNYC’s investigative journalism has been recognized with Peabody, DuPont, and George Polk Awards, among other accolades.Public Broadcasting Atlanta (WABE) is Atlanta’s #1 NPR station, and has served our community for nearly 70 years. In operation since 1948, WABE continues to be Atlanta’s top-rated broadcast outlet for NPR News and arts programming. PBA was the first public television station in Georgia to partner with Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), followed by the first to partner with National Public Radio (NPR), and the first to pilot StoryCorps in Atlanta. For the last two years, WABE has been honored as the top news radio station in Georgia, winning the Associated Press’ prestigious "Pacemaker Award" in 2016 and 2017.  Also in 2016, WABE won the Edward R. Murrow Award for Investigating Reporting for the series on “HIV Prevention Dollars Lost”.  WABE currently reaches over 1 million households a month in Metro Atlanta — over 500,000 each week on the radio. WABE’s signal broadcasts to 23 of Georgia’s most populated counties, reaching more than half of the population in the state.Kansas City Public Media (KCUR 89.3) which is Kansas City’s public radio station, first broadcast in 1957. A charter member of NPR, KCUR holds itself to the highest journalistic standards in service to the citizens of Kansas, Missouri, the broader Midwest, and the nation. Content encompasses music and talk programs; feature and breaking news reporting; a daily newsletter; podcasts; and numerous community events. The station is part of multiple reporting collaborations with other public media outlets around the country. KCUR launched and leads two of these collaborative efforts: Harvest Public Media and the new Kansas News Service. With 30+ journalists on its staff, the station’s signal reaches a 90-mile radius around the Kansas City metropolitan area and has 175,000 listeners weekly.

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Lynne Rossetto Kasper and New Splendid Table Host Francis Lam Offer Cooking Help Live on Thanksgiving Day

For nearly 15 years, listeners across the country have avoided Thanksgiving Day cooking mishaps by tuning in to The Splendid Table’s live call-in show, “Turkey Confidential.” This year marks longtime Splendid Table host Lynne Rossetto Kasper’s final year at the other end of the phone line—and she’ll be joined by the show’s new host Francis Lam. Watch the “Turkey Confidential” trailer, featuring Lynne and Francis.A holiday tradition in kitchens from coast-to-coast, “Turkey Confidential” gives cooks an open line to expert advice, not to mention great holiday storytelling with special guests. Lynne, Francis and their guests will answer questions live on Thursday, November 23, Noon – 2 p.m. ET, on public radio stations nationwide and online.For Minnesota listeners, the show will air statewide on MPR News stations, including 91.1 KNOW in the Twin Cities, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. CT. Visit mpr.org/stations for a complete list of MPR News stations.An all-star lineup of guests will join Lynne and Francis this year: Marcus Samuelsson, award-winning celebrity chef and restaurateur, Lidia Bastianich, television personality, cookbook author and restaurateur and Amy Sedaris, best-selling author, comedian and host of a new show on truTV “At Home with Amy Sedaris.”To contact Lynne and the team during the show, ask questions on Facebook and Twitter, send an email, or call (800) 537-5252. Tag @splendidtable on Instagram to share Thanksgiving feast photos with the “Turkey Confidential” team.In addition to airing on hundreds of stations nationwide, the show will be streamed live at splendidtable.org and available as a podcast a couple hours after the live show on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, NPR One, Spotify, and RadioPublic. Not sure where to listen via a public radio station? Check this list of stations that carry The Splendid Table.The Splendid Table, public radio’s food program and podcast, has been celebrating the intersection of food and life for more than two decades. A culinary, culture and lifestyle program, it has hosted our nation's conversations about cooking, sustainability and food culture and has introduced Americans to generations of food dignitaries.In early 2017, Francis Lam was named the new host of the show. A regular contributor and frequent guest host on The Splendid Table since 2010, Lam is the former Eat columnist for The New York Times Magazine and is Editor-at-Large at Clarkson Potter, a division within Penguin Random House that is a leader in cookbook publishing. In his tenure at Clarkson Potter, he has been the editor behind some of the most creative and best-selling cookbooks and has worked with acclaimed authors, some of the country’s hottest restaurateurs and chefs, as well as celebrities Chrissy Teigen and Questlove. For two seasons, Lam was a regular judge on Bravo’s hit show, Top Chef Masters, a spinoff of Top Chef, where world-renowned chefs competed against each other in weekly challenges.The Splendid Table also airs weekly America's Test Kitchen segments featuring a variety of America's Test Kitchen personalities including Bridget Lancaster, Jack Bishop, Tucker Shaw, Molly Birnbaum and Dan Souza. Bob's Red Mill is the premiere sponsor of The Splendid Table episodes featuring America's Test Kitchen.  The Splendid Table is produced and distributed by American Public Media and has been listed on numerous “best of” podcast lists including a recent nod by the Huffington Post’s Food Editor as the top food podcast to listen to in 2016.  The show also was featured on CNN as one of the top five food podcasts of 2016. Find The Splendid Table on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Tumblr.

