APMG VIRTUAL CONFERENCE AND CAREER FAIR ON MARCH 1

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LOS ANGELES and ST. PAUL, Minn., Feb. 1, 2022 –American Public Media Group will host its first APMG Virtual Conference and Career Fair on Tuesday, March 1. Registration is available here.  

APMG seeks talented individuals with a passion for public media to fill full- and part-time job positions. Career opportunities in content, data, digital, development and more are available at APMG locations in St. Paul, Minnesota, Los Angeles and New York, as well as remote work positions.  

Job seekers will have the opportunity to hear from APMG leaders, have one-on-one conversations with hiring managers, meet the recruitment team and network at the all-virtual online career fair. 

“We’re excited to share the incredible opportunities we have available,” said APMG’s Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer, Christine Phelps. “We’re looking for people who value working in a listener and community driven environment. We also want people to feel we’re the right move in their career. This conference offers candidates the chance to meet directly with managers informally and learn more about our mission-driven organization.” 

Working at APMG presents an opportunity to learn from the organization’s first female CEO, Jean Taylor, be involved in partnerships that will reinvent media over the coming decade, develop future on-demand programming initiatives and contribute to impactful work in service of our communities: Inclusion at MPR News and Dialogue from Southern California Public Radio. 

Talented, curious individuals and job seekers interested in more information about the event can visit the APMG Virtual Conference and Career Fair site here. To check out the current list of job openings, visit APMG career’s site at apmgcareers.org.  

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About American Public Media Group  
American Public Media Group (APMG) 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. Our mission is to enrich the mind and nourish the spirit – enhancing lives, expanding perspectives, and strengthening communities. APMG’s operations include Minnesota Public Radio® (MPR®), a 46-station network serving nearly all of Minnesota and parts of surrounding states, and Southern California Public Radio, a five-station network serving Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura County, Coachella Valley, Santa Barbara, and the Inland Empire. Programs produced by MPR’s national programming division, American Public Media® (APM), reach over 17 million listeners with nearly 1,000 public radio stations and over 400 commercial 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 programming in the nation. APM Studios, a division of APM, also offers a diverse array of podcasts featuring the best in food, culture, entertainment, business and investigative journalism. For more information on APMG, visit americanpublicmediagroup.org.  

Dessa Digs Deep with New Season of “Deeply Human”

BBC World Service, iHeartMedia and American Public Media continue co-production of podcast

NEW YORK and ST. PAUL, Minn., Jan.  31, 2022 — Writer and musician Dessa continues her exploration of human behavior, instincts, and culture in season two of her podcast, “Deeply Human.”  

This weekly podcast, a collaboration of BBC World Service, iHeartMedia and American Public Media (APM), will return on February 18. Throughout the course of the new twelve-episode season, Dessa investigates our tendencies to create social hierarchies and to use intoxicants; she speaks to experts on monogamy, accents, and the dark forces at play in the way we perceive and pursue beauty. Listen to the season two trailer here.

The episodes feature researchers with expertise in neuroscience, evolution, cultural history, criminology, sleep, hoarding--and even a legendary New York DJ--to uncover the sociological and physiological drivers of our behaviors. The season builds on a successful first season which attracted a dedicated fanbase by exploring the human experience with rigor, humor, intimate stories, and the occasional spit take.   

“Deeply Human” is coproduced by BBC World Service, American Public Media, and iHeartMedia and is distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network. “Deeply Human” brings together BBC’s century-long expertise in audio storytelling, APM’s success in the American podcast market, and iHeartMedia’s position as the No. 1 podcast publisher globally. 

 Listeners can find “Deeply Human” on iHeartRadio, BBC Sounds, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms. Binge all of season one now on iHeartRadio and everywhere else podcasts are available.  

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About Dessa   
Dessa is a rapper, singer, and writer who’s made a career of defying genre conventions and audience expectations. As a writer, she has contributed to The New York Times, National Geographic Traveler, and literary journals across the United States. As a musician, she’s collaborated with full orchestras, contributed to The Hamilton Mixtape on the invitation of Lin-Manuel Miranda, appeared on the Billboard Top 200 charts, and toured five continents. Dessa's work is driven by an interest in finding unexpected connections--between love and science; big ideas and mundane moments, instinct and philosophy. Her TED Talk, which investigates the neuroscience of love, has clocked more than 4 million views. Dessa’s delivery balances wit, tenderness, intellectual rigor, and poetic sensibility. She splits her time between Minneapolis and Manhattan. @dessa on Instagram, @dessadarling on Twitter/Facebook.  

About BBC World Service 
BBC World Service delivers news content around the world in English and 41 other language services, on radio, TV, and digital.  BBC World Service reaches a weekly audience of 364m. As part of BBC World Service, BBC Learning English teaches English to global audiences. For more information, visit bbc.com/worldservice. The BBC attracts a weekly global audience of 489m people to its services available internationally, including BBC World Service, BBC World News television channel, bbc.com/news, BBC Studios, and the international charity, BBC Media Action. 

About American Public Media  
American Public Media® (APM) is the national programming and distribution division of Minnesota Public Radio® and reaches over 17 million listeners with nearly 1,000 public radio stations and over 400 commercial 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 Studios, a division of 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+, Spring ‘21.  

About iHeartMedia  
iHeartMedia, Inc. [Nasdaq: IHRT] is the leading audio media company in America, reaching over 250 million people each month. It is number one in both broadcast and digital streaming radio as well as podcasting and audio ad tech and includes three business segments: The iHeartMedia Multiplatform Group; the iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group; and the Audio and Media Services Group. Visit iHeartMedia.com for more company information. 

American Public Media Group Names Liwanag Ojala Chief Transformation Officer

New Appointment Underscores Commitment to Expand Audience Reach and Accelerate Digital Transformation

ST. PAUL, Minn., Dec. 14, 2021 — American Public Media Group (APMG) announced the appointment of Liwanag Ojala as Senior Vice President and Chief Transformation Officer, effective January 10, 2022. In this new role, Liwanag will mobilize the organization’s digital transformation and guide cross-functional initiatives to accelerate new revenue growth, audience growth and impact.

"Liwanag is a highly respected collaborative partner and results-oriented change agent with more than two decades of experience leading digital transformation in both non-profit and for-profit sectors," said Jean Taylor, CEO of APMG. "I am confident that her expertise in building teams to focus on expanding reach and driving digital innovation will position APMG to simultaneously deliver on our mission as a public media company and achieve our objectives for impact and growth."

From 2016 through 2020, Liwanag served as CEO of CaringBridge, a global nonprofit social network dedicated to connecting friends and families facing challenging health journeys. As CEO, she successfully led CaringBridge’s strategic turnaround – repositioning the brand, evolving the culture, strengthening community partnerships and modernizing technology. Prior to CaringBridge, Liwanag served as Vice President, eCommerce for Meijer, Inc, a Midwest-based supercenter chain, where she championed and led its multichannel grocery strategy. She also previously held senior leadership positions at Pear Tree Greetings and CobornsDelivers.com and practiced law at Briggs & Morgan and Spartan Nash. She has served on the APMG/MPR Board of Trustees since 2016, resigning to accept this newly created management role. Liwanag received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwestern University and her Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Minnesota. She was recently honored with two awards recognizing her success as a leader in the Twin Cities: 100 Who Care Award, by Holding Co & IDEO 2020 and Person to Know in 2020, by Twin Cities Business Magazine 2020.

"I'm both excited and energized by the opportunity to serve as APMG’s Chief Transformation Officer and help this organization continue to innovate and grow," said Liwanag Ojala. “I look forward to working with Jean and the dedicated APMG/MPR team to provide an exceptional listening experience and programming offerings for a broader, more diverse audience."

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About American Public Media Group 
American Public Media Group (APMG) 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. APMG’s operations include Minnesota Public Radio® (MPR®), a 46-station network serving nearly all of Minnesota and parts of surrounding states, and Southern California Public Radio, a five-station network serving Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura County, Coachella Valley, Santa Barbara, and the Inland Empire. Programs produced by MPR’s national programming division, American Public Media® (APM), reach over 17 million listeners with nearly 1,000 public radio stations and over 400 commercial 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 programming in the nation. APM Studios, a division of APM, also offers a diverse array of podcasts featuring the best in food, culture, entertainment, business and investigative journalism. For more information on APMG, visit americanpublicmediagroup.org. 

Performance Today Names Five Students for 2021-2022 Young Artist in Residency Series

ST. PAUL, Minn., Oct. 11, 2021 –Performance Today (PT), from YourClassical and distributed by American Public Media, has announced five young musicians who have been identified for the 2021-2022 Performance Today Young Artists in Residence Program (PTYA).   

Performance Today is the most popular, award winning classical music radio program in the country. PT works with the best conservatories from around the country to identify their top talent to take part in the PTYA Program each year.

Each Young Artist will have performances and interviews with host Fred Child recorded for broadcast and will participate in outreach to elementary and middle-school students. 

