American Public Media Announces John Birge the New Host for YourClassical's Composers Datebook

ST. PAUL, Minn., April 17, 2019 – American Public Media (APM) has announced a new host for YourClassical’s Composers Datebook, the award-winning program about this day in classical music history. On May 1, retiring and long-time host John Zech will officially pass the baton to a well-known name at Classical Minnesota Public Radio, John Birge.

Birge is currently the morningdrive host of Classical MPR and starts up the Mozart for classical music loverswho need a civilized wake-up call to go along with their morning coffee. He willcontinue to host Classical Music weekday mornings. He has been hosting,producing and performing classical music for more than 20 years. Presently, heis also heard on APM holiday specials including Giving Thanks: A Celebrationof Fall, Food and Gratitude and Welcome Christmas!

The decision to host anotherprogram at APM was an easy one for Birge.

“Composers Datebook is thebest time machine on the radio,” Birge said. “I am honored to take themicrophone, and I’m especially looking forward to adding new destinations anddiscoveries in the future.”

Composers Datebook informs,engages and entertains audiences with relevant information about past andpresent composers. Each episode delivers momentous musical events and relevantpieces of classical musical history for that day. The music is only one part ofthe program; listeners will also be captured by the fascinating back stories ofcomposers and the history of classical music, bringing classical music to newgenerations of fans everywhere.

YourClassicalis a collection of curated streams, unique programs and relevant features topromote calm and focus. Composers Datebook is produced by APM inassociation with the American Composers Forum (ACF). Initial support for theprogram was made possible by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. Thecreator of the series and its principal writer is John Michel of ACF.

Listen and subscribe toYourClassical Composers Datebook here. Radiobroadcast listeners can check their local public radio station’s schedule tosee if the program is available for daily listening in their area.

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About American PublicMedia
American Public Media® is the nationalprogramming division of Minnesota Public Radio® and reaches 20 million listeners via approximately 1,000 radiostations nationwide each week. APM is one of the largest producers anddistributors of public radio programming in the world, with a portfolio thatincludes BBC World Service, Marketplace®, and the leading classical musicprograms in the nation. APM offers a diverse array of podcasts featuring thebest in food, culture, entertainment, business and investigative journalism. Formore information on APM, visit americanpublicmedia.org.

Source: Data are copyright Nielsen Audio, Nationwide DMA data, Persons 12+, Fall ‘18. Data are estimates only.

Field Work Podcast Presents Discussions by Farmers, for Farmers

ST. PAUL, Minn., April 17, 2019 – A new podcast will soon bring together two voices in agriculture to host honest conversations about sustainable agriculture, what works and what doesn’t. Field Work is co-hosted by two Midwestern row-crop farmers and will feature farmers and other guests from across the agriculture industry every week, beginning with the May 1 premiere episode.

While there are many different voices talking about sustainable agriculture, this podcast focuses on ensuring that the voice – and the lived experiences – of agriculture producers stays front and center.

With this podcast, The Water Main – American Public Media’s initiative to build public will for water – will seek to promote frank conversations on what works and what challenges farmers face in pursuing sustainable agriculture practices to benefit water and soil. 

In addition to being available on all major podcast platforms, Field Work episodes will also be available as videos on YouTube. A trailer is now available here.

The Hosts

Field Work’shosts have firsthand experience in the world of farming and have a stronginterest in the continued longevity of their family’s land.

Zach Johnson is a fifth-generation family farmer from central Minnesota who farms 2,500 acres of soybeans and corn alongside his father. More than 200,000 YouTube subscribers recognize Johnson as the “MN Millennial Farmer” due to his wide-reaching channel that chronicles his daily experiences in the field and around the farm.

“Farmingis more of an art form than it is hard data, so reading about conservationpractices is usually much easier than implementing it into your family'sfarming operation. Changes to practices are typically not simple andinexpensive, so they have to work with a farm’s current situation,” saidJohnson. “We’re looking to approach this topic of conservation with an openmind and see what new ideas are out there to help us be the bestconservationists possible, while also making good management decisions for ourfarms."

Joining Johnson behind the microphone is Mitchell Hora, a farmer and young entrepreneur from Washington, Iowa. Hora’s family has farmed in the area for more than a century and has placed a strong focus on conservation. In addition to growing row crops with his father, he owns a consulting company focused on soil health and hosts a podcast with the same focus.

“Thereare so many variables that farmers face in the growing season, and I’m excitedthat the Field Work podcast willprovide new resources so farmers can logistically and economically improvetheir farms,” said Hora. “Zach and I are looking forward to bringing in guestswho can share their experience working with the land in ways that promote healthysoil and water. The best scenario is to monitor short-term gains, while workingtowards long-term productivity improvements and success across our farms.”

Stay updated on new episodes by following @fieldworktalk and learn more at fieldworktalk.org.

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About American Public Media
American Public Media® is the national programming division of Minnesota Public Radio® and reaches 20 million listeners via approximately 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, Nationwide DMA data, Persons 12+, Fall ‘18. Data are estimates only.

Second Season of In the Dark Nominated for Peabody Award

ST. PAUL, Minn., April 9, 2019 –The second season of APM Reports’ In the Dark was nominated today for a Peabody Award, which honors last year’s most compelling and empowering stories presented by television, radio and digital media. The nomination was reached by unanimous vote from the Peabody Awards Board of Jurors, according to the organization.In all, 30 Peabody Awards will be granted from the 60 nominees across categories. The winners in the Radio and Podcast Category will be announced Tuesday, April 23.APM Reports’ work in Season Two of In the Dark covers the case of Curtis Flowers – a man tried six times for the same crime, a 1996 quadruple homicide in Mississippi – and has received nation-wide acclaim, particularly for its revelation of racial bias in jury selection.The reporting done by APM Reports was used in the case presented to the U.S. Supreme Court, which heard oral arguments on Flowers v. Mississippi last month. In looking at the controversial Mississippi death penalty case, the justices will now decide if the district attorney racially discriminated in the jury selection for Flowers’ most recent trial. The court will announce its decision by the end of its term in June.In the Dark’s first season won a Peabody Award in 2016 for APM Reports’ investigation into the kidnapping and murder of Jacob Wetterling.Listeners can stay up-to-date on breaking news in the Flowers case and when new In the Dark episodes publish by subscribing to the In the Dark email newsletter.###About the Peabody AwardsThe 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 APM ReportsAPM 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.  Visit apmreports.org for more.About American Public MediaAmerican Public Media® is the national programming division of Minnesota Public Radio® and reaches 20 million listeners via approximately 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, Nationwide DMA data, Persons 12+, Fall ‘18. Data are estimates only.

American Public Media to Launch Decomposed- A New Podcast Exploring the Daring Acts and Surprising Inspirations of Famous Composers

Concert pianist and host Jade Simmons’ new APM podcast shares the tales of heartbreak, scandal and sheer genius that have shaped classical music.