Hit podcast “The Hilarious World of Depression” Launches New Season

Media contact: Jen Keavy651-290-1271Hit podcast “The Hilarious World of Depression” returns for a second season with frank, moving and yes—very funny—conversations with comedians, authors, actors and musicians who have struggled with depression. Hosted by veteran public radio personality John Moe, the new season will feature 20 conversations with some of America’s favorite celebrities about their struggles with mental illness.The new season kicks off with actor, blogger and writer and Gen X icon, Wil Wheaton; comedian and social justice activist Margaret Cho; actor, comedian and author of newly released book, “Recovery,” Russell Brand; and New York Times best-selling author John Green. Additional guests this season include Wayne Brady, Neal Brennan, Julie Klausner, Aimee Mann, Gary Gulman, Reggie Osse, Patti Harrison, Jenny Lawson, Neko Case, Janelle James, Rhett Miller, Zoe Kazan and more. “We were flat-out overwhelmed by the response to our first season. So many people reaching out to tell their own stories, to share the journeys they’ve been on, and to have a laugh or two. Or three. Sometimes four or five. And just getting those conversations going is so good for everyone,” says Moe. “For this season, I’m talking to more comedians as well as authors, actors, and musicians to bring even more perspectives into the conversation.”Named "Best Comedy Podcast" by the 2017 Webby Awards, “The Hilarious World of Depression” has received accolades by numerous media outlets, including TIME Magazine and Huffington Post and was named to “best podcasts” lists by USA Today, Buzzfeed, AV Club and more.“Humor can open a door for a conversation about mental illness and begin the healing process,” said Donna Zimmerman, HealthPartners senior vice president for government and community relations.   “The Make It OK campaign works to reduce the stigma of mental illnesses and we are delighted to be able to reach new audiences this season with messages of hope and recovery.”Produced by American Public Media (APM), the show is sponsored in part by HealthPartners Make it OK campaign. Learn more about APM’s podcast network at apmpodcasts.org.Listen to “The Hilarious World of Depression” on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, NPR One, Spotify, RadioPublic or at The Hilarious World of Depression website. Follow @johnmoe and @thwod on Twitter.

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MPR News to Launch Live, National Call-in Show

Media contact: Angie Andresen, 651-290-1373Following the success of Indivisible, a national program in collaboration with New York public radio station, WNYC, during the first 100 days of the Trump administration, MPR News is launching a new national show this fall: Flyover. The weekly, live, call-in show will focus on the big issues of modern American identity and invite the perspectives of Americans in cities, towns and rural areas that lie beyond the media spotlights. In an increasingly divided political and social landscape, this show offers a new way for listeners to be heard, and to hear and understand the experiences of fellow Americans from the country’s heartland.Each week, host Kerri Miller, will ground the one-hour show in a specific place, inviting public radio journalists from stations across America to discuss how this week’s topic is playing out where they live and work. Then the show broadens into a national conversation featuring expert guests and the show’s listeners.  Throughout the show, Miller will take calls and social media comments from listeners for personal experiences that transcend the daily news feed.“When Indivisible ended, we got feedback from many listeners that they wanted to continue this national conversation and – together with our public radio colleagues across the country – we’re well positioned to carry on this dialogue,” said Nancy Cassutt, executive director news and programming, MPR News. “Kerri has shown a great ability to bring out the issues and topics that matter most to people, but really, the most important voice on this program is that of the listener.”The show will air live on public radio stations during its 12-week run on Sundays at 4 p.m. ET/3 p.m. CT, beginning Sept. 10 and running through Nov. 27. Check your local public radio station’s listings for details, or stream the program at mprnews.org.MPR News has long been recognized as one of the foremost journalistic organizations in the Upper Midwest, reaching news consumers across all platforms. Reaching more than 500,000 listeners each week, the MPR News radio signal can be heard by 95 percent of Minnesotans. With news bureaus across the state, MPR News has partnerships with one of the largest TV stations in the region, KARE 11, and more than 30 newspapers. MPR News has received numerous awards for its reporting and most recently received a George Foster Peabody Award, Alfred I. DuPont Award and RTDNA Edward R. Murrow Award for its investigative reporting. Visit mprnews.org for the latest regional, national and international headlines.Since its beginning as a college radio station at Saint John's University, Minnesota Public Radio has grown to a 46-station regional network of three distinct services – MPR News, Classical MPR and The Current – as well as a national producer and distributor of radio programs, podcasts and streaming services, serving 1 million Minnesotans and more than 20 million listeners a week nationwide.Source: Data are copyright Nielsen Audio. Data are estimates only.