This year’s Young Artists include:

·         Anais Feller, violin, Colburn School of Music
Feller regularly participates in summer academies in Europe and the U.S. She won a gold medal at the Burgos International Festival Competition in Spain in 2019 and won second prize at The Southern California Philharmonic Young Artist Competition in 2020. Her recent performances include the Bach double concerto alongside Ray Chen at the Laguna Beach Music Festival and at the Basically Beethoven Festival in Dallas. Feller also devotes her time performing at charity events such as the Christmas charity concerts for the Brain Trauma Foundation and at the fundraising concert for Hurricane Harvey victims.

·         Ariel Sol (Ari) Bertulfo Schwartz, harp, Jacobs School of Music
Schwartz is a harpist and composer whose compositions have been recognized multiple times by the Illinois Music Education Association. He was selected as the Featured Young Composer of the American Harp Society in 2017. Schwartz has been tapped more than once by the Greater Chicago Chapter of the American Harp Society’s Scholarship Competition to perform as a soloist at Lyon & Healy. He has also played at the Peoria Civic Center, the Grant Park Music Festival’s Music in the Parks Series, St. Olaf College, and Dominican University’s Lund Auditorium. In his music, Schwartz strives to dismantle the traditional accessibility barriers associated with classical music and aims to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion on stage and within audiences.

·         Sterling Elliot, cello, The Juilliard School
Awarded first prize in the Senior Division of the 2019 22nd Annual Sphinx Competition, Elliot was the youngest finalist and even won the audience choice award. His recent performances were at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland which included a performance on the CNBC Television Network. Sterling had the honor of performing for French and American cellist YoY o Ma, and he also performed alongside recording artist Jennifer Hudson. He has won several awards throughout his career and is a two-time alum of NPR’s From the Top. Sterling is one of the youngest musicians to work as a sub for the New York Philharmonic and is a proud recipient of a Kovner Fellowship.

·         Tyler Martin, flute, Shepherd School of Music
Martin is an orchestral musician, freelance flutist and a private instructor. He plays with the Missouri Symphony Orchestra and subs with the Houston Symphony Orchestra. Most recently, Martin was selected as a member of the 2020 Spoleto Festival USA Orchestra, Texas Music Festival Orchestra and was granted a teaching assistantship at Brevard Music Center. He has played in countries including Spain, France, Italy, Brussels, Switzerland and the Dominican Republic. A winner of numerous awards, his most recent were a first prize in the Houston Flute Club’s Byron Hester Competition, and second prize in the NY Flute Club and Austin Flute Society Young Artist Competition this year. Martin is passionate about teaching, music advocacy and amplifying BIPOC voices in classical music.

·         Hao Yang, classical guitar, Curtis Institute
Yang was recently honored as the winner of the Astral National Auditions. Her other prizes include placing first in the Guitar Foundation of America International Youth Competition, the Andrés Segovia International Competition for Young Guitarists, and the Columbus State University Guitar Symposium international competition.  She has performed with the Chursächsische Philharmonie in Germany and at Beijing guitar festivals as well as venues including the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the National Centre for Performing Arts in Beijing, Princeton Sound Kitchen, SubCulture in New York, and Miller Theatre at Columbia University. She also appears on numerous recordings for Bridge Records Inc.

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About YourClassical
YourClassical® is a collection of curated classical music listening experiences and information produced by Minnesota Public Radio and American Public Media®. YourClassical provides audiences with the music they love through terrestrial broadcasts and multiple web-based platforms. Nationally syndicated YourClassical programs include Pipedreams®, SymphonyCast®, Composers Datebook® and Performance Today®, and are in addition to the Radio, Lullaby, Relax, Peaceful Piano, and Holiday audio streams that can be found at YourClassical.org. Regional music programming produced by YourClassical MPR®, is a trusted companion for listeners across Minnesota on broadcast radio, web interfaces and live events. YourClassical MPR’s Kid’s Initiatives strives to inspire the next generation of music fans and artists through in-school learning experiences, educational content, and resources for teachers and parents. Each week, nearly 2.75 million people engage with YourClassical . Learn more and listen at yourclassical.org.

About American Public Media
American Public Media® (APM) is the national programming and distribution division of Minnesota Public Radio® and reaches over 17 million listeners with nearly 1,000 public radio stations and over 400 commercial 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 Studios, a division of 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+, Spring ‘21. 

APM Studios Names Joanne Griffith Chief Content Officer and Promotes Thomas De Napoli to Chief Strategy Officer

New Appointments Solidify Senior Leadership for American Public Media’s Podcast Outfit with Lily Kim Continuing as General Manager and Alex Schaffert as Chief Operating Officer

ST. PAUL, Minn., Oct. 7, 2021 — APM Studios (www.apmstudios.org), the podcast production division of American Public Media (APM), has announced two new executive appointments. Effective immediately, Joanne Griffith joins the team as Chief Content Officer and Thomas De Napoli has been named Chief Strategy Officer, solidifying the senior leadership team under General Manager Lily Kim. Along with Chief Operating Officer Alex Schaffert, the group is charged with forwarding the studio's mission to tell stories that inspire change through unique perspectives, voices and realities.

Griffith will oversee the editorial vision and brand voice for APM Studios and will have creative oversight on original and acquired podcasts. Her new role marks her return to APM, having previously worked with Marketplace, the organization’s business and economic news outlet, where she implemented a successful audience engagement-focused approach to growing the enterprise’s digital footprint. With over 20 years of experience in audio reporting, producing and editing, Griffith has a deep background in public media, working with the BBC, NPR, Southern California Public Radio and KQED. She was recently the founding managing editor of The California Newsroom, one of NPR’s first collaborative regional news hubs, and was also the lead producer on ESPN’s 30 for 30 podcast The King of Crenshaw.

As Chief Strategy Officer for APM Studios, De Napoli will lead on all business development efforts to extend APM’s podcast IP across multimedia platforms, including consumer products and experiences. He will also continue managing sponsor and partner revenue growth for the organization’s portfolio of on-demand audio content. De Napoli joined APM in 2020 as managing director, and over the past year has built the podcast business' sales and business development strategy, including a landmark partnership deal with Cadence 13. Prior to APM, he led ViacomCBS’ digital transformation initiatives to monetize its social media footprint and developed revenue-generating partnerships with leading creators and digital publishers.

“During this pivotal time for APM Studios, Alex, Tom and I are thrilled to welcome Joanne. Given her impressive background in public media, her thoughtful audience-engagement approach towards storytelling, and the past initiatives she has led to champion diversity efforts, it was clear from the start that Joanne would be the perfect person to round out our leadership team," commented Lily Kim, General Manager, APM Studios. "Expanding Tom's role here at APM Studios was also an easy decision given the significant impact and growth he’s led on content innovation and digital sales capabilities across our organization.”

“Over the past 18 months, the media ecosystem has experienced a rapid acceleration from an ‘attention’ economy that is measured in impressions, views, and clicks towards a ‘passion economy’ realized in fan love, engagement and loyalty. We’re excited about the opportunity this opens up for public media organizations like APM Studios to build partnerships and develop new offerings with others who share our values as we continue to advance our purpose-driven mission of delivering accessible, relevant and impactful stories to new and existing audiences in storytelling spaces beyond audio.”

Flagship podcasts produced by APM Studios include the award-winning Terrible, Thanks for Asking; Brains On!; Don’t Ask Tig; The Splendid Table; and The Slowdown. The studio — which specializes in developing and producing podcasts across multiple genres, including kids and family, news and investigative, and personality and lifestyle categories — has several new programs in development to launch in the upcoming fall/winter season.

The new leadership appointments follow APM Studios becoming an official entity under the American Public Media umbrella.

For more information, visit the new website at apmstudios.org.

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About American Public Media
American Public Media® (APM) is the national programming and distribution division of Minnesota Public Radio® and reaches over 17 million listeners via approximately 1,000 public radio stations and around 400 commercial 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 Studios, a division of 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+, Spring ‘21.

American Public Media Group Launches the Next Challenge for Media & Journalism

Finalists in the national startup competition will receive free training and mentorship from media leaders, winners will split $100,000 in prize money

ST. PAUL, Minn., Oct. 5, 2021 – Today, Glen Nelson Center at American Public Media Group (APMG) launched the Next Challenge for Media and Journalism, a national competition seeking groundbreaking startups and student-led ventures that will reinvent media over the coming decade.

APMG is hosting the competition in partnership with WarnerMedia, Google News Initiative, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, The Lenfest Institute for Journalism, Klein College of Media and Communication at Temple University, and the Carlson Family Foundation. APM’s Marketplace is the national promotional partner and Davis Wright Tremaine LLP is providing legal service.

Entries are open at thenextchallenge.com and will be accepted through Nov. 7.

“The Next Challenge is our opportunity to see the future of media,” said Jeff Freeland Nelson, Executive Director of Glen Nelson Center. “Our goal is to find the most promising media startups and support talented and diverse entrepreneurs anywhere in the country.”

Over 20 weeks and numerous digital events, the Next Challenge will showcase both for-profit and nonprofit early-stage media startups based in the United States in four divisions:

·         News & Information Division supported by Google News Initiative: startups that provide access to accurate news, increase media literacy, and break down barriers between communities and factual information.

