TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION'S 2013 CRUISE

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

December 8, 2012

TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION'S 2013 CRUISE

APHC's next sea adventure takes travelers Barcelona to Venice, August 21–31

(St. Paul, Minn.)— Last year's cruise down the Iberian Coast was so much fun that Garrison Keillor and the folks at A Prairie Home Companion are busy planning for next summer's adventure at sea — a 10-day trip that begins where the last one left off: Barcelona.

Those signing up for the 2013 "APHC at Sea" will set sail from Barcelona aboard Holland America's ms Ryndam on Wednesday, August 21. From there, stops include Marseille, Monte Carlo, Livorno, Civitavecchia (gateway to Rome), Naples, Kotor (Montenegro), Ravenna, and on to Venice on Saturday, August 31.

Garrison says: With this cruise, you can check off on your lifetime list —

Marseille, France, a seaport city of a million, another place entirely from Paris, the entry point for immigrants, with a large Italian population, Algerians, Turks, and the gateway to Provence where all those Americans wrote books about discovering the secret of life.

Monte Carlo on the Riviera, playground of the rich and famous, home of the Place du Casino, a center for the reckless dispersal of wealth.

Livorno, Tuscany, gateway to Florence, the Duomo, Michelangelo's David, the Uffizi, and the best gelato in Italy.

Civitavecchia, gateway to Rome, birthplace of Western Civilization and also the home of two and a half million good-humored Romans and the cafés and coffee bars that cater to them. Plus the Forum, the Pantheon, St. Peter's Basilica, and dozens of other fabulous churches. A great walking city. The ship will dock overnight so you can have an unrushed day and evening in the Eternal City.

Naples, a city of great pizza and great craziness — streets choked with Vespas, noisy markets, corrupt politicians — in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius. You can visit nearby Pompeii, a Roman town of 200 B.C. preserved by the volcano's eruption.

Kotor, Montenegro, on a deep natural fjord on the Adriatic Sea, between Croatia and Bosnia and Albania, a handsome town of 23,500, surrounded by steep mountains, with narrow streets and squares in an Old Town well preserved from the 14th century, designed by the founders to be maze-like and confuse invaders.

Ravenna, Italy, a provincial town famous for its Byzantine churches, and nearby the Republic of San Marino, an independent state within Italy, where males enjoy the highest life expectancy (for men) of any nation in the world.

And finally, Venice, the city of canals and gondolas, of mask-makers, ornate (decaying) palaces, narrow mysterious streets, and marble bridges.

In addition to musicians, naturalists, and plenty of other talented experts, Garrison will welcome aboard Prairie Home regulars Tim Russell, Sue Scott, sound-effects man Fred Newman, and The Guy's All-Star Shoe Band with Richard Dworsky. There's never a dull moment — unless you want one.

The cruise is open to the public. Reservations can be made through A Prairie Home Companion's website at www.prairiehome.org. [The cruise is not a fundraiser for any public radio station, and no part of the associated cost is tax deductible.]

This Prairie Home Companion Cruise aboard the ms Ryndam from Holland America Lines is produced by Prairie Home Productions and presented by American Public Media Group.

Currently in its 39th season, A Prairie Home Companion has made the fictional small town of Lake Wobegon part of American popular culture. The show is broadcast on some 600 public radio stations nationwide, with a weekly audience that tops 4 million listeners. The program can also be heard on the Armed Forces Network Europe, the Far East Network, and in dozens of European cities via the Astra satellite network.

Garrison Keillor has been the host and writer of A Prairie Home Companion since the program started production in 1974. He is also the author of more than a dozen books, including Lake Wobegon Days, Love Me, Homegrown Democrat, and his latest, Guy Noir and the Straight Skinny (Viking).


WHAT: APHC at Sea — Barcelona to Venice, A Prairie Home Companion's seventh cruise.

WHEN: August 21-31, 2013

WHO: Garrison Keillor and the APHC cast, plus dozens of special guests from the world of music, natural history, and more.

WHERE: The ship, the ms Ryndam from Holland America Lines, departs Barcelona and sails to Marseille, Monte Carlo, Livorno, Civitavecchia (Rome), Naples, Kotor (Montenegro), Ravenna, and Venice.

RESERVATIONS: Cabins on sale now. To book a reservation, go to www.prairiehome.org.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Go to www.prairiehome.org.