Kids Science Podcast Brains On! Receives National Science Foundation Grant

The podcast from American Public Media and the Science Museum of Minnesotawill team up to study impact of children's podcasts on learning

Saint Paul, Minn., August 7, 2017---  Brains On!, the science podcast for kids, from American Public Media, received a prestigious National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to partner with the Science Museum of Minnesota (SMM) to study the impact of children’s podcasts on science learning and discovery. The NSF’s Advancing Informal STEM Learning program funds projects that seek to advance new learning opportunities and broaden public access to STEM learning in informal environments.

“We are thrilled to bring our expertise in researching informal learning experiences to a new collaboration with the creators of the innovative and popular Brains On! podcast,” said Amy Grack Nelson, Evaluation & Research Manager at the Science Museum of Minnesota. “This work will lead to a better understanding of how children and families engage in science learning and discovery. We are also hopeful that this research partnership can pave the way for more family-focused science podcasts.”

The grant will support the production of 40 new episodes and help examine who is listening to Brains On! and what motivates them to listen to children’s science podcasts. Furthermore, this collaboration will study how listeners engage with show’s content and how the show impacts learning and discovery of STEM topics. Brains On! and the SMM hope this groundbreaking research will help fill a current gap in audio informal learning and provide tangible results that inspire more organizations to create kid-centric audio, with a long-term goal of increasing access to engaging and educational content.

“We are excited to work with the Science Museum of Minnesota on this groundbreaking project given their leadership in creative learning spaces and our shared values to promote learning and curiosity,” says co-creator and host Molly Bloom. “We regularly hear from parents and teachers about how Brains On! ignites their children’s imagination, sparks family conversations and inspires further exploration in topics heard on the show from dinosaurs and the solar system to everyday functional items like cars and elevators."“Only about 12% of the proposals NSF’s Advancing Informal STEM (AISL) program receives are awarded funding, making it a highly competitive process,” explains Sandra Welch, Program Director, AISL. “Reviewers commented that Brains On! is filling a gap in providing innovative and engaging quality science learning to young children.“This collaboration is underway and will continue through June of 2019. A formal paper of findings will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal at that time. Additionally, research findings will be presented to professional and public audiences and be discussed in a Brains On! episode.About Brains On!Brains On! is a science focused podcast for children produced and distributed by American Public Media (APM), a leading producer and distributor of national public radio programs and podcasts. It is regularly the number one podcast in Apple Podcasts’ Kids and Family category and was recognized as a top 20 podcast for kids by the esteemed Common Sense Media and was described by The Atlantic as being “practically a unicorn in the podcasting world.” Brains On! is supported in part by The National Science Foundation, where discoveries begin. Connect with the show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and  YouTube.About the Science Museum of MinnesotaThe Science Museum of Minnesota is one of the state’s most popular museums, with a reach that extends well beyond its riverfront location in downtown Saint Paul. It serves hundreds of thousands of people each year with its engaging exhibits, breathtaking giant screen films, and unique special events. Science Museum education programs touch students in all of Minnesota’s 87 counties each year, and its research programs span the globe. For more information, visit www.smm.org.About the National Science FoundationThe National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering. In fiscal year (FY) 2017, its budget is $7.5 billion. NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to nearly 2,000 colleges, universities and other institutions. Each year, NSF receives more than 48,000 competitive proposals for funding and makes about 12,000 new funding awards.