·         Civic Engagement Division supported by Knight Foundation: startups that bridge diverse and disparate communities, promote honest civil discourse, and give audiences new tools to gain insight from others.

·         Distribution Channels Division supported by WarnerMedia: startups creating new digital platforms, revolutionizing the way media content is delivered across the country and around the globe. 

·         Student Ventures Division supported by Temple University/Lenfest Institute: student-led news & information, civic engagement, or distribution channel ventures

The Next Challenge is committed to promoting equity in media, embracing the demographic shift occurring in communities across the country and investing in startups with diverse teams. One goal of the competition is that 51% or more of judges, mentors and first-round applicants identify as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and/or female.

“It's up to all of us to support media startups revolutionizing the way content is made and distributed,” said Axel Caballero, Vice President of Artistic and Cultural Innovations at WarnerMedia. “We are excited to partner with American Public Media Group to discover what's next in media.”

“Civic engagement is vital for a vibrant democracy,” said Jai Winston, Knight Foundation’s Program Director for St. Paul. “We’re thrilled to partner with APMG to support talented entrepreneurs and students who have great ideas on how tech and innovation can help serve as tools to better connect people to their community and each other.”

Up to 40 division finalists will be paired with industry mentors to help hone their business plan and prepare for the final rounds of the competition. The Next Challenge will conclude with a national showcase event in February of 2022, where more than $100,000 in cash grants and other benefits will be awarded to winning companies.

For more information visit thenextchallenge.com.

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About the Glen Nelson Center
Launched in 2018, Glen Nelson Center at American Public Media Group identifies, elevates, and invests in groundbreaking media ventures led by a diverse group of visionary founders. Connecting startup founders and teams with APMG staff, advisors, and board members informs strategic planning, supports long-term revenue and audience goals and strengthens the APMG innovation culture. For more information, visit GlenNelson.org.

About American Public Media Group
American Public Media Group (APMG) 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. APMG’s operations include Minnesota Public Radio® (MPR®), a 46-station network serving nearly all of Minnesota and parts of surrounding states, and Southern California Public Radio, a five-station network serving Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura County, Coachella Valley, Santa Barbara, and the Inland Empire. Programs produced by MPR’s national programming division, American Public Media® (APM), reach over 17 million listeners with nearly 1,000 public radio stations and over 400 commercial 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 programming in the nation. APM Studios, a division of APM, also offers a diverse array of podcasts featuring the best in food, culture, entertainment, business and investigative journalism. For more information on APMG, visit americanpublicmediagroup.org.

APM Studios Inks Partnership with Listenwise to Bring Award-Winning Science Podcast Brains On! into Classrooms

Partnership Furthers Educational Mission of Brains On!, Providing Educators and Students with Audio Segments and Teaching Resources

ST. PAUL, Minn., Sept. 23, 2021 — APM Studios, the podcast production division of American Public Media (APM), today announced that it has partnered with listening comprehension platform Listenwise to bring Brains On!, APM Studios’ award-winning science podcast for kids, into classrooms nationwide as a learning resource for grades 2-5.

Since its launch in 2012, the mission of Brains On! has been to encourage kids’ natural curiosity using science and history, with host Molly Bloom and a rotation of young co-hosts asking and answering questions about the world that surrounds us. Through the partnership with Listenwise, educators are able to access Brains On! audio segments, accompanied by transcripts and other teaching resources.

"I couldn't imagine a better home for Brains On! than a platform that advances equitable learning and teaches kids to be better listeners,” said Alex Schaffert, Chief Operating Officer of APM Studios. “Our organizations share the same educational mission. It was a natural fit to partner with Listenwise and bring our stories to life for teachers and students."

"We are thrilled to be partnering with Brains On! to enhance our elementary teaching resources for grades 2-5,” said Monica Brady-Myerov, Founder and CEO of Listenwise. “The podcasts are engaging for kids, full of fun facts and can help teachers with lessons on everything from taste buds to tree growth. They are perfect to pair with our teaching resources, interactive transcripts and quizzes."

Reaching over two million students, Listenwise podcast lessons help students develop listening comprehension and other core literacy skills and build academic vocabulary and background knowledge in a wide range of domains. Listenwise offers opportunities for students to engage in critical thinking about important topics and make connections between the curriculum and the world outside of school.

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About American Public Media
American Public Media® (APM) is the national programming and distribution division of Minnesota Public Radio® and reaches over 17 million listeners via approximately 1,000 public radio stations and around 400 commercial 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 Studios, a division of 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+, Spring ‘21. 

About Listenwise
Listenwise is an award-winning listening comprehension platform for grades 2-12. We harness the power of listening to advance literacy and learning in all students. Our collection of Lexile leveled podcasts keeps teaching connected to the real world and builds student listening skills at the same time. The curriculum-aligned podcasts are paired with learning tools and listening comprehension assessments to transform them into rigorous academic content. Students are motivated by the interesting real-world stories, and Listenwise provides the literacy supports and differentiated instruction necessary for diverse classrooms including ELs and reluctant readers. Sign up for a free trial of Listenwise at Listenwise.com to explore all the engaging podcast lesson supports that Listenwise Premium offers.

New Podcast “How We Survive” from Marketplace Explores Climate Crisis Solutions

Hosted by Molly Wood, “How We Survive” dives deep into the economics, the tech and the human stories behind adaptation — from billionaires bankrolling lithium mines to radical environmentalists who hope to destroy industrial civilization 

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 22, 2021 — Today, Marketplace, the largest business news franchise in the United States, announced its newest podcast, “How We Survive." With floods and fires pummeling the U.S., time is slipping away to stop the worst effects of climate crisis, and the world is looking for solutions. 

Hosted by Molly Wood, “How We Survive” explores the technology that could provide those solutions, the business behind them, and the way people will need to change their thinking if we’re going to make it. 

Episode one premieres Oct. 6. Listen to the season one trailer here. 

In season one, Molly and team talk electrification. It’s one of the simplest solutions to get the planet off carbon-emitting fossil fuels: We need to electrify our cars, our power grids, our homes and businesses. But electrification relies on batteries, and most batteries require a metal called lithium. The need for lithium is driving a modern gold rush right here in the United States for the metal that could save the world, but acquiring it relies on an old, dirty technology: mining.  

And just like the gold rush of the 1800s, the rush for “white gold,” as it’s known, involves a lot of real human drama, including radical environmentalists who hope to destroy industrial civilization and indigenous people who say they’ll sacrifice their lives to stop a mine from being built. This season dives deep into the stories behind the race for lithium. And unlike the gold rush of the 1800s, this time, our survival might be at stake. 

“The time is now to start talking solutions to the climate crisis we’re in,” said Sitara Nieves, Marketplace’s executive director of on-demand content. “We can’t wait to finally share these important stories with our audience — and Molly’s approach and passion for this topic will bring listeners along,” she says. 

“It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the climate crisis and all the things we need to do to adapt, and maybe even survive,” host Molly Wood says. “But there really are solutions out there, and people who are willing to do the hard work of changing how we think and live and what policies we put into place. And finally, people are waking up to that reality in terms of business, investment, passion and the harsh reality of the actual climate changing all around us. It couldn’t be a better time to be doing this incredibly important reporting, and I can’t wait to share it with everyone.” 

In addition to hosting “How We Survive,” Molly is the host and senior editor of “Marketplace Tech,” a national radio program and podcast that demystifies the business of technology. She also co-hosts the podcast “Make Me Smart with Kai and Molly” and is a regular contributor to major outlets like The Atlantic, CNBC and Wired.  

Molly has spent two decades covering the tech industry on all platforms and is a pioneer in podcasting. She has been recognized for her dynamic reporting by the Webby Awards, the National Magazine Awards and the Gracie Awards. Before joining Marketplace, she was a tech columnist at The New York Times and an executive editor at CNET. 

“How We Survive” season one episode list:  

Episode one: “White Gold,” Oct. 6 
Lithium may be one of the best and fastest ways we know of to get us off fossil fuels, but the people who live near lithium deposits will be the ones who sacrifice in ways many Americans have never experienced. 

Episode two: “Necessary Evil,” Oct. 13 
Thacker Pass, Nevada, is one of the first places in the U.S. to confront the pros and cons of lithium mining. In this episode, we tackle the muddy question of whether this solution is worth it. 

Episode three: “Electrify Everything,” Oct. 20 
Molly looks at the reason why electrifying everything is so important: We need it to wean our economies off fossil fuels and to save ourselves. It’s a lesson that many people are learning, painfully, all over the country. 

Episode four: “Sci-Fi Intermission,” Oct. 27 
A conversation with a famous sci-fi writer about what science fiction can teach us about the climate crisis and how to save ourselves. 

Episodes five and six: “A Visit to the Salton Sea” — Nov. 3 and 10 
A look at a possible sustainable future. A polluted corner of California gets renewable geothermal energy and green lithium extraction. We dig into the race for white gold in one of the most economically distressed parts of the country.  

Episode seven: “Ocean Floor to Outer Space,” Nov. 17 
If resource extraction is at the core of our survival strategy, what comes next? This episode looks far into the future at ocean and asteroid mining.  