ST. PAUL, Minn., April 4, 2019 – Concert pianist and world-class storyteller Jade Simmons will explore some of the most captivating aspects of the lives of classical composers as host of American Public Media’s new weekly podcast, Decomposed, launching April 16.While the work of these composers is well known even centuries later, their personal stories have often turned into footnotes. Simmons will bring fascinating elements of classical music history to life for longtime fans as well as new listeners. The composer’s stories are woven together with the symphonies, operas and other masterpieces that they inspired.Listen to a trailer of Decomposed and subscribe here.By emphasizing the personal struggles of revered composers, Simmons hopes to connect audiences to the humanity of classical music. Episodes will take listeners all the way from concert halls with composers donning powdered wigs to Cold War propaganda, showcasing the wide reach of this musical genre.“As I do with my own concert experiences, I would hope Decomposed attracts new ears while reintroducing connoisseurs to composers they thought they knew,” Simmons said. “Nothing to me is more fascinating than the people behind the music, and the circumstances in their lives that caused the incredible music we know and love to come into existence. Decomposed will shed light on those most powerful moments.”Simmons has been nicknamed “Classical Music’s #1 Maverick” for her habit of blending music, real time innovation and motivation. She has quickly become the face that represents the relevance of classical music while pushing the boundaries of its presentation. As a world-renowned concert artist, keynote speaker, best-selling author and multimedia personality, Simmons is a fascinating and passionate storyteller with a strong understanding of classical music’s roots.Decomposed is made possible by Inspired by You, MPR's capital campaign and the generosity of Ruth and John Huss. It is produced in partnership with Classical Minnesota Public Radio.Listeners can find Decomposed on Apple Podcasts and other podcast platforms. Connect with the show on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.###About American Public MediaAmerican Public Media® is the national programming division of Minnesota Public Radio® and reaches 20 million listeners via approximately 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, Nationwide DMA data, Persons 12+, Fall ‘18. Data are estimates only.

APM Research Lab, APM Reports’ Educate, Hechinger Report gauge national opinion on government funding, assistance for colleges

Most Americans aren’t aware of decreased government funding for public colleges and universities within the past decade.

ST. PAUL, Minn., Feb. 26, 2019 – The APM Research Lab has released the findings for a survey which asked Americans about their awareness of public college and university funding, as well as the price tag to attend these institutions.

Created from a collaboration between the APM Research Lab, APM Reports’ Educate podcast, and The Hechinger Report, the survey asked participants’ opinion on the cost of four-year college, their awareness of government funding for public colleges, and whether they support free tuition to public colleges for those qualified to attend.Despite decreased government funding for public colleges and universities and rising tuition over the past decade, the survey reveals that a majority of adults don’t realize government investment in colleges has gone down. Overall, those who had completed a bachelor’s degree, Democrats, and those with annual household incomes of at least $75,000 were the only groups where at least one-third of respondents knew that government funding has generally declined over the past 10 years.“Given the importance of higher education as a public policy issue, it is concerning how few Americans know some of the basics,” said Craig Helmstetter, managing partner at APM Research Lab. “Less than half know that government grants and loans have fallen behind the cost of tuition, and less than one-third know that that governmental funding for public institutions has generally decreased over the past decade.”Additional key findings include:

• While 34 percent of U.S. adults think government funding for public colleges and universities has stayed the same, 27 percent think it has increased. At the same time, 44 percent of U.S. adults think government aid for college and universities has fallen behind the price of tuition.
• Half or more of the following groups knew that aid has fallen behind the price of tuition: those with at least a bachelor’s degree, those with annual household incomes of at least $75,000, those who identified as non-Hispanic Black, and Democrats.
• Americans are more likely to support than oppose free tuition for public universities and colleges for qualified applicants. Nearly three-quarters support the idea, while only one-quarter are opposed.
• Overall, the majority of Americans feel the cost of college is worth the investment, with 58 percent feeling this way, while 36 percent say the cost is not worth it.

The APM Research Lab is a member of the American Association for Public Opinion Research’s Transparency Initiative, committed to open and transparent reporting of survey methods and findings. Authored by Craig Helmstetter and researcher Kassira Absar of the APM Research Lab, this survey was funded through internal resources and was not conducted on behalf of or in conjunction with any other entity or initiative.The nationally representative survey was conducted via telephone, 60 percent via cell phone and 40 percent landline, with 1,003 adult Americans, between Nov. 27 and Dec. 2, 2018. The survey’s overall margin of error is +/-3.6 percentage points at the 95 percent confidence level.Additional details about survey methodology can be found here. ###About American Public MediaAmerican 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. 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.orgAbout APM ReportsAPM 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. Visit apmreports.org for more.

APM Research Lab measures public impressions of Super Bowl LIII host city Atlanta

More than one-third of Americans say they are more likely to think of Atlanta as a good place to visit.ST. PAUL, Minn., Feb. 25, 2019 – The APM Research Lab has released its results of its 2019 Super Bowl Impressions survey, which seeks the American public’s impressions of this year’s Super Bowl host city, Atlanta. The survey was completed in the week following Super Bowl LIII, which was played Feb. 3 at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.Hosting the Super Bowl offers cities a unique opportunity to raise their national profile and impact both awareness and impressions among the American public. As shown in the results of the National Survey of Super Bowl Impressions 2019, more than 6 in 10 adults outside of Georgia could name either the city of Atlanta or the state of Georgia as the host locale for Super Bowl LIII.Additionally, more than one-third of Americans indicated that Super Bowl media coverage improved their impression of Atlanta—at least in terms of whether they consider the city a good place to visit—seven percentage points above the share of Americans who indicated coverage made them less likely to visit.Full results can be found here.“Our primary aim was to discover whether the Super Bowl—and the whirlwind of media and events surrounding it – changes Americans’ impression of the host city,” said Andi Egbert, senior researcher at APM Research Lab. “In this case, Atlanta did see a net benefit as a desirable destination among Americans who don’t live in Georgia.”The survey asked three primary questions:

• Can you tell me what city the Super Bowl was held in this year? If not, how about the state?
• As a result of media coverage of the Super Bowl, are you more or less likely to think of Atlanta as a good place to visit?
• What is the main reason you say that?

Key findings include:

• Among those under age 35, only 54 percent were aware of the game’s location. However, roughly 65 percent among those age 35-44, 45-54, or 65+ knew the game’s location, as did 75 percent of Americans 55-64, the most of any age group.
• Non-Hispanic Black Americans were most likely to report improved impressions of the host city following Super Bowl LIII, with 55 percent saying they were more likely to think of Atlanta as a good place to visit. This is significantly higher than the share of White non-Hispanic Americans (31 percent) who said so.
• Of those who were “more likely” to think of Atlanta as a good place to visit, 23 percent mentioned their own personal familiarity with the area, often through connections with family, friends, or work as reasons to see Atlanta as desirable destination for visiting (again). Another 20 percent of the “more likely” group named attractions offered in Atlanta as motivating reasons to visit, such as musical history, historical sites, food and aquarium.