A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION RETURNS TO ST. PAUL IN FEBRUARY

Contact: David O'Neill
651-999-1095

A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION RETURNS TO ST. PAUL IN FEBRUARY

Tickets go on sale November 27 for five fun-packed winter broadcasts from the Fitzgerald.

(SAINT PAUL, Minn.) Wherever A Prairie Home Companion travels, it's always good to come home. And home means the beautiful Fitzgerald Theater in downtown St. Paul.

So after spending a couple of months doing shows from New York to California, Texas to Wisconsin, Garrison Keillor and the cast and crew return to the Fitz for five rollicking Saturday broadcasts this winter: February 2, 9, 16, 23, and March 2 — the only remaining St. Paul shows for the rest of Prairie Home's current season. The fun begins at 4:45 p.m. CT.

Actress Sue Scott and Tim Russell (the man of many voices) will be on hand, along with the Guy's All-Star Shoe Band, led by pianist Richard Dworsky. There will be special guests from near and far; we'll hear from Private Eye Guy Noir and the Cowboys, Dusty and Lefty; and everyone will catch up on the news from Lake Wobegon during Keillor's signature monologue.

Tickets go on sale at noon on Tuesday, November 27, available through Ticketmaster (Ticketmaster.com or 1-800-745-3000) or in person at the Fitzgerald Theater. Minnesota Public Radio members may also order tickets by phone at 651-290-1200.

A Prairie Home Companion is heard on over 600 public radio stations across the U.S., with a weekly audience that tops 4 million listeners. The program can also be heard on the Armed Forces Network Europe, the Far East Network, and in dozens of European cities via the Astra satellite network.

Garrison Keillor has been the host and writer of A Prairie Home Companion since the program started production in 1974. He is also the author of more than a dozen books, including Lake Wobegon Days, Love Me, Homegrown Democrat, and his latest, Guy Noir and the Straight Skinny (Viking).

WHAT: A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor presents a Vocal Duet Contest.

WHEN: Saturday, October 20, 2012, 4:45 p.m. (broadcast live at 5:00 p.m. Central Time).

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

TICKETS: Go to www.prairiehome.org or Ticketmaster.com for information.

TUNE IN: Tune in Saturdays to any of hundreds of public radio stations coast to coast (many rebroadcast the show on Sunday). To check local listings, go to www.prairiehome.org.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: go to www.prairiehome.org

IT TAKES TWO! FINALISTS SELECTED FOR A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION'S OCTOBER 20th VOCAL DUET CONTEST

Contact: David O'Neill
651-999-1095

IT TAKES TWO!

FINALISTS SELECTED FOR A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION'S OCTOBER 20th VOCAL DUET CONTEST

Winner of the Silver Water Tower Trophy will be determined by audience vote — at St. Paul's Fitzgerald Theater and by listeners to the live broadcast.

(SAINT PAUL, Minn.) A Prairie Home Companion has selected six finalist pairs for its Vocal Duet Contest. Like Porter and Dolly, Don and Phil, or Simon and Garfunkel, there's nothing that beats those sweet harmonies. After the competition was announced in July, some 750 entries poured in from all over the country — each hoping for a chance to take home the coveted Silver Water Tower Trophy and one of the cash prizes.

The competition will be held on the show's October 20th live broadcast from the Fitzgerald Theater in downtown St. Paul. Winners will be selected by vote of the theater audience and listeners everywhere.

Showcasing a wide range of styles, these are the contenders:
Avenue Elle (Alison Lumley and Chrissie Natoli), from Austin, Texas

Arnaé Batson and Tim McAfee-Lewis, from Los Angeles, California

Kaija and Brian Bonde, from Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Molly and Jack Tuttle, from Palo Alto, California

The Half Step Sisters (Katie Burk and Julia Conway), from Indianapolis, Indiana

MaMuse (Sarah Nutting and Karisha Longaker), from Chico, California

Now in its 39th season, A Prairie Home Companion is broadcast on more than 600 public radio stations nationwide. The weekly audience is nearly 4 million listeners. The program can also be heard on XM Radio, the Armed Forces Network Europe, the Far East Network, and in dozens of European cities via the Astra satellite network. Garrison Keillor's signature monologue, The News from Lake Wobegon, is available via podcast/iTunes.

Garrison Keillor is the recipient of Grammy, ACE, and George Foster Peabody awards, and has been inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters. His books include Lake Wobegon Days, Pilgrims: A Wobegon Romance, and his latest, Guy Noir and the Straight Skinny (Viking).