Episode eight: “Beyond Lithium,” Nov. 24 
The best hope for humanity (and other species and plants, for that matter) might be a little of everything: tech and business, sure, but if we’re going to survive, we’re going to have to change how we live, how we think and how we consume. 

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About Marketplace 
Marketplace® is on a mission to raise the economic intelligence of the country. Its core programs — “Marketplace®,” “Marketplace Morning Report®” and “Marketplace Tech®” — are broadcast nationwide on more than 800 public radio stations and heard by over 12 million weekly listeners, with nearly 400 additional commercial stations carrying “Marketplace Minute.” Marketplace podcasts, including “Make Me Smart with Kai and Molly,” “The Uncertain Hour®,” “This Is Uncomfortable” and “Million Bazillion,” can be found at Marketplace.org or on your favorite podcast app. The Marketplace portfolio of programs are produced and distributed by American Public Media® (APM), one of the largest producers and distributors of public radio programming in the world. For more information on Marketplace, visit marketplace.org, follow us on Twitter @marketplace or like us on Facebook. For more information on APM, visit americanpublicmedia.org. Source: Data copyright Nielsen Audio, Nationwide DMA data, Persons 12+, Fall ’20. 

About American Public Media 
American Public Media® (APM) is the national programming and distribution division of Minnesota Public Radio® and reaches over 17 million listeners via approximately 1,000 public radio stations and around 400 commercial 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 Studios, a division of 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+, Spring ‘21. 

American Public Media Officially Unveils APM Studios Along with a Stunning New Look

ST. PAUL, Minn., Sept. 15, 2021 –American Public Media (APM) has officially introduced APM Studios, the organization’s podcast production division, along with the launch of the new brand’s design, logo, and website (www.apmstudios.org). The new outfit solidifies APM’s mission to utilize podcasts to tell stories that inspire change through unique perspectives, voices and realities.

"The portfolio of programs we have at APM is so fantastic that it really needs a master brand that does justice to the work,” said Lizzie Breyer Bowman, Managing Director, National Marketing at APM. “Being able to articulate our brand, see it in visual form, and understand how it is all about stories that move us – move us to feel something, move us to act – really helps differentiate what we are here to do and how we show up every day.”

Under the APM Studios banner will be American Public Media’s flagship podcasts, including the award-winning Terrible, Thanks for Asking; Brains On; Don’t Ask Tig; and The Splendid Table, as well as additional programs to be announced at a later date. The studio will specialize in developing and producing podcasts across multiple genres, including kids and family, news and investigative, and personality and lifestyle categories.

“The APM Studios brand is dedicated to showcasing authentic and meaningful storytelling that will move our audience and spark curiosity,” said Lily Kim, General Manager at APM Studios. “We are excited to continue this work, alongside the creative teams that bring these stories to life, and partners who are aligned with our mission to inspire change.”

The official launch of APM Studios comes on the heels of a multi-year strategic partnership surrounding podcasting with Cadence 13, an Audacy company. Activities surrounding that partnership will be organized and led by the APM Studios team. 

Designed in partnership with Superhuman, a Minneapolis brand agency, the new visual identity for APM Studios symbolizes the dynamic, authentic relationship the studio fosters between a story and its form, and reflects the curiosity inspired by this premium audio content and the unique connection between these programs and to their audiences. 

 Visit the new website at apmstudios.org.

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About American Public Media
American Public Media® (APM) is the national programming and distribution division of Minnesota Public Radio® and reaches nearly 17 million listeners via approximately 1,000 public radio stations and nearly 400 commercial 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 Studios, a division of 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 ’20.

Award-Winning Poet Ada Limón Chosen as New Host of Poetry Podcast, The Slowdown, Returning September 21

Daily each weekday
One moment for reflection
A fresh perspective

ST. PAUL, Minn., Sept. 9, 2021 – American Public Media (APM) and the Poetry Foundation today announced the return of celebrated poetry podcast, The Slowdown, with award-winning poet Ada Limón taking over the helm as host for season three. Starting September 21, in a short episode each weekday, Limón will deliver a poem and a moment of reflection, offering listeners a different way to see the world – through poetry.

Listen to the season three trailer here.

Limón is the author of six poetry collections, including The Carrying, which won a National Book Critics Circle Award for Poetry. Her fourth book, Bright Dead Things, was named a finalist for the National Book Award, a finalist for the Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award, and a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award. Her new collection, The Hurting Kind, will be released by Milkweed Editions in May of 2022. A recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship for Poetry, she was born and raised in California and now lives in Lexington, Kentucky.

“As I continue Tracy K. Smith's brilliant work on The Slowdown, I want to focus on how useful poetry can be in our daily lives. Poetry is one of the few art forms that has breath built right into it. It literally wants us to breathe, to pause for a moment and pay attention to what matters. Whether it’s a tree that we are asked to notice, a moment in time, or a lyrical wonder, it only wants us to listen, to slow down, to notice the mystery and awe of this human life. Perhaps more than ever before, these uncertain times require the humanity that poetry offers.”

“For over 500 episodes, The Slowdown has helped listeners find a deeper connection to the world around them. It’s with great joy that we bring this beloved series back to those who have so eagerly awaited its return,” said Alex Schaffert, Chief Operating Officer of APM’s podcast division and executive-in-charge of the series. “Ada adds a singularly unique voice to The Slowdown, and the format of the show allows her to tackle a wide range of topics relevant to the diverse communities we serve at APM. I know she will surprise, delight, and challenge us, in all the right ways. The show couldn’t be in better hands.” 

"We are thrilled to continue supporting The Slowdown, and to experience the show as it evolves under Ada Limón's skill and care," said Sarah Whitcher, marketing and media director of the Poetry Foundation. "Tracy K. Smith brought a dose of poetry to many people who might not have known they were missing it, and we are confident that Ada will reach and renew even more listeners with her selections."

New episodes of The Slowdown are available every weekday starting September 21 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all major podcast platforms. Listeners can subscribe to the show’s newsletter, and follow along for updates at slowdownshow.org and at @slowdownshow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

The Slowdown is produced by American Public Media in partnership with the Poetry Foundation. The program is sponsored by Better Help, an online counseling platform, and is also made possible with the support of listeners.

About American Public Media
American Public Media® (APM) is the national programming and distribution division of Minnesota Public Radio® and reaches nearly 17 million listeners via approximately 1,000 public radio stations and nearly 400 commercial 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 ’20.

About the Poetry Foundation
The 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 on Facebook at Facebook.com/PoetryFoundation, Twitter @PoetryFound and Instagram @PoetryFoundation.

Marketplace Hires Neal Scarbrough as General Manager

New VP will lead Marketplace enterprise, including broadcast, digital and podcast teams in the U.S. and internationally

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 9, 2021 – Today, Marketplace, the largest business news franchise in the U.S., produced and distributed by American Public Media, announced Neal Scarbrough as its new Vice President and General Manager. Scarbrough will oversee a team of broadcast and digital journalists, editors and producers across radio and on demand in Los Angeles, New York, Washington, London and Shanghai.

“We are excited for Neal to come on board as Marketplace’s new Vice President and General Manager. He has an extensive background in media, broadcast journalism and a strong track record when it comes to innovation, program development and building audiences,” said Dave Kansas, President of American Public Media. “In addition, Neal is a proven culture leader, with a deep devotion to diversity and inclusion. We are excited to have him joining the APM leadership team and look forward to adding his gifts and talents to all that we do at Marketplace and APM.”

“What we thought we knew about our economy changes every day, and Marketplace has established a gold standard using interviews and storytelling to make real sense of it to real people,” said Scarbrough. “It’s a big win for me to be able to work with such a dynamic collection of talent, producers and editors. Our job is to package this essential information for new audiences in new places and to keep introducing our followers to the emerging voices that are shaping our ever-changing economy.”

Scarbrough joins Marketplace from FOX Sports, where he served as Vice President and Executive Editor since 2016.  At FOX Sports, he supervised content, coached talent and maintained editorial oversight across FOX’s national sports networks.  Scarbrough also was the founding co-chair of the FOX Sports Inclusion Council, which focuses on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives across the organization. Among its accomplishments, the Inclusion Council worked to advance representation and launched FOX Sports VOICES, a series of programming specials showcasing diverse athletes uplifting their communities. 

Scarbrough has risen through the ranks as a journalist and has held many leadership positions, including executive producer, operations chief, news director, sports editor and digital general manager. He directed broadcast operations for the New England Sports Network, where he oversaw the automation of two studios and control rooms. His team also pioneered full-game and event coverage via cellular networks. As Senior Executive Producer at Aljazeera America, he built and led the news network’s sports unit, including the development of original programming. He also served as Vice President of Digital Media for Comcast’s Versus Sports Network, where his team was the first to stream live daily coverage of the Tour de France. 

Scarbrough was part of the Denver Post team that won the Pulitzer Prize in 2000 for its coverage of the Columbine tragedy. He also earned the Online Journalism Award for General Excellence when he was editor-in-chief at ESPN.com in 2003.