This is the second year APM Research Lab has surveyed Americans’ impressions on the Super Bowl host city. The 2018 game was held in Minneapolis, and results from that survey can be found here.The APM Research Lab is a member of the American Association for Public Opinion Research’s Transparency Initiative, committed to open and transparent reporting of survey methods and findings. Authored jointly by Craig Helmstetter and Andi Egbert of the APM Research Lab, this survey was funded through internal resources and was not conducted on behalf of or in conjunction with any other entity or initiative.The 2019 National Survey of Super Bowl Impressions was conducted as a part of a national omnibus survey conducted by SSRS of Glen Mills, Pennsylvania. The survey was conducted via telephone, 60 percent via cell phone and 40 percent landline, with 970 adult Americans living outside of Georgia on February 5-10, 2019. (Super Bowl LIII was held on February 3, 2019). The survey’s overall margin of error is +/-3.6 percentage points at the 95 percent confidence level.Additional details about survey methodology can be found here. ###About American Public MediaAmerican 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. 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 Announces its Second Cohort

Entrepreneurs to receive office space, development opportunities and other support as they grow early-stage companiesST. PAUL, Minn., Feb. 20, 2019 – Lunar Startups today announced the companies that will comprise its second cohort, which will launch in March 2019 and run for 12 months. A program of American Public Media’s Glen Nelson Center, the St. Paul-based startup incubator will welcome seven early-stage companies that were selected from a diverse pool of entrepreneurs.Funded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Lunar Startups – dedicated to supporting top entrepreneurs building high-impact companies who often lack access to the support and resources they need to grow – will provide startup benefits to the following companies as part of Cohort 2:

• Creatively Focused: empowering educators with innovative and intentional strategies and skills to do the meaningful and critical work of improving outcomes for students
• Fruitful Fertility: connecting those struggling with fertility issues who are in need of emotional support with individuals and mentors who have had similar experiences
• Maazah: transforming the regional and global food space with an Afghani-inspired, small-batch, gourmet condiment
• Team Dynamics: helping organizations excel through strategy development, skill building, and coaching
• Tedious: providing on-demand home services – lawn maintenance, snow removal, leaf cleanup – through an easy-to-use app
• Virtue Analytics: offering educational and other institutions a platform for grant optimization, tuition discounting and enrollment yield improvement
• Youth Lens 360: providing superior visual communication and product marketing and branding services through the lens of youth ages 14-24

The seven early-stage companies were selected from an applicant pool of 40 startups led by a diverse group of entrepreneurs. More than 70 percent of the startups selected for Cohort 2 are led by a person of color, and 60 percent are led by women.“Our second cohort continues to demonstrate the breadth of innovators we have in our community,” said Danielle Steer, managing director of Lunar Startups. “These seven high-growth startups are tackling real problems from fertility support and homeowner services to the student loan crisis and improving outcomes for students living with disabilities. We’re excited to surround them with intentional, unique and targeted resources to help them drive growth.”Lunar Startups’ Cohort 2 will have dedicated workspace in the Glen Nelson Center at Osborn370 in St. Paul’s downtown core. In addition to office space, benefits of the 12-month cohort include a $5,000 travel, marketing, and technology stipend; a dedicated peer support network; pro-bono services valued at $8,000; plus nearly $50,000 in access to resources and technology through their participation in Global Accelerator Network (GAN).“Lunar Startups takes impressive local talent to the next level, boosting the entrepreneurial and small business ecosystem in St. Paul,” said Jai Winston, Knight Foundation director for St. Paul. “These startups not only drive new job growth, but they elevate St. Paul’s emerging profile as a vibrant hub for new ideas and creative activity. We’re thrilled to see the successes to come from Lunar’s second cohort.”In addition to the new cohort, Lunar added two new members to its team in January. A former vice president of the Minneapolis NAACP, Jeffrey Aguy is a seasoned entrepreneur and will serve as Lunar Startups’ Program Manager. Debbie Aderinkomi is participating in the MPR internship program as the Marketing Coordinator for Lunar, dedicated to developing the Lunar voice and messaging.“In addition to building our operational capacity,” said Steer. “Our new team members are expanding the voice and experience of decision makers driving the program. They bring critical, new knowledge to the team that is already adding immense value to the participant experience.”###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. For more information on APM, visit americanpublicmedia.org.Source: Data are copyright Nielsen Audio. Data are estimates only.About the Glen Nelson CenterThe Glen Nelson Center exists to explore, discover, and develop innovative ways to serve new and diverse audiences through entrepreneurial endeavors that support American Public Media’s public service mission. For more information on the Glen Nelson center, visit GlenNelson.org.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 kf.org.

In the Dark to Cover Curtis Flowers' U.S. Supreme Court Case with Four New Episodes

Podcast will follow arguments and decision on Flowers’ case, the subject of In the Dark’s second season; APM Reports journalists receive prestigious Polk Award for investigation

ST. PAUL, Minn., Feb. 19, 2019 – APM Reports’ award-winning investigation for In the Dark’s second season spanned the course of a year in Mississippi and revealed misconduct, injustice and racial divide in the death row case of Curtis Flowers. And now, after being presented a case that includes reporting by APM Reports, the most powerful court in the country will determine if the prosecutor engaged in racial discrimination in the jury selection in Flowers’ latest trial.Beginning next month, APM Reports will take In the Dark to Washington, D.C., to cover the Supreme Court arguments, decision and implications in the Flowers case with four new episodes. The podcast’s first episode will be available March 19. Three subsequent episodes will come out between the March 20 oral arguments and the end of the court’s term in late June.A preview of In the Dark’s new episodes is available here.In the Dark’s new reporting will take listeners into the courtroom for oral arguments, as well as provide breaking news of the court’s decision. The episodes will also examine what happens after the Supreme Court decision and what it means for the lack of accountability for prosecutors across the U.S.The ruling will determine whether Flowers remains on death row or faces the possibility of Doug Evans – the district attorney – trying him for a seventh time, offering a plea deal or dismissing the charges all together.APM Reports’ investigation in Season Two has been widely recognized for its contributions to journalism. Announced today, Madeleine Baran, APM Reports host and lead reporter of In the Dark, and Samara Freemark, In the Dark senior producer, have been awarded the George Polk Award for Podcast Reporting, a prestigious award that emphasizes investigative journalism. This marks the first time the Polk Award has been given to a podcast. Additionally, Baran will be honored this spring as the Burton Award’s 2019 Outstanding Journalist in Law.Listeners can stay up-to-date on breaking news in the Flowers case and when new In the Dark episodes publish by subscribing to the In the Dark email newsletter.###About APM ReportsAPM 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.  Visit apmreports.org for more.About American Public MediaAmerican Public Media® is the national programming division of Minnesota Public Radio® and reaches 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®, 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 Christine Phelps as SVP and Chief Human Resources Officer

ST. PAUL, Minn., Jan. 23, 2019 – After an extensive national search, American Public Media Group (APMG) today announced it has hired Christine Phelps as the company’s new senior vice president & chief human resources officer.Phelps was most recently SVP, Human Resources at the Star Tribune Media Company. Prior to joining the Star Tribune in 2015, she held strategic leadership positions with Taylor Corporation. Her earlier work includes HR positions for Farmers Insurance Group, Internet Brands, BDO Seidman, Sony and The Riverside Church.“Christine is a strategic human resources leader with a broad functional background, a passion for mentoring and developing talent, great media experience and a deep personal commitment to inclusion,” said Jon McTaggart, President and CEO of APMG. “She brings an energetic, practical approach along with an ability to translate business strategy to talent strategy – all qualities that make her a great fit at APMG.”Phelps completed her undergraduate degree at Minnesota State University - Mankato. She is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and is certified as a SHRM – Senior Certified Professional and Senior Professional in Human Resources.“I’m a long-time public media fan,” Phelps said. “I’m delighted to be joining APMG at this time of continued transformation and success. I look forward to supporting the organization as it expands its relevance with even more audiences.”