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American Public Media Group Announces New CMO and Leadership Promotions

St. Paul, Minn., July 10, 2017—As it strives to serve more audiences, American Public Media Group has appointed a new chief marketing officer and promoted several of its senior staff to leadership positions. The changes consolidate oversight of some activities with an eye toward agility in an increasingly disruptive media landscape.“These changes will help us achieve our goals in expanding and diversifying our audiences,” said Dave Kansas, executive vice president and chief operating officer. “As we seek to increase our audience, it is vital that we better understand current and prospective listeners, find ways to build on recent strong audience gains in our regional services, maintain our deep relationships with stations across the country and continue to explore new content in the digital and on demand space.”Carmen Rodriguez Johnson has been hired as senior vice president for audience development and chief marketing officer. Johnson comes to APMG after a 14-year stint at General Mills, most recently as director, consumer insights, innovation and core brand renovation. Her work at General Mills helped drive significant growth through brand innovation, sophisticated marketing, deep research and knowledge of consumers. Prior to working at General Mills, Johnson worked for six years in marketing and sales at Procter & Gamble in Cincinnati. In addition to her marketing and insights background, she has worked in talent recruitment, development and retention with a special focus on diversity.Nick Kereakos has been named senior vice president and general manager of MPR’s regional services. He retains his role as chief technology officer and will continue to oversee technology, engineering and operations for American Public Media Group. Kereakos has been leading MPR’s regional and national music services and now adds MPR News to his portfolio. As general manager of MPR’s regional services, he will develop and execute strategies that will maximize reach across MPR News, The Current and Classical MPR. Prior to his promotion, he led The Current and Classical MPR to strong audience gains. Shona Koester has been named vice president of content distribution and partnerships. Koester has held the role of interim head of the division since late 2016. Under her leadership of the distribution team, the reboot of A Prairie Home Companion with host Chris Thile has been warmly received by stations and listeners. In addition, she and her team secured an early renewal of APMG’s partnership with the BBC World Service. In the first five years of the APMG/BBC World Service partnership, the BBC World Service’s audience in the U.S. has nearly doubled.Mike Reszler, vice president and chief digital officer, adds business planning and project management to his portfolio. Reszler currently oversees APM’s podcast network, digital platforms, the Public Insight Network, The Splendid Table and Dinner Party Download. He has overseen several key initiatives over the past several years, including the launch of several award-winning and highly praised podcasts, including Terrible, Thanks for Asking, The Hilarious World of Depression and Historically Black. John Kavanagh, has been promoted to managing director for public and regulatory affairs. Kavanagh, an attorney, oversees MPR's government relations and regulatory compliance efforts and serves as the liaison for MPR’s networked stations, both on the state and local level as well as nationally in Washington, D.C., and oversees regulatory compliance and filing. He recently led the effort during the 2017 Minnesota Legislative Session to fund equipment grants to support MPR’s role as the backbone to Minnesota’s Emergency/Amber Alert System. In his expanded role, he also will work with national stakeholders, including the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, to ensure funding for public media. 

MPR News Podcast Will Cover the Philando Castile Trial

 May 22, 2017--- St. Paul, Minn. --- With the trial of police officer Jeronimo Yanez in the shooting of Philando Castile slated to begin on May 30, MPR News is presenting a limited podcast, beginning today. Titled “74 Seconds” to represent the time of the fatal traffic stop, the podcast will look at the story of these two men, how they came face to face and how the tragedy that unfolded in those 74 seconds became a story of race, policing, justice and safety in America. The story of Castile and Yanez is the story of police and the people they serve in the 21st century. [Side note:  APM Reports and Reveal teamed up for reporting around police de-escalation training a couple weekends ago.]This trial is the first of its kind in Minnesota and a rarity in the country. It will consist of five episodes and be hosted by MPR News reporters Jon Collins and Riham Feshir who have been covering the story since it began, and produced by Tracy Mumford and Hans Buetow. The team will provide weekly updates through the trial.“Through Riham’s and Jon’s reporting, we have brought Philando Castile and Jeronimo Yanez back to that moment of the traffic stop and the seven shots that were fired. This encounter had a lot in common with police shootings around the country including some in Minnesota,” says MPR News executive director Michael Edgerly. “Even the protests following Castile’s death had a familiar feeling. But there were some stark differences and these differences, for us, created the opportunity for some longer form story-telling that, in the end, we hope will create a greater understanding of race and policing in the country.”Episodes are available daily throughout this week and once a week during the trial. Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher or wherever podcasts are available. Audio is also available at 74seconds.org.Official podcast description:74 Seconds tells the story of a July 2016 traffic stop that ended with the world watching a man die, live on their phones. This is the story of that man, Philando Castile, and the officer who is about to go on trial for his death, Jeronimo Yanez. Through comprehensive reporting, MPR News examines this intersection of race, policing, justice and safety in America. A lot can happen in 74 seconds.Follow the podcast and coverage here:Twitter: https://twitter.com/74secondsMPRFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/74secondswww.74seconds.org