Scarbrough, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Journalism at the University of Colorado Boulder, will begin his role at Marketplace in late September-early October.

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About Marketplace
Marketplace® is on a mission to raise the economic intelligence of the country. Its core programs —Marketplace®, Marketplace Morning Report® and Marketplace Tech® — are currently broadcast nationwide on more than 800 public radio stations and heard by over 12 million weekly listeners, with nearly 400 additional commercial stations carrying the Marketplace Minute program. Marketplace podcasts, including Make Me Smart with Kai and Molly, The Uncertain Hour®, This Is Uncomfortable and Million Bazillion, can be found at Marketplace.org or on your favorite podcast app. The Marketplace portfolio of programs are produced and distributed by American Public Media® (APM), one of the largest producers and distributors of public radio programming in the world. For more information on Marketplace, visit marketplace.org, follow us on Twitter @marketplace or like us on Facebook. For more information on APM, visit americanpublicmedia.org. Source: Data are copyright Nielsen Audio, Nationwide DMA data, Persons 12+, Fall ’20.

About American Public Media
American Public Media® (APM) is the national programming and distribution division of Minnesota Public Radio® and reaches nearly 17 million listeners via approximately 1,000 public radio stations and nearly 400 commercial 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 ’20.

Jean Taylor Named President & CEO of American Public Media Group

Taylor will be the organization’s first female CEO

ST. PAUL, Minn., August 11, 2021 –  American Public Media Group’s (APMG) Board of Trustees announced today the selection of Jean Taylor as the next President and Chief Executive Officer of APMG. A search committee appointed by the Board led a rigorous, national search in partnership with Koya Partners, the executive search firm that specializes in partnering with mission-driven clients. Taylor will begin her duties as CEO on Aug. 23.

Taylor is the first woman to lead the organization.

“Our goal throughout this seven month process was to identify and select a strategic leader with a passion for public media, a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and a vision that will inspire our employees, listeners and donors,” said Jim Dwyer, Chair of the Search Committee and of APMG’s Board of Trustees. “We are confident Jean embodies these attributes and priorities and believe she is the right leader to take APMG forward.”

Taylor is an experienced CEO with proven success leading organizations through transformational change, creating and sustaining strong inclusive cultures and driving growth.

“It is an exciting and critical time for public media, with tremendous opportunities to deliver quality journalism in new ways, connect with new audiences and more intentionally serve diverse communities,” said Taylor. “I am honored to lead this organization alongside the talented team at APMG.”

"Jean is a visionary leader, with an exceptional combination of skills and experiences to bring to her new role," said Mary Brainerd, APMG Board Vice Chair. "She is someone who leads with her values, who cares deeply about the role of public media and its importance. She is a listener, and she is a learner. Her deep roots in our region, her experience in media and digital technologies and her understanding of APMG are important assets for our future."

Taylor’s extensive career includes a number of senior leadership roles and spans a range of organizations and industries. Taylor was President & CEO of Taylor Corporation from 2001 to 2010. Most recently, she served as chair of the Board of Star Tribune Media, where she helped guide the organization through significant digital transformation. During her tenure as Chair, Star Tribune has been lauded and seen as a leader in the industry for its commitment to high-quality public service journalism, its digital subscription growth, and its strong financial results.  As an Executive Consultant for the Platinum Group, Taylor worked with small to mid-sized family and private business owners to enhance growth, value and transitions.

“Jean has brought great strategic insight and passion to her role as the chair of the Star Tribune board,” said Michael Klingensmith, Publisher and CEO of Star Tribune. “We are grateful for her years of leadership and service to our board and Star Tribune as a whole. Jean leaves our organization a better place, and APMG is very fortunate to have a skilled leader like Jean as its CEO.”

In transitioning to her new role, Taylor has stepped down from her board position with Star Tribune Media. Taylor succeeds Jon McTaggart who shared in late 2020 his decision to step down from the role after leading APMG for nearly 10 years.

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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. APMG’s operations include Minnesota Public Radio® (MPR®), a 46-station network serving nearly all of Minnesota and parts of surrounding states, and Southern California Public Radio, a five-station network serving Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura County, Coachella Valley, Santa Barbara, and the Inland Empire. Programs produced by MPR’s national programming division, American Public Media® (APM), reach nearly 17 million listeners via approximately 1,000 public radio stations and nearly 400 commercial 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 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 APMG, visit: americanpublicmediagroup.org

MARKETPLACE, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CUMULUS MEDIA’S WESTWOOD ONE, ANNOUNCES NEW OFFERING ‘MARKETPLACE MINUTE’ FOR PUBLIC RADIO AUDIENCES

With its signature business and economic storytelling, Marketplace expands its portfolio, adding ‘Marketplace Minute’ to its roster of public radio programming 

LOS ANGELES July 15, 2021 — Today, Marketplace, in partnership with Cumulus Media’s Westwood One (NASDAQ: CMLS), announced that it will offer a new 60-second show, “Marketplace Minute™,” to public radio stations across the country. Twice daily, the one-minute program provides up-to-the-moment economic news in Marketplace’s signature accessible style. “Marketplace Minute” will be available on participating public radio stations starting in August. 

Along with Marketplace public radio shows “Marketplace,” “Marketplace Morning Report” and “Marketplace Tech,” the addition of “Marketplace Minute” keeps audiences up to speed on the financial news they need to know from the moment they wake up until closing bell.  

Marketplace reporters will write and produce the segments, along with other members of the Marketplace editorial team as determined by the news of the day. Key voices of the show include Nova Safo, Meghan McCarty Carino and Justin Ho. 

“Our network stations and public radio audiences rely on Marketplace to give them the day’s most important business and economic news,” said Chandra Kavati, vice president of distribution and underwriting at American Public Media, which distributes Marketplace programming. “The addition of “Marketplace Minute” means that they will get timely updates throughout the day, never getting behind on important economic news. We couldn’t be more thrilled to bring this to the public radio audience, who are always looking for more first-rate content from Marketplace.” 

“Marketplace Minute™” is a co-production of American Public Media and the Cumulus Podcast Network. “Marketplace Minute” also publishes three times daily as a podcast and as a smart speaker briefing on Amazon, Google and Apple devices. It’s also available on Apple iPhones by saying “Hey, Siri, play ‘Marketplace Minute.’” 

For more information, visit apmdistribution.org. 

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About Marketplace 
Marketplace® is on a mission to raise the economic intelligence of the country. Its core programs — “Marketplace®,” “Marketplace Morning Report®” and “Marketplace Tech®” — are broadcast nationwide on more than 800 public radio stations and heard by over 12 million weekly listeners, with nearly 400 additional commercial stations carrying “Marketplace Minute.” Marketplace podcasts, including “Make Me Smart with Kai and Molly,” “The Uncertain Hour®,” “This Is Uncomfortable” and “Million Bazillion,” can be found at Marketplace.org or on your favorite podcast app. The Marketplace portfolio of programs are produced and distributed by American Public Media® (APM), one of the largest producers and distributors of public radio programming in the world. For more information on Marketplace, visit marketplace.org, follow us on Twitter @marketplace or like us on Facebook. For more information on APM, visit americanpublicmedia.org. Source: Data are copyright Nielsen Audio, Nationwide DMA data, Persons 12+, Fall ’20. 

About American Public Media 
American Public Media® (APM) is the national programming and distribution division of Minnesota Public Radio® and reaches nearly 17 million listeners via approximately 1,000 public radio stations and nearly 400 commercial 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 ’20. 

About Cumulus Media  
Cumulus Media (NASDAQ: CMLS) is a leading audio-first media and entertainment company delivering premium content to over a quarter-billion people every month — wherever and whenever they want it. Cumulus Media engages listeners with high-quality local programming through 415 owned-and-operated stations across 86 markets; delivers nationally syndicated sports, news, talk and entertainment programming from iconic brands including the NFL, the NCAA, the Masters, CNN, the AP, the Academy of Country Music Awards and many other world-class partners across nearly 7,300 affiliated stations through Westwood One, the largest audio network in America; and inspires listeners through its rapidly growing Cumulus Podcast Network of original podcasts that are smart, entertaining and thought provoking. Cumulus Media provides advertisers with personal connections, local impact and national reach through broadcast and on-demand digital, mobile, social and voice-activated platforms, as well as integrated digital marketing services, powerful influencers, full-service audio solutions, industry-leading research and insights, and live event experiences. Cumulus Media is the only audio media company to provide marketers with local and national advertising performance guarantees. For more information, visit www.cumulusmedia.com.  

Heather Riddle Named Senior Vice President & Chief Development Officer of American Public Media Group

ST. PAUL, Minn., July 13, 2021 – American Public Media Group (APMG), including Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) and American Public Media (APM), is pleased to announce that Heather Riddle is the organization’s new senior vice president and chief development officer (CDO). Riddle succeeds Randi Yoder, who retired this summer after 10 years at APMG, during which time these public media organizations attracted historic levels of support from generous donors, annually and in the recently completed five-year Inspired by You capital campaign.