American Public Media to Launch Public Radio Broadcast of The Slowdown Today

ST. PAUL, Minn., Jan. 14, 2018 – A new radio edition of the celebrated poetry podcast The Slowdown will be available to public radio listeners in several regions across the country beginning today.Hosted by U.S. Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith and produced by American Public Media (APM), The Slowdown has been bringing the power of poetry to listeners across the globe as a weekday podcast since its launch in November 2018. The radio feature of The Slowdown will present the same five-minute program every weekday, encouraging listeners to make a daily space for poetry in an increasingly busy and chaotic world.Serving her second year as the nation’s 22^nd poet laureate, Smith aims to spark conversations that prove poetry helps readers and listeners slow down, think more passionately and deeply, and see the world through the eyes of others.The Slowdown will air each weekday and listeners can find their area’s specific air time by visiting their local station online. The Slowdown will have its broadcast premiere on a growing list of public radio stations, including:

• KALW (San Francisco)
• KHPR (Honolulu)
• KSFC/Spokane Public Radio (Spokane, Wash.)
• WEKU (Lexington, Ky.)
• WGTE (Toledo, Ohio)
• WPPB (Southampton, N.Y.)
• WVPB (Charleston, W.Va.)

The Slowdown is made possible through funding by the Poetry Foundation, a national independent literary organization and publisher of Poetry magazine, and the support of the Library of Congress, which appoints the nation’s poet laureate. The program is available at no charge to stations. Learn more about the radio broadcast on APM’s station website.Podcast or radio broadcast listeners can also find all episodes, and more information on The Slowdown’s website. In addition, listeners can subscribe to receive a daily newsletter of each episode’s poem in their inboxes every morning.###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 Library of CongressThe Library of Congress Poetry and Literature Center is the home of the Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry, a position that has existed since 1937. The Poet Laureate seeks to raise the national consciousness to a greater appreciation of the reading and writing of poetry. For more information, visit loc.gov/poetry.The Library of Congress is the world’s largest library, offering access to the creative record of the United States – and extensive materials from around the world – both on-site and online. It is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. Explore collections, reference services and other programs and plan a visit at loc.gov, access the official site for U.S. federal legislative information at congress.gov, and register creative works of authorship at copyright.gov.About the Poetry FoundationThe Poetry Foundation, publisher of Poetry magazine, is an independent literary organization committed to a vigorous presence for poetry in American culture. It exists to discover and celebrate the best poetry and to place it before the largest possible audience. The Poetry Foundation seeks to be a leader in shaping a receptive climate for poetry by developing new audiences, creating new avenues for delivery, and encouraging new kinds of poetry through innovative literary prizes and programs.Follow the Poetry Foundation and Poetry on Facebook at facebook.com/poetryfoundation, Twitter @PoetryFound and Instagram @PoetryFoundation.

The Water Main Presents Research on How Americans Relate to Water: Want to Engage Them? Start with What Matters to Them

Qualitative research from APM Research Lab, Wilder Research offers national perspectives

ST. PAUL, Minn., Nov. 12, 2018 – American Public Media’s water initiative, The Water Main, today announced findings in a study focused on Americans’ perceptions on water, a topic for which there is little existing research. Conducted in collaboration with APM Research Lab and Wilder Research, the qualitative study offers water communicators a starting point on best ways to engage the public.The research included questions about where Americans see water as connected to their lives, and important in society more generally.“The Water Main works to build public will for clean water – a topic we believe Americans can unite behind,” said Amy Skoczlas Cole, Managing Director of The Water Main. “Until now, we didn’t have much insight into what people think and care about when it comes to water. With the insights from this research, we – and anyone else working to communicate about water – can now make this topic more relevant and tangible to their lives. This is an audience-first approach to make sure the work we do reaches people and increases their understanding of and connection to water.”Key preliminary findings from this research include:

• People connect to water in a variety of ways. The majority of respondents stated necessity and dependence as the first things they think of when it comes to water in their lives.
• Respondents reported that the relationship between water and food is almost as strong as the relationship between water and hygiene in their lives.
• Respondents expressed a strong relationship between water and the environment. Just over half (54%) of respondents said the most recent media coverage of water they had encountered was related to an environmental issue. Respondents are, in turn, talking about what they hear in the media. Their most recent conversations about water were often similar to the most recent water-related media coverage respondents had encountered.
• But respondents also understood water as relating to topics beyond the environment. The economy, electricity, and human rights also ranked high as societal topics that are strongly related to water.

This research starts to point towards at least three categories of core interests and value sets through which Americans can relate to water.

• The Outdoor Recreation Enthusiast: connecting to water through their favorite body of water, science, and heritage
• The Day to Day User: connecting to water through food, drinking water, their career, and their cost of living
• The Social Impact Citizen: connecting to water through environmental issues, societal well-being, and spirituality

“For me, this study really emphasizes the breadth of ways people derive value from water — from food to hygiene to personal connections,” said Kassira Absar, research associate at APM Research Lab. “It highlights that water connections go beyond environmental concerns.”“The interview questions really prompted respondents to think about the relationship between water and aspects of their lives and society that they may know exist, but don’t often think about,” said Anna Granias, lead study researcher at Wilder Research. “It struck me that more than three out of four respondents have a personal connection to a specific body of water. While respondents’ connection to water was often based on proximity, many respondents also reflected on time spent and memories made with friends and family around these bodies of water. Certainly, this is a positive starting place from which to engage the public in the protection of our water resources.”The complete research report is available at thewatermain.org. The Water Main will use this research to inform its work and shares these findings with the hope of sparking conversation about how to make water more visible, relevant and meaningful to a wider audience.###About American Public MediaAmerican Public Media® is the national programming division of Minnesota Public Radio® and reaches 20 million listeners via approximately 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: Nielsen Audio, Nationwide DMA data, Persons 12+, Spring ‘18. Data are estimates only.About the Water MainThe Water Main was created by American Public Media in 2017 to serve current and new audiences, by growing a new public service model that shapes and inform critical conversations and decisions in society. The initiative focuses on connecting with audiences to grow Water IQ (understanding) and Water EQ (personal connection), acting in ways that have an enduring impact. The Water Main partners within APM, as well as far beyond its borders in collaboration with other media organizations, stakeholder groups, and communities. Learn more by visiting americanpublicmedia.org/water.About Wilder ResearchWilder Research, a division of Amherst H. Wilder Foundation, is a nationally respected nonprofit research and evaluation group. For more than 100 years, Wilder Research has gathered and interpreted facts and trends to help families and communities thrive, get at the core of community concerns, and uncover issues that are overlooked or poorly understood. Learn more at wilder.org/wilder-research.