A Prairie Home Companion is produced by Prairie Home Productions and presented by American Public Media. The show is sponsored nationally by Allianz and Ford. Audio clips, scripts, and more information on A Prairie Home Companion can be found online at www.prairiehome.org.

WHAT: A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor presents a Vocal Duet Contest.

WHEN: Saturday, October 20, 2012, 4:45 p.m. (broadcast live at 5:00 p.m. Central Time).

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

TICKETS: Go to www.prairiehome.org or Ticketmaster.com for information.

TUNE IN: Tune in Saturdays to any of hundreds of public radio stations coast to coast (many rebroadcast the show on Sunday). To check local listings, go to www.prairiehome.org.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: go to www.prairiehome.org

American Public Media's Marketplace Money Announces Host Tess Vigeland is Leaving

Contact: David O'Neil
(651)999-1095
davido@prairiehome.us

American Public Media's Marketplace Money Announces Host Tess Vigeland is Leaving

(SAINT PAUL, Minnesota & Los Angeles, California - August 17, 2012) American Public Media today announced Marketplace Money host Tess Vigeland has shared her intention to leave at the end of November. She will continue to have a role as a contributor to Marketplace, extending a relationship of more than a decade.

Since Vigeland became host of Marketplace Money in 2006, the show's audience has grown by almost 40 percent, to more than 750,000 weekly listeners. She was the most visible part of a partnership with The New York Times, producing stories for both outlets. Vigeland also was an important stabilizing presence during the financial crisis of 2008-9, when calls and letters from nervous listeners quadrupled.

"From my days as a cub reporter in the early 90's, I knew I wanted to someday work at Marketplace. Any show that had that much fun on the air had to be a great place to do the news (not to mention "The Numbers"),î said Vigeland. "I got my wish, and the last decade-plus has been extraordinary. I arrived two weeks after 9/11, and have since shared a journey with our audience through war, economic boom and bust, corporate scandals, stock market mayhem, and the Great Recession. Even through all that, we still did manage to have fun. It's been an honor, and I will miss our listeners more than I can express."

Vigeland joined Marketplace in September 2001, as a host of Marketplace Morning Report. She delivered the latest in business and economic news for nearly four years before returning briefly to reporting and producing. Vigeland also is back-up host for Marketplace.

"One of the many great things about working with Tess has been her unflagging desire to challenge herself - and by extension, the show - to do new things. Whether it was a live show in Portland, Oregon on kids and money or hosting one of our specials from a car; that ambition has been infectious and fun. And it will be great to have her continued contributions to the shows, as she moves forward into the next chapter of her career," said Marketplace Executive Producer, Deborah Clark.

In her more than 20-year journalism career, Vigeland has earned numerous awards from the Associated Press and Society of Professional Journalists. Vigeland has a bachelor's degree from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University. She is a contributor to The New York Times and is a volunteer fundraiser for the Pasadena Animal League and Pasadena Humane

Society. In her free time, Vigeland studies at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music, continuing 20-plus years of training as a classical pianist.

To find where you can tune-in Marketplace in your area, visit Marketplace.org and click on "Shows", or listen on demand via the website.

About Marketplace
Marketplace is produced and distributed by American Public Media (APM), in association with the University of Southern California. Public radio consists of more than 900 individually owned and operated public radio stations (or regional systems of stations). American Public Media is one of the largest producers of public radio programming in the world, with a portfolio reaching 16 million listeners via nearly 800 radio stations nationwide each week. In addition to APM, Public Radio International and National Public Radio distribute and produce national programs. For more information on Marketplace visit marketplace.org. For more information on American Public Media visit publicradio.org.

About American Public Media
American Public Media is one of the largest producers of public radio programming in the world, with a portfolio reaching over 17 million listeners via more than 800 radio stations nationwide each week. Programs include A Prairie Home Companion, BBC World Service, Marketplace, Performance Today, The Splendid Table, On Being, American RadioWorks and many others. American Public Media's 140,000 member-strong Public Insight Network promotes deep connections between journalists across the country and the communities they serve. American Public Media is the parent organization for Minnesota Public Radio, Southern California Public Radio and Classical South Florida. A complete list of stations, programs and additional services can be found at www.americanpublicmedia.org. Source: Data are copyright Arbitron, Inc. Arbitron data are estimates only. Spring 2011/Fall 2011 average.

A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION KICKS OFF ITS 39th SEASON.

Contact: David O'Neill
651-999-1095

A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION KICKS OFF ITS 39th SEASON.