As CDO, Riddle will be responsible for leading the vision and developing the strategy for APMG’s philanthropic support. She will direct the fundraising teams, cultivate lasting and mutually beneficial relationships with donors, oversee major campaigns, and implement innovative plans to inspire and secure essential contributions. As a member of the executive team reporting to APMG’s CEO, Riddle will help to accelerate APMG’s Audiences First 2025 strategic plan, prioritizing the changing needs of the people and communities APMG serves while elevating the role of philanthropy in the organization’s future growth.

Her first day at APMG will be July 22.

Riddle joins APMG from Augsburg University, where she’s served as Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Alumni Relations since 2012. Riddle’s career with Augsburg included robust efforts to implement Augsburg’s strategic plan with a special focus on diversity, culture and new ways to support its mission. She also led the successful $55 million capital campaign to construct an academic center.

“During an extensive national search, Heather clearly emerged as the strongest candidate from a large, diverse pool of talented and accomplished leaders,” said Jon McTaggart, president and CEO of APMG.  “Heather has a big heart for donors and for our mission. Her rich experience, alignment with our values, demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, diversity and access, plus her approach to innovation, proven success building both regional and national donor programs, and her talents leading high-performing teams are all a terrific match for this vital leadership role.”

Prior to joining Augsburg, Riddle was Director of Development at Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota. Her development leadership has also helped to build other respected Minnesota institutions including Concordia University in St. Paul, where she served as Vice President for University Advancement, and Macalester College, where she led major and planned gifts and annual giving.

“I'm thrilled to join the APMG community of exceptional staff, loyal listeners, and members who believe in the mission of public media,” said Heather Riddle. “Like so many Minnesotans, I rely on accessible, high-quality news and music services. It is an exciting opportunity to work with others to build on the success of the Inspired by You campaign and expand support for all the organization offers.”

Riddle graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead with a bachelor's in art and art history. She previously served on the board of Minnesota Urban Debate League, is currently a board member of the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches and is a founder and former board member of 826 Twin Cities, an arts education nonprofit supporting young adults in underserved communities.

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About American Public Media Group
American Public Media Group (APMG) 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. APMG’s operations include Minnesota Public Radio® (MPR®), a 46-station network serving nearly all of Minnesota and parts of surrounding states, and Southern California Public Radio, a five-station network serving Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura County, Coachella Valley, Santa Barbara, and the Inland Empire. Programs produced by MPR’s national programming division, American Public Media® (APM), reach nearly 17 million listeners via approximately 1,000 public radio stations and nearly 400 commercial 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 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 APMG, visit americanpublicmediagroup.org.

Source: Data are copyright Nielsen Audio, Nationwide DMA data, Persons 12+, Fall ’20.

American Public Media and Cadence13 Team Up for Multi-Year Strategic Partnership

Audio Powerhouses Engage in Multi-Faceted Deal Encompassing Podcast Distribution, Ad Sales, Co-Production, and New Revenue Stream Initiatives

ST. PAUL, Minn. & NEW YORK, June 10, 2021 — Today, leading audio storytelling organizations American Public Media (APM) and Cadence13, an Audacy company, have announced a multi-year strategic partnership.

Through this deal — which is between Cadence13 and the podcast arm of APM — Cadence13 will serve as the exclusive podcast sales representative for APM. Additionally, the organizations will develop future on-demand programming initiatives, co-productions, and collaborative new revenue opportunities.

The partnership brings together APM’s premium podcast programming with the reach and scale of Cadence13’s audio and ad networks, creating unrivaled opportunities for advertisers seeking to align their brands with purpose-driven content across business news, investigative journalism, lifestyle, as well as kids and family - to reach a large loyal audience of listeners.

Remarked Lily Kim, General Manager of APM’s podcast division, “Our organizations share a complementary vision for premium audio storytelling and we are delighted to form a partnership with an established powerhouse like Cadence13 that will help us expand our collective reach and pursue new ways to connect directly with our fans. A cornerstone of public media is the commitment to serve our listeners by providing meaningful content that enriches, informs and builds community. This partnership will further enhance our ability to deliver on that mission.”

“Cadence13’s objective is to align with the best,” said Chris Corcoran, Chief Content Officer, Cadence13. “Partnering with APM, one of the most premium networks in the industry, brings together two of the most accomplished podcast companies for unmatched opportunities for scale and development. We are so proud to be joining forces with the entire team at APM, and look forward to taking this to market together.”

APM’s podcast lineup reaches an audience of more than 3M listeners and 17M+ monthly downloads. This spans a portfolio that includes the prestigious Marketplace franchise; the investigative juggernaut In the Dark; an award-winning Kids and Family vertical that includes four of the top 25 podcasts in the category; and a growing Lifestyle vertical featuring classics such as The Splendid Table hosted by celebrity cookbook editor Francis Lam, legendary comedian Tig Notaro’s advice show Don’t Ask Tig, and critically lauded mental wellness series Terrible, Thanks for Asking from multi-hyphenate writer-podcast host-performer Nora McInerny.

Cadence13 is a hit machine of premium shows including We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle, The Goop Podcast, You Must Remember This, Gangster Capitalism, It Was Said with Jon Meacham, The ETC’s with Kevin Durant, 4D with Demi Lovato, and many more.

Audacy, Cadence13’s parent company, will support this partnership through marketing and development opportunities across its radio and digital platforms.

UTA brokered the deal on behalf of American Public Media.

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About American Public Media
American Public Media® (APM) is the national programming and distribution division of Minnesota Public Radio® and reaches nearly 17 million listeners via approximately 1,000 public radio stations and nearly 400 commercial 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 ’20.

About Cadence13
Cadence13, an Audacy company, is a leading podcast studio dedicated to premium storytelling and production and was named one of Fast Company’s “World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2019.” Our roster of critically-acclaimed shows and personalities reflects the diverse conversations and interests happening in the world, led by a collection of voices that include, Lili Anolik, Rachel Brathen, Dean Budnick, Emma Chamberlain, Lauren Conrad, Darren Criss, Remi Cruz, Charli D’Amelio, Dixie D’Amelio, Heidi D’Amelio, Marc D’Amelio, Glennon Doyle, Kevin Durant, Elle Fanning, Jon Favreau, Emily Jane Fox, Dr. Eddie S. Glaude Jr., Lizzy Goodman, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Shawn Levy, Demi Lovato, Joe Hagan, Este Haim, Andrew Jenks, Sarah Knight, Tony Kornheiser, Payne Lindsey, Michael Lombardi, Karina Longworth, Jon Lovett, Alisha Marie, CJ McCollum, Jon Meacham, James Andrew Miller, Elle Mills, Mike Murphy, Leon Neyfakh, Michaela Okland, Anna Palmer, Gwyneth Paltrow, David Plouffe, Ellen Pompeo, Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt, JJ Redick, Davis Reid, Ben Reiter, Doc Rivers, Duncan Robinson, Rhett and Link, Jake Sherman, Tommy Vietor, Adnan Virk, Jessica Wapner, Tim Weiner, Ashley West, iO Tillett Wright, Andrew Yang, and many more. These storytellers represent both established and emerging personalities across sports, business, tech, politics, entertainment and news. Cadence13 is the home of C13Features, the pioneering podcast studio focused on creating a wide-ranging slate of feature-length fictionalized audio “movies for your ears,” and the Peabody Award-nominated C13Originals documentary studio, and has a broad range of programming partners including: American Public Media,  Comments by Celebs, Crooked Media, Entertainment Weekly, goop, Granity Studios, Headspace, HISTORY, Meredith, Mythical Entertainment, Punchbowl News, PushBlack, Ramble, Seven Bucks Productions, Smosh, Sports Illustrated, Tenderfoot TV, theSkimm, The Try Guys, ThreeFourTwo Productions, TNT, Unsolved Mysteries, Up and Vanished, Vanity Fair, Who? Weekly and Yoga Girl, among others. Cadence13 is headquartered in New York, with offices in Los Angeles and San Francisco.

About Audacy
Audacy, Inc. (NYSE: AUD)is a scaled, multi-platform audio content and entertainment company with the country’s best radio broadcasting group, a leader in virtually every segment of audio, and America’s #1 creator of original, premium audio.  Audacy engages over 170 million consumers each month, bringing people together around the news, sports, podcasts and music that matter to   them.   Learn   more   at www.audacyinc.com,   Facebook   (Audacy   Corp)   and   Twitter (@AudacyCorp).

Marketplace’s Hit Podcast This Is Uncomfortable Back With New Season About How We’re All Getting Scammed

The show about life and how money messes with it returns for an all-new season featured as part of Apple Podcasts’ new Spotlight initiative. Listen to episode one and subscribe here.

LOS ANGELES, April 8, 2021 — Marketplace announces the new season of its podcast This Is Uncomfortable today. Hosted by Reema Khrais, the show digs into stories about the unanticipated ways money affects relationships, shapes identities and often defines what it means to be an adult.

Reema and This Is Uncomfortable have been hand-picked as the Apple Podcasts Spotlight for April. Apple’s new editorial franchise highlights rising podcast creators and provides them with support from the world’s largest podcast platform, with prominent positioning on the U.S. “browse” tab in the Apple Podcasts app and full-scale marketing and promotional support.