Francis Lam Answers the Distress Calls of Thanksgiving Cooks with Turkey Confidential 2018

Tune in November 22, noon - 2 p.m. ET, for Thanksgiving advice fromThe Splendid Table and a group of expert friends.

ST. PAUL, Minn., November 8, 2018 – The biggest cooking day of the year is near, and The Splendid Table will return for its annual tradition of Thanksgiving hand-holding for both hosts and guests. Turkey Confidential, an annual, live call-in radio show is a Thanksgiving staple in kitchens across the country. Tune in Thanksgiving Day, November 22, from noon to 2 p.m. Eastern Time. Check out video, recipes and photos from Turkey Confidentials past.

Offering expert cooking advice and holiday storytelling, Turkey Confidential is a source of calm for Turkey Day jitters for both beginners and experienced holiday cooks alike. Keeping with the tradition, host Francis Lam will take calls and questions from listeners all across the country.This year’s Turkey Confidential will be the first in which Francis hosts on his own, after co-hosting with founding host Lynne Rosetto Kasper in 2017. Francis has led The Splendid Table since Kasper’s retirement late last year and will now carry on this Thanksgiving tradition which spans over 15 years. However, after all those years of working on Thanksgiving, Lynne finds the habit hard to break and will return for a special appearance as a call-in guest for this year’s Turkey Confidential.Also joining Francis on this year’s show are a group of award-winning spirited guests.

• Pati Jinich, host of PBS Television’s Pati’s Mexican Table, resident chef at the Mexican Cultural Institute and author of two cookbooks: Pati’s Mexican Table: The Secrets of Real Mexican Home Cooking and Mexican Today: New and Rediscovered Recipes for the Contemporary Kitchen
• New York Times Magazine food columnist Samin Nosrat, who also has penned the James Beard Award-winning Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking, the basis of a recently launched Netflix documentary series
• Dorie Greenspan, two-time Cookbook of the Year Award Winner and New York Times Magazine “On Dessert” columnist. Dorie is the author of 13 cookbooks and has twice been on The New York Times Bestseller List.

Turkey Confidential will be broadcast live from American Public Media’s headquarters and is available to audiences everywhere via your local public radio station or online stream.Audiences are encouraged to dial in to the live show with their questions and Thanksgiving stories, whether they be fantastic or disastrous. To contact Francis during the show, call the Turkey Confidential hotline at 800-242-2828, or submit your stories and questions via the online form. Listeners can also get in touch through the Turkey Confidential Facebook event page or Twitter. Tag @splendidtable on Instagram to share Thanksgiving feast photos with the Turkey Confidential team.

American Public Media’s Glen Nelson Center Officially Opens, Driving Entrepreneurship and Economic Growth in St. Paul

New innovation-focused center, supported by Knight Foundation, launches in downtown’s Osborn370; flagship program Lunar Startups seeks entrepreneurs for its second cohort

ST. PAUL, Minn., Nov. 5, 2018 – American Public Media’s (APM) Glen Nelson Center has officially opened, advancing innovation, business development and activity in downtown St. Paul. The center, established through memorial gifts in memory of Dr. Glen Nelson, contributions to APM’s Inspired by You campaign, and a $1 million investment from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, is named in the honor of Dr. Nelson – a longtime supporter, board member and board chair at Minnesota Public Radio and APM – who passed away in 2016.Friends, family, and former colleagues of Dr. Nelson gathered on Monday at an intimate event to open his namesake center. Special guests Marilyn Carlson Nelson and St. Paul mayor Melvin Carter were also in attendance to celebrate the center’s dedication.The center is central to APM’s efforts to lead the changing landscape of media and technology, in addition to ensuring that APM can continue to serve diverse and growing audiences in the most vital of ways. The Glen Nelson Center will invest in and house companies that support this mission and are on the frontier of their field.“The Glen Nelson Center honors Dr. Nelson’s values of entrepreneurship and innovation, and we are very fortunate to have the support of Marilyn Carlson Nelson and her family in this new journey,” said Jon McTaggart, president and CEO of American Public Media Group. “Along with the generosity of Newman’s Own Foundation, the Bill Kling Innovation Endowment, and many people who have honored Dr. Nelson with their personal gifts, we are inspired by the commitment to discovery and expanding public service in our community.”Knight Foundation supported the creation of the center and its flagship program, Lunar Startups, as part of its strategy to promote revitalization efforts in downtown St. Paul and advance an entrepreneurial ecosystem that encourages new job growth.“St. Paul is on the cusp of a resurgence, one focused on claiming its spot as a dynamic and vibrant urban hub. Key to this transformation is an active downtown corridor that attracts new business, new ideas and new opportunities for community engagement opportunities alike. As an exciting, new downtown establishment focused on fostering innovation, the Glen Nelson Center gets St. Paul closer to this goal,” said Jai Winston, Knight Foundation program director for St. Paul.Lunar Startups Preparing for Cohort 2Knight Foundation’s $1 million investment funds, in part, Lunar Startups, the Glen Nelson Center’s flagship program that accelerates local startups with a focus on underrepresented communities.The startup incubator will soon welcome early-stage companies to apply for its Cohort 2 class of entrepreneurs.The program will accept five to seven young companies to occupy this office space, while having access to ongoing visibility, education, stewardship, state-of-the-art equipment and team development.The application period opens Wednesday, November 28, and runs through Monday, December 31. The application will be live on Lunar Startups’ website. Selections will be made in January 2019, with Cohort 2 set to launch in March. Lunar Startups aims to promote and develop underestimated founders leading early stage, scalable ventures. Cohort 1 includes 26 Letters, Asiya, Clutch SOS, Dojour, Monicat Data and Take 12, the majority of which are led by women and/or a person of color.“Cohort 1 has proven to be a powerful group of entrepreneurs that are setting a great bar for future participants,” said Danielle Steer, managing director of Lunar Startups. “Startups that participate in Cohort 2 will have the benefit of a customized program informed by the lessons learned with our first cohort; these startups also get to be on the ground floor of driving the future of the program while joining the MPR|APM community.”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. More information about cohort member criteria can be found here.The 12-month cohort measures success based on each company’s growth and achieved milestones.Cohort 2 information sessionLunar Startups will host a “Lunch and Learn” information session on Wednesday, November 28, 12-2 p.m., for all individuals and groups interested in applying to be a part of Cohort 2.Participation is free and will include presentations by Cohort 1 members, remarks from Knight Foundation’s Jai Winston and Lunar Startups’ Danielle Steer, as well as a light lunch and an opportunity to network with Lunar Startups staff, Cohort 1 members and other applicants. The event serves as an opportunity to learn about Lunar Startups selection criteria and process, how to apply and the experiences of the inaugural cohort.The Lunch and Learn will take place at Lunar Startups’ offices at Osborn370 in downtown St. Paul. The event is family friendly, with a mother’s room onsite. Parking information can be found here.Attendees are asked to RSVP here and contact Danielle Steer at hello@lunarstartups.org with any accommodations requests.###About American Public Media American Public Media® is the national programming division of Minnesota Public Radio® and reaches 20 million listeners via approximately 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: Nielsen Audio, Nationwide DMA data, Persons 12+, Spring ‘18. Data are estimates only.About the Glen Nelson CenterThe Glen Nelson Center exists to explore, discover, and develop innovative ways to serve new and diverse audiences through entrepreneurial endeavors that support American Public Media’s public service mission. For more information on the Glen Nelson center, visit GlenNelson.org.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 kf.org.