American Public Media Announces Formation of APM Research Lab and Analyst Group, To Be Led by Craig Helmstetter

Media contact: Jen KeavySaint Paul, Minn., April 27, 2017 – American Public Media today announced the appointment of Craig Helmstetter as managing partner of its newly created APM Research Lab & Analyst Group. The Research Lab will be home to a team of data professionals who will use statistics and analysis to inform and augment the award-winning journalism and trusted public service at Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) and American Public Media (APM).“We’re thrilled to have Craig on board to help us build this team,” said Dave Kansas, executive vice president and chief operating officer for APMG. “Our goal with the APM Research Lab is to drive and inform the public conversations needed to solve the biggest challenges we’re facing, both as a state and as a nation, through accurate and insightful research. Craig’s expertise in data-driven analysis will help us to increase the reach and impact of our work.”In addition to strengthening MPR and APM’s news coverage, the APM Research Lab also will inform the work of partner organizations and the broader public through many platforms, including conferences, live events, published reports, podcasts, newsletters and social media.“APM has become an important part of our nation’s ‘informational infrastructure,’” Helmstetter said. “I am humbled and excited to have the opportunity to add to that legacy.”Helmstetter joins APM from Wilder Research, where he helped establish -- and then lead -- its Minnesota Compass initiative. In that role, he created and managed research projects, marketed research and data analysis services, developed and oversaw a research team, and served as a spokesman and keynoter in various public venues, speaking on major social, economic and demographic trends facing communities throughout the state.Helmstetter also brings experience as an evaluator with Minnesota’s Legislative Auditor’s Office, a project manager with a survey research center, and currently serves as vice president of the board of the Community Indicators Consortium. He is a 1992 graduate of Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. He received a master’s degree in Community and Regional Planning in 1997, and a Ph.D. in Sociology in 2001 from the University of Oregon, focusing on quantitative methods, survey research, public opinion and social stratification.

Francis Lam Wins Mulitple James Beard Awards

The Splendid Table Host Takes Home Three Awards

(New York, NY)--- April 26, 2017--- The Splendid table is proud of its host Francis Lam who won multiple James Beard James Beard Foundation Media AwardsLam won two James Beard Foundation Journalism Awards. The first, for Best Column for his "Eat" column at The New York Times Magazine. Included in the award were "A Haitian Grandmother's Home-Cooked Porridge," "Kimchi Fried Rice, Korean Comfort Food," and "Casa Calmari." Lam also won Best Humor for "Recipes with Roots: The True Meaning of Turkey" in Cooking Light.Lam was also an editor on the double James Beard Foundation Book Award winner for Best American Book and Book of the Year, Victuals: An Appalachian Journey by Ronni Lundy, from Clarkson Potter of Crown Publishing Group."Winning the James Beard award for my column in The New York Times Magazine on home cooking with immigrant families was a true honor," said Francis Lam. "As the son of immigrants, I know the cultural and personal sacrifices my parents have made--never complaining--to make a life for themselves and to raise a family in a strange place where they've never felt totally at home. But also, I know how much they and so many others like them have contributed to their communities and our country, and of course, they made my life as an American possible. So to receive an honor for this column was gratifying, but also deeply humbling, knowing that I would have no stories to tell were it not for the lives of hard work and sacrifice others have lived. I was also honored to win an award in the Humor category, for a story about Thanksgiving in our home when I was a kid, and for which I have to thank my mother for being slightly ridiculous. "Francis is the previous recipient of these James Beard Foundation Journalism Awards honors:

• 2016Winner, Food Focused Column “Eat” Published in The New York Times Magazine 

2014Winner, Profile “A Day on Long Island with Alex Lee” Published in Lucky PeachAbout The Splendid TableNow in its twenty-first season, The Splendid Table is the show for life’s appetites. A culinary, culture and lifestyle program that celebrates the intersection of food and life, it can be heard on more than 400 public radio stations nationwide. The show is produced and distributed by American Public Media. Find The Splendid Table on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Tumblr.