Each week, Reema — an expert in the emotional side of money — dives into uncomfortable topics, like the awkwardness of lending friends money, how to exist in a financially unequal romantic relationship and many other ways money impacts who we are. Episodes one and two are available now.

This new season is centered on scams; it gets into the gut-wrenching, eyebrow-raising money moments that permeate our modern economy. From a decadeslong search over a stolen identity, to the cultish allure of multilevel marketing, to a divorce inspired by a Medicare bill, this season hits deep with personal stories.

“So much of what we hoped for ourselves just isn’t happening, and it can leave you feeling kinda scammed,” Reema says. “Our team got really fascinated with that idea — yes, literal scams, but also how our society is built in a way that can sometimes leave us feeling cheated. From unpaid internships and exorbitant medical costs to shady business practices and the allure of self-optimization, we’re constantly making these risky bets in hopes of improving our well-being. But more and more, it feels like the game of success is rigged.”

“Reema and the ‘This Is Uncomfortable’ team tell completely different kinds of personal finance stories than anywhere else, and our audience has responded with so many of their own stories of how money has affected their lives,” says Sitara Nieves, Marketplace’s executive director of on demand. “We’re thrilled about Apple Podcasts’ selection of ‘This Is Uncomfortable’ as only their fourth Spotlight pick and are excited about the opportunity for this season to reach new audiences.”

With more than 5.5 million downloads, This Is Uncomfortable is a Webby Award-nominated podcast that has been nationally recognized.

THIS SEASON’S EPISODE TOPICS INCLUDE:

Identity theft:  4/1 
Axton spent 20 years trying to track down an identity thief wreaking havoc on her family, only to discover the truth was uglier than she imagined.  

MLMs: 4/8 
Multilevel marketing companies promise the American dream: If you just hustle hard enough, you’ll make bank, you’ll have community and be an all-around bad boss bitch. But for those desperate to make ends meet, that “Hey, Hun” in your DMs can become a dangerous siren song.   

Medicaid Divorce: 4/15 
When Dear vowed “in sickness and in health,” she meant it, especially since her wife, Amber, has a debilitating condition. But when a raise for Dear threatens Amber’s Medicaid coverage, the couple is forced to decide between lifesaving health care and their marriage. 

Beauty is a scam: 4/22 
After learning that an expensive hair product she bought for years to help her curls might be the reason for her hair loss, Reema tries to unpack what it means when our self-worth gets tied to how far we’re willing to go — and how much we’re willing to spend — to look good. 

GoFundMe Suicide: 4/29 
A young woman grapples with the cost of her mental illness and tries to rid her family of the burden, even after death. 

The Intern Coup: 5/6 
Diana gets her big break in fashion — head intern at Harper’s Bazaar — but soon figures out nothing good in life is free, except intern labor.  

Find Lottie: 5/13 
After finding a hundred dollar bill tucked inside a birthday card addressed to “Lottie,” Reema tries to reunite the money with the owner and tells three stories of money, lost and found.   

What doesn’t love you back: 5/20 
When Victoria told her Catholic school teachers she wanted to be a priest when she grew up, she didn’t realize she was about to spend decades chasing a dream that didn’t want her back. 

The Art of Getting By:  5/27 
Aisha spent her teen years inventing ways to get by when she was financially behind: She charged friends for braiding hair and running errands, hawked imported goods in the hallways between classes. But now, as a financially stable adult, she can’t seem to let go of the anxiety that helped her survive. 

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About Marketplace
Marketplace® is on a mission to raise the economic intelligence of the country. Its core programs —"Marketplace®,” “Marketplace Morning Report®” and “Marketplace Tech®” — are currently broadcast nationwide on more than 800 public radio stations and nearly 400 commercial stations, heard by over 12 million weekly listeners. Marketplace podcasts, including “Make Me Smart with Kai and Molly,” “The Uncertain Hour®,” “This Is Uncomfortable” and “Million Bazillion,” can be found at Marketplace.org or on your favorite podcast app. The Marketplace portfolio of programs are produced and distributed by American Public Media®, one of the largest producers and distributors of public radio programming in the world. For more information on Marketplace, visit marketplace.org, follow us on Twitter @marketplace or like us on Facebook. For more information on American Public Media, visit americanpublicmedia.org.
Source: Data are copyright Nielsen Audio, Nationwide DMA data, Persons 12+, Fall ’20.

About American Public Media
American Public Media® (APM) is the national programming and distribution division of American Public Media Group and reaches nearly 17 million listeners via approximately 1,000 public radio stations and nearly 400 commercial 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 ’20.

Don’t Ask Tig: Live with Nick Kroll

Join host Tig Notaro with comedian, actor and producer Nick Kroll for live podcast event on April 8

ST.PAUL, Minn., April 1, 2021 –American Public Media presents a live podcast experience, Don’t Ask Tig: Live with Nick Kroll, via Zoom, on Thursday, April 8 at 6:30 p.m. Central Time. Don’t Ask Tig is an honest advice podcast hosted by standup comedian and actor Tig Notaro.

Tig will be joined by her friend Nick Kroll, best known as the star and co-creator of Big Mouth, Kroll Show and The League. Viewers can join in as Tig and Nick attempt to answer some of life’s trickiest questions. Attendees can expect Tig’s deadpan humor and get some questionable yet heartfelt advice.

Tickets to this virtual event are sold on a sliding scale starting at a minimum of $12 and can be purchased at dontasktig.org/tickets. Audience members who purchase tickets valued at $40 or more will also receive the official Don’t Ask Tig mug. All donors have the option to receive Tig’s exclusive Spotify playlist “the sweet spot.”

This hour-long show will be recorded and available to ticket holders for viewing after the live event. Ticket holders will also have a chance to submit their own questions to Tig and Nick after confirming their purchase.

What: Don’t Ask Tig: Live with Nick Kroll
When: Thursday, April 8, 6:30 p.m. Central Time
Where: Live stream via Zoom
How: Tickets are a sliding scale, starting at $12. You can purchase tickets here.  All proceeds support this public media podcast.
Who: This event will be hosted by Tig Notaro, featuring Nick Kroll

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About American Public Media
American Public Media® (APM) is the national programming and distribution division of American Public Media Group and reaches nearly 17 million listeners via approximately 1,000 public radio stations and nearly 400 commercial 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 ’20.

Marin Alsop Named 2021 Classical Woman of the Year by American Public Media’s Performance Today

ST. PAUL, Minn., March 29, 2021 – American Public Media’s Performance Today has named acclaimed conductor Marin Alsop as the 2021 Classical Woman of the Year. This annual award recognizes women who have made a significant contribution to the art form or inspired a nominator’s appreciation for the art form.

Alsop was the first woman to lead major orchestras in the United States, South America, Austria and Britain, and serves as Chief Conductor of ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra and Chief Conductor and Curator of Chicago’s Ravinia Festival.

“I am deeply honored by this recognition,” said Alsop. “My relationship with Performance Today goes back to the very start of my career and being nominated by today’s PT listeners brings things full circle and makes this a truly special occasion.”

Alsop’s numerous contributions to the art form include innovation, leadership, mentorship, and her powerful voice in the classical world and larger cultural scene. She has served as the Baltimore Symphony’s Music Director for 14 years, a tenure which included her groundbreaking work with OrchKids, a program that fosters social change through the power of music and has reached more than 2,000 students in underserved Baltimore neighborhoods.

Alsop was selected by the staff of Performance Today based on listener nominations, submitted through the month of March. Praise for Alsop in these nominations include:

• “…She has awakened in a worldwide community the quest to appreciate, understand and pursue what and how music enlightens and enriches our daily lives.” -Douglas, Oregon

• “…She champions new artists and continues the fame of heroes such as Leonard Bernstein. She inspires women and everyone everywhere.” -Ellen, Maryland

• “Marin has energized the entire community with her outreach to the citizens of Baltimore city and beyond…” -Robert, Maryland

“I’m thrilled and honored that Marin Alsop is Performance Today’s 2021 Classical Woman of the Year,” said Fred Child, host of Performance Today. “She is an artist among conductors, combining inspiring artistic vision with charismatic presence, galvanizing orchestras and audiences alike. She is also among an elite group of conductors to have held major music directorships on three continents: in Baltimore, Sao Paolo, Vienna, and the UK. Her devotion to education has been unwavering and continues as she is about to introduce a Conducting Academy to the annual National Orchestral Institute. It’s with great pleasure that we recognize Marin with this well-deserved award.”

Alsop is the first and only conductor to receive a MacArthur Fellowship. She holds several academic positions and is founder of the Taki Alsop Concordia Conducting Fellowship, which promotes and nurtures the careers of female conductors.

Alsop will be recognized on the April 2 episode of Performance Today, including an interview with Child about her extensive music career and accomplishments.

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About American Public Media
American Public Media® (APM) is the national programming and distribution division of American Public Media Group and reaches nearly 17 million listeners via approximately 1,000 public radio stations and nearly 400 commercial 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 ’20.