American Public Media Names Chandra Kavati as Vice President, Content Distribution and Partnerships

ST. PAUL, Minn., Nov. 1, 2018 — American Public Media Group today announced that it has named Chandra Kavati as its vice president of content distribution and partnerships. In this role, she will oversee the APM Distribution team, with a focus on driving audience growth within the U.S. public radio system. Kavati also will be responsible for developing new programming and opportunities for expanding APM’s public service, creating and fostering new partnerships and alliances, such as The New York Times and the BBC.Since 2012, Kavati has served as the managing director of development strategy and operations for Minnesota Public Radio and APM. Leading operations for MPR|APM’s philanthropic development division, she has created superior donor experiences and financial stability, and created alignment across American Public Media Group to support audience growth and engagement.“With her almost 20 years’ experience in development, marketing and operations at nonprofits, Chandra’s passion for innovation and building strong relationships, strategies and systems will help the APM Distribution team serve our stations and our listeners across the country even more effectively,” said Mike Reszler, senior vice president for strategy and experimentation & chief digital officer, APMG.Kavati has a Bachelor of Arts in literature and creative writing from Harvard University, and a graduate certificate and Master of Liberal Studies in innovation and technology from the University of Minnesota. She is also a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE).

U.S. Poet Laureate Brings Poetry to Podcast and Radio Audiences with The Slowdown

Library of Congress, American Public Media and the Poetry Foundationcollaborate to offer daily poetry podcast launching November 26,with national broadcast on public radio stations available January 2019

WASHINGTON, D.C., October 2, 2018 – U.S. Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith will soon bring the power of poetry to listeners across the globe as host of a weekday podcast and radio feature titled The Slowdown.The five-minute program encourages listeners to make a daily space for poetry in an increasingly busy and chaotic world.“Poetry isn’t an escape or even a luxury,” Smith said. “I’d argue it’s a necessity, a means of living more deeply with reality.”The celebrated poet will read works by writers from around the country and the world and explore how poetry helps us better understand life, history, art, science and more. The show will debut on podcast platforms in November; it will be made available to public radio stations nationwide early next year.“I'm excited to continue the work I've done as poet laureate in celebrating poems and the conversations they foster. And thanks to technology’s ability to collapse the distance between people -- to give you the feeling that there is one person out there speaking directly and only to you -- geography is no longer a barrier to participation,” Smith said. “I think this is a perfect medium for talking about the very real and natural ways that poems speak to the daily experience of being alive.”Smith, a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, is serving her second year as the nation’s 22^nd poet laureate. In this role, she has focused on connecting with rural areas by visiting states across the country through her project “American Conversations: Celebrating Poems in Rural Communities.” Smith aims to spark conversations that prove poetry helps readers and listeners slow down, think more passionately and deeply, and see the world through the eyes of others.Made possible through funding by the Poetry Foundation, the Chicago-based independent literary organization and publisher of Poetry magazine, and the support of the Library of Congress Poetry and Literature Center, The Slowdown is produced by American Public Media (APM) and will launch on podcast platforms on November 26. The Slowdown will be made available for broadcast on public radio stations across the United States beginning January 14.Listen to a trailer for The Slowdown and subscribe here.“We are thrilled to continue our commitment to poetry and to introduce it to new audiences,” said Dave Kansas, executive vice president and chief content officer for American Public Media Group. “The Slowdown will bring in new and more voices to the poetry scene, while also reaching existing fans with a deep appreciation for this type of literary work.”“As poet laureate of the United States, Tracy K. Smith is in a unique position to expand appreciation of poetry across the nation and show us that poetry helps readers better understand the world,” said Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden. “We are proud to partner with American Public Media and the Poetry Foundation to help bring her voice to the nation.”“Tracy K. Smith brings a fresh and accessible spirit to poetry, and soon, into the homes and earbuds of Americans,” said Henry Bienen, Poetry Foundation president. “The Slowdown is a perfect extension of our mission to find new and exciting ways for people to connect with poems.”Listeners can find The Slowdown on Apple Podcasts and all podcast platforms beginning November 26. Public radio broadcasting details for The Slowdown will be announced this winter.###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 Library of CongressThe Library of Congress Poetry and Literature Center is the home of the Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry, a position that has existed since 1937. The Poet Laureate seeks to raise the national consciousness to a greater appreciation of the reading and writing of poetry. For more information, visit loc.gov/poetry.The Library of Congress is the world’s largest library, offering access to the creative record of the United States – and extensive materials from around the world – both on-site and online. It is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. Explore collections, reference services and other programs and plan a visit at loc.gov, access the official site for U.S. federal legislative information at congress.gov, and register creative works of authorship at copyright.gov.About the Poetry FoundationThe Poetry Foundation, publisher of Poetry magazine, is an independent literary organization committed to a vigorous presence for poetry in American culture. It exists to discover and celebrate the best poetry and to place it before the largest possible audience. The Poetry Foundation seeks to be a leader in shaping a receptive climate for poetry by developing new audiences, creating new avenues for delivery, and encouraging new kinds of poetry through innovative literary prizes and programs.Follow the Poetry Foundation and Poetry on Facebook at facebook.com/poetryfoundation, Twitter @PoetryFound and Instagram @PoetryFoundation.