SEPT. 15th BROADCAST FROM THE FITZGERALD THEATER TO BE FOLLOWED BY ANNUAL STREET DANCE AND MEATLOAF SUPPER.

Tickets for all six fall shows at the Fitz go on sale July 31 at noon CT.

(SAINT PAUL, Minn.) — As we slog through the summer heat and humidity, it's good to think about a crisp fall evening and the kick off of A Prairie Home Companion's 39th season.

Join Garrison Keillor for the Saturday, September 15th season-opening live broadcast from the Fitzgerald Theater in downtown St. Paul. Actress Sue Scott and Tim Russell (the man of many voices) will be on hand, along with the Guy's All-Star Shoe Band, led by pianist Richard Dworsky. Garrison will welcome special guests and get us caught up on the news from Lake Wobegon during his signature monologue.

Following the show, whoop it up at the annual Prairie Home Street Dance and Meatloaf Supper, on Exchange Street, right in front of the Fitz. Enjoy music (by hard-driving Texas band the Derailers), food (the famous $5 meatloaf dinner!), and fun, with Garrison leading the festivities. This event is open to the public and free — save a small charge for refreshments.

And in the weeks that follow, there will be five more live APHC broadcasts at the Fitzgerald Theater: September 22, 29, October 6, 13, and 20. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, July 31, through Ticketmaster outlets or online, or in person at the Fitzgerald box office.

A Prairie Home Companion is heard on close to 600 public radio stations across the U.S., with a weekly audience that tops 4 million listeners. The program can also be heard on the Armed Forces Network Europe, the Far East Network, and in dozens of European cities via the Astra satellite network.

A Prairie Home Companion is produced by Prairie Home Productions and presented by American Public Media. The show is sponsored nationally by Allianz and Ford. Audio clips, scripts, and more information on A Prairie Home Companion can be found online at www.prairiehome.org.

WHAT: 2012–13 Season Opener of A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor, followed by the annual (and free) Street Dance.

WHO: Garrison Keillor, with Tim Russell, Sue Scott, the Guy's All-Star Shoe Band, the Derailers, and much more.

WHEN: Season-opening broadcast is Saturday, September 15, 2012, 4:45 p.m., followed by the Prairie Home Street Dance, 7–10 p.m., whatever the weather.

The rest of the St. Paul fall run: September 22, 29, October 6, 13, and 20.

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

TICKETS: On sale beginning Tuesday, July 31, at noon Central Time. Prices: $48.00, $38.00, $32.00 (includes $2.50 facility fee). There is a limit of 4 tickets per order. Minnesota Public Radio members receive a $2 discount.

Order online through Ticketmaster.com, call 800-982-2787, or visit any Ticketmaster outlet. The general public may purchase tickets in person at the Fitzgerald box office. Minnesota Public Radio members may order tickets by phone at 651-290-1200. A limited number of rush tickets are sold on day of show: numbers issued at 2:00 p.m. and rush ticket sales at 4:00 p.m. ($15 each, limit of two, cash only).

TUNE IN: Tune in Saturdays to any of hundreds of public radio stations coast to coast (many rebroadcast the show on Sunday). Check local listings or go to www.prairiehome.org for specifics.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: go to www.prairiehome.org

IT TAKES TWO! A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION ANNOUNCES VOCAL DUET CONTEST, HELD ON OCT. 20th BROADCAST FROM ST. PAUL'S FITZGERALD THEATER

Contact: David O'Neill
651-999-1095

IT TAKES TWO!

A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION ANNOUNCES VOCAL DUET CONTEST, HELD ON OCT. 20th BROADCAST FROM ST. PAUL'S FITZGERALD THEATER

Deadline for entries is Friday, September 21st.

(SAINT PAUL, Minn.) — Porter and Dolly, Don and Phil, Simon and Garfunkel, Sonny and Cher, Waylon and Willie — there's nothing like those sweet harmonies. So A Prairie Home Companion has announced a vocal duet contest to be held on the show's October 20th live broadcast from the Fitzgerald Theater. From the submissions received, five or six finalists will be chosen to sing on the show, and winners will take home cash prizes awarded by the vote of the APHC audience and listeners.

Singers can record their duet and submit it online by Friday, September 21, 5 p.m. (CT). Or send a CD to:
Prairie Home Duet Contest Submissions
611 Frontenac Place
St. Paul, MN 55104.

Some guidelines (see complete rules at www.prairiehome.org):

1. Vocal duet means two voices — can be male/female, male/male, or female/ female — but not instrumental duet. Any spoken language is acceptable.
2. Has to be a true duet song — not simply a lead singer with backup vocal.
3. Submissions must be received by 5 p.m. (Central Time) on Friday, September 21, 2012.