MPR News Delivers In-Depth Coverage of Derek Chauvin Trial in Upcoming Podcast: In Front of Our Eyes

First episode available March 24

ST. PAUL, Minn., March 15, 2021 – Today, MPR News announced the upcoming launch of In Front of Our Eyes, a new podcast dedicated to coverage of the Derek Chauvin trial. Created in collaboration with American Public Media, In Front of Our Eyes’ first episode launches Wednesday, March 24. The trailer for In Front of Our Eyes is available for listening today.  

After the killing of George Floyd, the world’s attention turned to Minneapolis as the city became the focus of outrage, confrontation, demonstrations, and calls for police reform. MPR News provided the continuous and in-depth reporting necessary to inform listeners of this pivotal moment in the country’s history.

This month, Chauvin, the first of the former officers charged in the killing of Floyd, will go on trial, and again, the world will be watching. In Front of Our Eyes will bring listeners updates on this monumental case from the MPR newsroom – which has followed the case in detail from the beginning – and the consequences it holds for the city and the country.

MPR News journalists Nina Moini and Brandt Williams – in addition to reporters Riham Feshir and Jon Collins of the Peabody Award-winning podcast 74 Seconds – will co-host the podcast, providing necessary context and ongoing coverage of the upcoming trial.

Over the first three episodes, In Front of Our Eyes will tell the story of George Floyd’s life and death, how his death changed the discourse on racism worldwide, and the upcoming trial’s setup and significance. In addition to these three episodes, In Front of Our Eyes will publish ongoing updates each Saturday during the course of the trial.

Listeners can subscribe and listen to In Front of Our Eyes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all major podcast platforms.

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About MPR News
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. MPR News has received numerous awards for its reporting, including George Foster Peabody Awards, the Alfred I. DuPont Award and the RTDNA Edward R. Murrow Award. Visit mprnews.org for the latest regional, national and international headlines. 

Source: Data are copyright Nielsen Audio, PSA and PPM Persons 12+, Spring ’20.

Minnesota Public Radio, American Public Media Complete the Inspired by You Campaign with Over $98 Million Raised, Exceeding Five-Year Goal

ST. PAUL, Minn., March 1, 2021 – Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) and American Public Media (APM) announced today the successful completion of Inspired by You, an ambitious five-year campaign designed to address the rapidly changing digital landscape and make transformative changes to better serve audiences in Minnesota and beyond.

The campaign was launched in the summer of 2015 with the goal of raising $75 million by December 2020. At the completion of the campaign, Inspired by You raised more than $98.3 million in outright and deferred gifts to MPR and APM. The campaign total represents a combination of cash gifts that were immediately invested to transform the organization’s essential public services and planned gift commitments that represent future revenue for the organization.  

Over the course of the five years of the Inspired by You campaign, nearly $53 million in cash gifts were invested in new digital programming, technology and innovation, and people with new talent and skills to support this work. Advancements in digital technology and on-demand programming made possible by this support positioned APM and MPR to deepen our relevance and connect with new audiences in new ways, even through a year of unprecedented isolation, remote work, and distance learning.

Planned gift commitments totaling $45.5 million will further strengthen the organization’s endowment for years to come.

“The Inspired by You campaign has changed our trajectory as a media organization and accelerated our progress toward being a more equitable, inclusive, diverse and accessible public service,” said Jon McTaggart, president and CEO of American Public Media Group. “The pandemic and recession of this past year confronted us with the greatest financial challenge in our history. We could not have predicted the final year of Inspired by You would be under these circumstances, but the extraordinary gifts from individuals and institutions enabled us to invest in new ways of connecting with larger and more diverse audiences and with each other. The investments fueled by the Inspired by You campaign proved invaluable in preparing us for this time of unprecedented disruption and distance.”

The impact of Inspired by You is already being felt. Here are just some of the ways this campaign has transformed MPR and APM for the many audiences we serve – in Minnesota and around the country:

• Leading with facts amidst uncertainty: Launched with support from Inspired by You, the APM Research Lab has informed journalists and news consumers around the globe with important data-backed context to major issues including gun violence, voter analysis, and COVID-19 mortality rates by race. With the Color of Coronavirus project, the Lab was the first outlet to regularly track the pandemic’s disproportionate effect on people of color. Color of Coronavirus has since been cited in Congressional testimony, academic journals, and hundreds of national and international news stories.

• Expanding our cultural fluency: APMG’s Director of Equity and Inclusion Nam Provost is leading cultural fluency training as part of the organization’s ongoing work in support of its blueprint for Equity, Inclusion, Diversity & Access (EIDA). With campaign support, cultural fluency trainings and experiences are underway for employees, including the staff of MPR News, who are empowered to apply their learnings in the reporting of communities across Minnesota.

• Reaching new communities: As part of efforts to serve more Minnesotans, MPR News – with Inspired by You support – was able to partner with and support former MPR News journalist Mukhtar Ibrahim as he launched Sahan Journal, which covers the stories of Minnesota’s immigrant communities.

• Reflecting the communities we serve: Inspired by You allowed for MPR’s Impact & Community Engagement team to conduct a series of listening sessions across Greater Minnesota, providing space for communities of color to share their perspectives on what accurate representation in media would look like to them. The insights garnered from these discussions led to positive impact by inspiring new media narratives, forming new connections, and influencing MPR News content, including its election coverage.

• Knowing our audience: Campaign support allowed Classical MPR to identify new ways to introduce young people to classical music. With campaign-backed audience insights guiding its efforts, Classical MPR was able to reach kids and their families through new digital programming and outreach to new communities and educators. This resulted in a significant lowering of the average age of Classical MPR’s listenership.

• Revealing injustice: Investigative journalism unit APM Reports was founded with support from Inspired by You. APM Reports’ In the Dark podcast uncovered significant holes in the death row case of Curtis Flowers, a man tried six times for the same crime. After more than 21 years behind bars and on death row, and a Supreme Court reversal supported by the podcast’s findings, Flowers walked free in September 2020.

• Innovating for the future: Campaign gifts provided seed funding to open Glen Nelson Center, a media innovation hub and coworking space that identifies, elevates and invests in emerging media and journalism startups led by diverse, visionary founders.

• Inspiring the next generation: The Brains On! podcast suite for kids and curious adults has grown to be an award-winning education program, including special series around debate and history, that inspires the next generation of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) learners. The Brains On! podcast, which has recently launched a Spanish language version, has also received support from the National Science Foundation to study how kids can learn via podcasts.

• Expanding digital offerings: Campaign investments were instrumental in launching several new podcasts and APM Studios and vastly expanding our digital offerings in order to better serve diverse audiences who are consuming media in new ways.

• Rebuilding the Main Street economy: Campaign funds helped transform Marketplace from a radio broadcast into a robust digital media organization, launching new radio programs and popular podcasts including Make Me Smart, giving audiences new ways to access their favorite Marketplace shows online and on-demand.

• Raising awareness about critical issues: Campaign gifts enabled us to launch and contribute to three multi-year, in-depth examinations of topics highly relevant to APM | MPR audiences. The Water Main builds public will around a variety of water issues; Call to Mind fosters new conversations about mental health; and Little Moments Count raises awareness and inspires action related to early childhood brain development.

• Fostering new talent: Campaign funds made it possible to hire a new full-time manager for MPR and APM’s Interns & Fellows program and provides salary support for dozens of talented, diverse professionals who are passionate about pursuing careers in public media.

In celebration of the campaign’s success and the generous support of its contributors, MPR and APM marked December 2020 as a Month of Gratitude, which featured a series of remarkable performances, virtual events and special programming including:

• Beethoven’s 250th Birthday Bash from Classical MPR

• The Current’s virtual music festival Sounds Like Home IV

• The Warming House, a new program presented by MPR News and The Current, airing Sundays at 7 p.m.

• Bring the Sing on the Solstice

• Call to Mind and MPR News’ In Focus event: Black youth resilience in Minnesota

• An interview between MPR News’ Angela Davis and Wesley Morris

“I am amazed and humbled by the generosity we’ve seen since launching Inspired by You five years ago,” said Randi Yoder, senior vice president and Chief Development Officer of APMG. “This is a recognition by our community and funders across the nation of the importance of public media in our daily lives and longevity of its mission. And in turn, this generosity has redefined the role that we as a public media organization play in this transformative time for our country. We have the potential to form connections, introduce new voices, and inspire change – we are so much more than a radio station. This period of national rebuilding is when our public service is needed most.”

More information about the Inspired by You campaign and impact it has made can be found at mpr.org/gratitude.

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About American Public Media
American Public Media® (APM) is the national programming and distribution division of American Public Media Group and reaches nearly 17 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+, average of Fall ’19 and Spring ’20.

About Minnesota Public Radio
Minnesota Public Radio® (MPR) operates a 46-station radio network serving nearly all of Minnesota and parts of surrounding states for more than 50 years. Reaching more than 1 million listeners each week, MPR and its three regional services—MPR News, Classical MPR and The Current®—produce programming for radio, digital and live audiences. For more information on MPR, visit minnesotapublicradio.org. 

Source: Data are copyright Nielsen Audio. Data are estimates only.