Live from Here with Chris Thile Announces Additions to Ensemble

Fresh voices will inspire and energize Chris Thile's third season as host, premiering Oct. 6

Saint Paul, Minn., Sept. 18, 2018–Some well-known names–new to public radio–will join Chris Thile on stage for the upcoming season of Live from Here. Over the past two years, Thile has brought his eclectic mix of music and guests to the show, appealing to curious music fans. As the creative force, Thile continues to retool and shape the weekly live public radio performance. This year, he’s added new talent to the mix with a focus on providing an even better experience for live and radio listeners to Live from Here, which has increased its listenership among young listeners, ages 18-44, including a 22 percent gain for those ages 25-34.Mike ElizondoJoining this year as musical director is Mike Elizondo. Musician, songwriter, and Grammy-nominated producer, he’s previously performed in the Live from Here band as the bass player and is best known for his 11-year collaboration with hip-hop producer Dr. Dre, as well as for co-writing Eminem’s “The Real Slim Shady,” Carrie Underwood’s No. 1 single “Cowboy Casanova” and 50 Cent’s smash “In Da Club” – which he also co-produced. Over the course of his career, Elizondo has contributed as a musician, writer and/or producer on albums for artists across an incredible range of musical genres, including Jay Z, Fiona Apple, Maroon 5, Mary J. Blige, Nelly Furtado, Pink, Sheryl Crow, Eric Clapton, Natasha Bedingfield, Ry Cooder, Snoop Dogg, Keith Urban and Kimbra. He is currently Senior Vice President of A&R for Warner Bros. Records.Mike YardOne of the most well-respected comics in New York, Mike Yard brings fresh comedy to the show this year. Yard is a stand-up comedian and was a contributor to Comedy Central’s “The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore.” He’s also the host of podcast “Yard Talk with Mike Yard.” Live from Here fans may recognize Yard from his well-received guest appearance on the show last year. Greg HessA long-time fan of the show, Greg Hess joins the Live from Here writing team and acting ensemble. He is a Los Angeles-based writer and performer and is a founding member of ensembles Cook County Social Club and the Improvised Shakespeare Company. He has created original material with Comedy Central, Adult Swim, Funny or Die and Sonar Entertainment. Holly LaurentHolly Laurent, writer and actor, is an alumnus of the Second City main stage in Chicago, where she wrote and performed three critically acclaimed revues. She toured with the Second City national touring company and was a featured performer at the TBS Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal, and the Chicago Improv Festival, and she opened an original comedy at the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company in Washington, D.C. Her film and TV credits include “Barely Famous” (VH1) “Drunk History,” “Key & Peele” (Comedy Central) and “The Late Late Show with James Corden.”

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Serena Brook, who has been with the show for the past two years, will continue in the acting group and will take on the role of announcer of the show. Joey Ryan, who joined the team last year, will continue as the show’s creative director.“I’m beyond excited about the team we have this year,” Thile said. “This show is a joy to make and I feel like that joy gets a little more infectious every week. The new mix of talent further energizes our celebration of hearable beauty and hilarity. We can’t wait to get in front of your ears this fall.”Many members of the show’s existing team and crew are staying on. Departing the show are acting company members Tim Russell and Fred Newman, and keyboardist/musical director Rich Dworsky.“I stand in awe of and will be forever grateful to these extraordinary gentlemen.” Thile said. “Their artistry, individually and collectively, is an essential, immortal part of America’s sonic landscape. As we stay curious about what’s next, we’re mindful of and thankful for all the brilliant people that have helped make this show what it is today.”Live from Here is produced by American Public Media. Audio and video clips, along with scripts, photos and from information about Live from Here with Chris Thile can be found at www.livefromhere.org.For more information, please contactCarla Sacks, Cami Opere or Louis D’Adamio at Sacks & Co.212.741.1000, carla@sacksco.com, cami.opere@sacksco.com or louis.dadamio@sacksco.com.

Alisa Roth Joins MPR Newsroom as Part of APM's Call to Mind Initiative

Roth will serve as MPR News’ first reporter dedicated to covering mental health

ST. PAUL, Minn., Sept. 11, 2018 – Call to Mind, American Public Media’s mental health initiative, is bringing increased reporting on the topic mental health to audiences with the addition of a seasoned reporter to the MPR News staff. Alisa Roth, an experienced journalist, is joining MPR News this fall as the newsroom’s first reporter dedicated to covering the topic of mental health.Roth is the author of Insane: America’s Criminal Treatment of Mental Illness, which was published this spring and received acclaim for its coverage of the mental health crisis within the American criminal justice system. Roth, a former reporter for Marketplace, has also written for The New York Times and The New York Review of Books. A former Fulbright Scholar, she also has reported for NPR and The World.“We are so thrilled to have Alisa bring a focused approach to mental health coverage,” said Babette Apland, managing director of Call to Mind. “The depth of her experience reporting on mental health makes her the perfect person for this role. Mental health is essential to wellbeing for everyone and through Alisa’s reporting, we hope to inspire greater conversation about mental health across the state.”Inspired by You, MPR’s capital campaign, makes funding for this mental health initiative possible. Call to Mind’s five-year national initiative aims to inform and mobilize new conversations about mental health. Its initial focus is primarily on Minnesota and MPR’s regional services, which includes MPR News. It will expand to national audiences via American Public Media’s reach and through partnerships.“As a news organization, we have a responsibility to cover the stories that closely affect our audiences,” said Nancy Cassutt, director of MPR News. “Mental health is an obvious subject that deserves closer coverage. We’re very pleased to now have Alisa’s responsible and thorough reporting available to our listeners.”Roth’s coverage begins this month.

The Hilarious World of Depression Returns for a Third Season

New Season Places Special Focus on Audience Interactions

ST. PAUL, Minn., Aug. 7, 2018 – American Public Media’s hit podcast The Hilarious World of Depression is back with new celebrity interviews and audience discussion about mental illness. Hosted by John Moe, the series brings conversation about clinical depression out of the shadows while keeping things frank and funny. The series will debut its third season Monday, August 13, publishing new episodes weekly through the end of the year.

Season Three’s premiere will feature celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern, a culinary expert with an adventurous streak, who has struggled with addiction and depression. Moe and Zimmern will discuss the chef’s story of hitting bottom, redemption, and Zimmern’s friend, the late Anthony Bourdain.The podcast will continue to deliver important discussions about mental illness with well-known individuals such as Scott Thompson of The Kids in the Hall; singer-songwriter Neko Case; hip hop artist and podcaster Open Mike Eagle; comedian and actor Charlyne Yi; and comedian, musician, and army combat veteran Thom Tran. In addition to these conversations, Season Three will place a special emphasis on audience interaction.“This is our audience season. We will continue to have celebrity guests and hear their stories, but we’re also going to have more of our listeners be part of the podcast,” said Moe. “That means episodes where The Hilarious World of Depression answers audience questions and allows them to share their thoughts. This show has evolved to become part of the mental health discussion, and that brings even more voices to the conversation.”Like the first two seasons, Season Three of The Hilarious World of Depression is produced by APM and created in partnership with HealthPartners’s Make It OK campaign, which aims to reduce stigma surrounding mental illness.“Humor can open a door for a conversation about mental illnesses 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 continue our partnership to reach new audiences this season with messages of hope and recovery.”Listen to The Hilarious World of Depression on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, NPR One, Spotify or RadioPublic. Learn more at The Hilarious World of Depression’s Facebook page and by following @johnmoe and @thwofd on Twitter.