A Prairie Home Companion's 39th season kicks of on Saturday, September 15, with a live broadcast from the Fitzgerald Theater in downtown St. Paul, followed by the annual street dance and meatloaf supper on Exchange Street, right in front of the Fitz. Tickets for the fall run of six St. Paul shows go on sale Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at noon Central Time.

A Prairie Home Companion is broadcast on close to 600 public radio stations nationwide. The weekly audience tops 4 million listeners. The program can also be heard on XM Radio, the Armed Forces Network Europe, the Far East Network, and in dozens of European cities via the Astra satellite network. Garrison Keillor's signature monologue, The News from Lake Wobegon, is available via podcast/iTunes.

A Prairie Home Companion is produced by Prairie Home Productions and presented by American Public Media. The show is sponsored nationally by Allianz and Ford. Audio clips, scripts, and more information on A Prairie Home Companion can be found online at www.prairiehome.org.

WHAT: A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor presents a vocal duet contest.

WHEN: Saturday, October 20, 2012, 4:45 p.m. (broadcast live at 5:00 p.m. Central Time).

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

TICKETS: Tickets for APHC's six fall shows at the Fitz go on sale beginning July 31 at noon CT. See www.prairiehome.org or Ticketmaster.com for information.

TUNE IN: Tune in Saturdays to any of hundreds of public radio stations coast to coast (many rebroadcast the show on Sunday). Check local listings or go www.prairiehome.org for specifics.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Go to www.prairiehome.org.

A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION KICKS OFF ITS 39th SEASON

Contact: David O'Neil
(651)999-1095
davido@prairiehome.us

A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION KICKS OFF ITS 39th SEASON

SEPT. 15th BROADCAST FROM THE FITZGERALD THEATER
TO BE FOLLOWED BY ANNUAL STREET DANCE AND MEATLOAF SUPPER

Tickets for all six fall shows at the Fitz go on sale July 31 at noon CT

(SAINT PAUL, Minn. - July 25, 2012) As we slog through the summer heat and humidity, it's good to think about a crisp fall evening and the kick off of A Prairie Home Companion's 39th season.

Join Garrison Keillor for the Saturday, September 15th season-opening live broadcast from the Fitzgerald Theater in downtown St. Paul. Actress Sue Scott and Tim Russell (the man of many voices) will be on hand, along with the Guy's All-Star Shoe Band, led by pianist Richard Dworsky. Garrison will welcome special guests and get us caught up on the news from Lake Wobegon during his signature monologue.

Following the show, whoop it up at the annual Prairie Home Street Dance and Meatloaf Supper, on Exchange Street, right in front of the Fitz. Enjoy music (by hard-driving Texas band the Derailers), food (the famous $5 meatloaf dinner!), and fun, with Garrison leading the festivities. This event is open to the public and free - save a small charge for refreshments.

And in the weeks that follow, there will be five more live APHC broadcasts at the Fitzgerald Theater: September 22, 29, October 6, 13, and 20. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, July 31, through Ticketmaster outlets or online, or in person at the Fitzgerald box office.

A Prairie Home Companion is heard on close to 600 public radio stations across the U.S., with a weekly audience that tops 4 million listeners. The program can also be heard on the Armed Forces Network Europe, the Far East Network, and in dozens of European cities via the Astra satellite network.

A Prairie Home Companion is produced by Prairie Home Productions and presented by American Public Media. The show is sponsored nationally by Allianz and Ford. Audio clips, scripts, and more information on A Prairie Home Companion can be found online at www.prairiehome.org.

WHAT: 2012-13 Season Opener of A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor, followed by the annual (and free) Street Dance.
WHO: Garrison Keillor, with Tim Russell, Sue Scott, the Guy's All-Star Shoe Band, the Derailers, and much more.
WHEN: Season-opening broadcast is Saturday, September 15, 2012, 4:45 p.m., followed by the Prairie Home Street Dance, 7-10 p.m., whatever the weather.
The rest of the St. Paul fall run: September 22, 29, October 6, 13, and 20.
WHERE: The Fitzgerald Theater, 10 East Exchange St. (at Wabasha), downtown St. Paul (Street Dance on Exchange Street, in front of the theater).
TICKETS: On sale beginning Tuesday, July 31, at noon Central Time. Prices: $48.00, $38.00, $32.00 (includes $2.50 facility fee). There is a limit of 4 tickets per order. Minnesota Public Radio members receive a $2 discount.