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APM Reports’ In the Dark Podcast Wins a Peabody Award

The Podcast is the “best of the best” in the Radio/Podcast Category

(Saint Paul, Minn.) --- April 25, 2017--- In the Dark, an investigative podcast by APM Reports, has received a George Foster Peabody Award for its groundbreaking reporting on the 27-year investigation of the Jacob Wetterling kidnapping.  The award is the highest honor in broadcast media, and is the second Peabody Award for host Madeleine Baran (Betrayed by Silence, 2014) and senior producer Samara Freemark (Radio Diaries, 2012).In the Dark took listeners inside one of the most notorious child abductions in the United States – the kidnapping of 11-year-old Jacob Wetterling in Minnesota in 1989. Over nine episodes, the podcast revealed the failures of the Wetterling investigation – and the consequences.“We are honored to receive a George Foster Peabody Award,” said host Madeleine Baran. “This was an important story for us to tell. We’re grateful to the Peabody jurors for recognizing the importance of this story and the larger questions it raises about crime and law enforcement accountability.”With more than 7 million downloads, the first season of In the Dark topped the iTunes charts in the fall of 2016. Additionally, a five-episode series of adapted In the Dark episodes are running on approximately 200 public radio stations across the country – including stations in Chicago, Boston, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Dallas, San Diego, Charlotte, N.C., and Cleveland. The combined full-week audience for these stations is more than 5 million.In the Dark has been widely praised. The Columbia Journalism Review called it “a feat of investigative storytelling” and named it one of the year’s best works of journalism. The New York Times included In the Dark in a list of top ten new podcasts of the year, writing: “A rash of long-form true-crime podcasts was introduced this year, inspired by the success of ‘Serial.’ ‘In the Dark’ is the rare offering that improves on the original ... Ms. Baran’s jumps off from the story of one crime to tell a much bigger tale — one implicating an entire sheriff’s office in decades of failed policing.”"The power of this reporting is the result of American Public Media believing in the importance of investigative journalism. We're at a time when all levels of government require scrutiny and news organizations need to be in service to America,” says APM Reports’ editor in chief Chris Worthington.The In the Dark team includes lead reporter and host Madeleine Baran, senior producer Samara Freemark, associate producer Natalie Jablonski, editor Catherine Winter, and editor in chief Chris Worthington.The team will attend the 76^th annual Peabody Award Ceremony on Saturday, May 20, in New York. It is the seventh Peabody Award for American Public Media | Minnesota Public Radio (APM | MPR).About APM ReportsAPM Reports, formed in November 2015, is a team of investigative journalists and documentary producers, editors, researchers and digital producers dedicated to high-quality reporting on issues that are often hidden from public view.About the Peabody Awards:The Peabody Awards honor the most powerful, enlightening and invigorating stories in television, radio and digital media. Each year, Peabody Awards are bestowed upon a curated collection of 30 stories that capture society's most important issues-known as the Peabody 30. Honorees must be unanimously chosen by the Peabody Board of Jurors, a diverse assembly of industry professionals, media scholars, critics, and journalists who each bring a unique perspective of what constitutes a story that matters. From major Hollywood productions to local journalism, the network of Peabody Awards winners is a definitive collection of society's most important stories and storytellers, including winners that have ranged from Edward R. Murrow, Carol Burnett, and David Letterman to "The Sopranos," "Sesame Street," "Breaking Bad," and "Serial." The Peabody Awards were founded in 1940 at the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia and are still based in Athens today. For more information, visit peabodyawards.com or follow @PeabodyAwards on Twitter.About American Public Media Group:American Public Media Group is the largest station-based public radio organization in the U.S., combining multi-regional station operations, national programming creation and distribution and innovative digital, social and mobile services in one organization. Supported financially by contributions from individual donors, sponsors, philanthropic foundations as well as the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, APMG’s operations include Minnesota Public Radio®, a 45-station network serving nearly all of Minnesota and parts of surrounding states, and Southern California Public Radio, a four-station network serving Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura County and the Inland Empire. Programs produced by MPR’s national programming division, American Public Media®, reach more than 20 million listeners via 1,000 radio stations nationwide each week. APM is one of the largest producers and distributors of public radio programming in the world, with a portfolio that includes A Prairie Home Companion®, BBC World Service, Marketplace®, and the leading classical music programming in the nation. APM also offers a diverse array of podcasts featuring the best in food, culture, entertainment, business and investigative journalism. YourClassical, APM’s lifestyle classical music stream, packages classical music in an unconventional and innovative way with streams suited for life’s biggest moments and everyday situations. For more information on American Public Media Group, visit americanpublicmediagroup.org. Source: Data are copyright Nielsen Audio. Data are estimates only.

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