Six high-growth, diverse St. Paul entrepreneurs selected to receive working space, development opportunities as Lunar Startups’ inaugural cohort

Majority of the cohort are startups led by women or a person of colorST. PAUL, Minn., July 23, 2018 – Lunar Startups, an incubator that supports high-growth entrepreneurs in Minnesota, has announced its inaugural cohort of resident organizations. The new program, which was launched earlier this year by American Public Media and is housed at the Glen Nelson Center, will incubate and accelerate startups, with a focus on entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities. It is supported in part by a $1 million investment from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.The six early-stage companies were selected from an applicant pool of 45 startups led by a diverse group of entrepreneurs. The majority of the startups selected for the first cohort are led by a person of color, and over half are led by women.The inaugural cohort includes:

• 26 Letters – a data insights and analytics startup that informs solutions to help institutions recruit, retain, and grow top talent in today's workforce
• Asiya – a social enterprise created with the mission of increasing sports participation rates among Muslim girls by developing activewear that enables physical activity and sports participation while upholding religious and cultural beliefs
• Clutch SOS – a safety tech startup providing VIP Assurance, which means virtual witnesses, intervention by those witnesses, and proof of your situation in the session via audio recording
• Dojour – a calendar system, providing an easy-to-use platform for organizations to post and share their events on websites, social media, and elsewhere across the web
• Monicat Data – a strategic agency providing data management and technology solutions for the creative economy
• Take 12 – a crowdfunding service allowing friends and family to relieve the financial stress of unpaid maternity leave for working mothers by giving financial gifts in lieu of a traditional baby registry

“Our inaugural cohort represents the broad definition of entrepreneurship,” said Melissa Kjolsing Lynch, founding managing director of Lunar Startups. “These six high-growth startups are tackling real problems from health to safety to equity. We’re excited to surround them with intentional, unique and targeted resources to help them drive growth.”Lunar Startups Cohort 1 will have dedicated workspace in the Glen Nelson Center at Osborn370 in St. Paul’s downtown core. 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.“This impressive group of entrepreneurs reflect the strength, talent, and promise of St. Paul’s diverse startup community. With support from Lunar Startups, we anticipate successes from the cohort that will drive growth and development in the heart of our city,” said Jai Winston, Knight Foundation program director for St. Paul.Support for these projects forms one part of Knight Foundation’s efforts in St. Paul to attract and nurture talent, enhance economic opportunity and foster civic engagement. Since 2005, Knight has pledged more than $14 million to St. Paul.###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 Glen Nelson CenterThe Glen Nelson Center exists to explore, discover, and develop innovative ways to serve new and diverse audiences through entrepreneurial endeavors that support American Public Media’s public service mission. For more information on the Glen Nelson center, visit GlenNelson.org.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 KF.org.

APM Research Lab launches “Representing US,” new tools in time for the hotly contested 2018 elections

Easily map and sort demographic data and voting history for the nation’s 435 Congressional DistrictsST. PAUL, Minn., June 26, 2018 — Which congressional races are most likely to be influenced by the Millennial vote or Generation Z behind them? Where are the voices of immigrants most likely to play a role? How many districts that went for President Trump in 2016 are currently represented by a Democrat? These are but a few of the many questions that are now easily answerable thanks to a freely accessible new project, launched today by APM Research Lab.Representing US, available here, allows users to easily display any one of 30 variables in a zoomable map or sortable graph.“We hope that this project will help to keep election coverage focused on what is most important: the people who Congress is elected to represent,” said APM Research Lab’s Managing Partner, Craig Helmstetter.APM Research Lab has developed localized versions of Representing US for both Minnesota Public Radio News and Southern California Public Radio, with others likely to follow.“Everyone running for a U.S. House seat ought to know who their constituents are, to serve them well. These tools provide both a demographic profile and plenty of voting history data for journalists and the public to consult counting down to the November midterm elections, when all 435 House seats are up for election,” said Andi Egbert, the project’s chief architect and senior researcher.Select findings:

• At 10 percent of all voting-age adults, Utah’s 3rd Congressional District has the nation’s highest proportion of potential post-Millennial Generation Z voters, age 18-21.

• Massachusetts’ 7th District, which encircles Boston, has the highest share of Millennials among potential voters, at 40 percent of its 18-and-older population. New York’s 12th district and Illinois’ 5th district are next in line for greatest Millennial share.

• Florida includes 9 of the nation’s 10 oldest districts, including its District 11 – the nation’s oldest – where the median age is 56.

• Of the nation’s 435 Congressional Districts, 124 are “minority majority” districts, where people of color collectively outnumber non-Hispanic whites. These districts include:

  • New York’s 15th, where a nation-leading 97 percent of residents are people of color.

  • California’s 40th, where a nation-leading 88 percent of residents are Hispanic.

  • In 31 Districts, at least 90 percent are non-Hispanic White, led by Kentucky’s 4th district where 96 percent of residents identify as non-Hispanic White.

  • How many of the districts that Trump won now have a Democratic Congressperson? Thirteen, including Minnesota’s 7th District, where incumbent Democrat Collin Peterson held his seat in 2016 despite Trump’s 31 percentage point margin of victory.

  • How many of the districts that Clinton won currently have a Republican Congressperson? Twenty-two, including Florida’s 27th, where longstanding, and now outgoing, incumbent Republican Ileana Ros-Lehtinen won although her district favored Clinton by 20 percentage points.

  • California’s 17th and 18th districts have the highest annual median household incomes in the nation, at more than $120,000 apiece. New York’s 15th and Kentucky’s 5th have the lowest median incomes, with half of all households making less than about $30,000.

Additional findings for the five states holding primaries today:

• New York: More than 7 in 10 residents age 25 or older hold a bachelor’s or higher degree in the New York’s 12th district (the east Side of Manhattan and extending into Queens), making it the best educated district in the nation. However, not far away in New York’s 15th district (The Bronx) has among the nation’s fewest college-educated residents, at 12 percent.

• Colorado: More than one-third of the voting-age population in Colorado’s 1st district (Denver area) are Millennials, making it a top-20 district for greatest Millennial voting presence.

• Maryland: With 56 percent of its adults 25 or older holding a bachelor’s or higher degree, Maryland’s 8th district ranks 13th highest in the country on this measure. That same district (covering the northern D.C. suburbs north toward the Pennsylvania border) has among the lowest poverty rates among the nation’s 435 districts, at just 6.2 percent.

• Oklahoma: The immigrant share of the population in Oklahoma’s U.S. House districts ranges from 2 percent in its 2nd district (covering the eastern-most part of the state), to 10 percent in its 5th district (home to Oklahoma City). Oklahoma’s 2nd district has the most American Indian residents of any district, numbering about 200,000.

• Utah: The claim of the “youngest” district in the nation belongs to Utah’s 3rd district, with a median age of 28. Utah’s 4th and 1st districts (median age 31 for both) are among the top 10 lowest as well.

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