Order online through Ticketmaster.com, call 800-982-2787, or visit any Ticketmaster outlet. The general public may purchase tickets in person at the Fitzgerald box office. Minnesota Public Radio members may order tickets by phone at 651-290-1200. A limited number of rush tickets are sold on day of show: numbers issued at 2:00 p.m. and rush ticket sales at 4:00 p.m. ($15 each, limit of two, cash only).TUNE IN: Tune in Saturdays to any of hundreds of public radio stations coast to coast (many rebroadcast the show on Sunday). Check local listings or go to www.prairiehome.org for specifics. FOR MORE INFORMATION: go to www.prairiehome.org

A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION ANNOUNCES VOCAL DUET CONTEST, HELD ON OCT. 20th BROADCAST

Contact: David O'Neil
(651)999-1095
davido@prairiehome.us

A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION ANNOUNCES VOCAL DUET CONTEST, HELD ON OCT. 20th BROADCAST
FROM ST. PAULíS FITZGERALD THEATER

St. PAUL, MN - (July 25, 2012) - Porter and Dolly, Don and Phil, Simon and Garfunkel, Sonny and Cher, Waylon and Willie - there's nothing like those sweet harmonies. So A Prairie Home Companion has announced a vocal duet contest to be held on the show's October 20th live broadcast from the Fitzgerald Theater. From the submissions received, five or six finalists will be chosen to sing on the show, and winners will take home cash prizes awarded by the vote of the APHC audience and listeners.

Singers can record their duet and submit it online by Friday, September 21, 5 p.m. (CT). Or send a CD to: Prairie Home Duet Contest Submissions. 611 Frontenac Place, St. Paul, MN 55104.

Some guidelines (see complete rules at www.prairiehome.org):

1. Vocal duet means two voices - can be male/female, male/male, or female/female - but not instrumental duet. Any spoken language is acceptable.
2. Has to be a true duet song - not simply a lead singer with backup vocal.
3. Submissions must be received by 5 p.m. (Central Time) on Friday, September 21, 2012.

A Prairie Home Companion's 39th season kicks of on Saturday, September 15, with a live broadcast from the Fitzgerald Theater in downtown St. Paul, followed by the annual street dance and meatloaf supper on Exchange Street, right in front of the Fitz. Tickets for the fall run of six St. Paul shows go on sale Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at noon Central Time.

A Prairie Home Companion is broadcast on close to 600 public radio stations nationwide. The weekly audience tops 4 million listeners. The program can also be heard on XM Radio, the Armed Forces Network Europe, the Far East Network, and in dozens of European cities via the Astra satellite network. Garrison Keillor's signature monologue, The News from Lake Wobegon, is available via podcast/iTunes.

A Prairie Home Companion is produced by Prairie Home Productions and presented by American Public Media. The show is sponsored nationally by Allianz and Ford. Audio clips, scripts, and more information on A Prairie Home Companion can be found online at www.prairiehome.org.

WHAT: A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor presents a vocal duet contest.
WHEN: Saturday, October 20, 2012, 4:45 p.m. (broadcast live at 5:00 p.m. Central Time).
WHERE: Fitzgerald Theater, 10 East Exchange Street, St. Paul, MN.
TICKETS: Tickets for APHC's six fall shows at the Fitz go on sale beginning July 31 at noon CT. See www.prairiehome.org or Ticketmaster.com for information.
TUNE IN: Tune in Saturdays to any of hundreds of public radio stations coast to coast (many rebroadcast the show on Sunday). Check local listings or go www.prairiehome.org for specifics.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Go to www.prairiehome.org.

BBC WORLD SERVICE APPOINTS AMERICAN PUBLIC MEDIA AS NEW DISTRIBUTOR IN THE UNITED STATES

BBC WORLD SERVICE APPOINTS AMERICAN PUBLIC MEDIA AS NEW DISTRIBUTOR IN THE UNITED STATES

St. PAUL, MN/NEW YORK -(July 12, 2012) - BBC World Service and American Public Media have announced today that American Public Media will distribute BBC World Service English radio programs to public radio stations in the United States for the next five years.

American Public Media began distribution of BBC World Service on July 1, 2012. This new partnership will ensure that Americans have increased access to the highest quality global news that affects their lives. It also provides an opportunity to build on and expand the relationship already established with American Public Media through editorial collaborations between its daily national business program, Marketplace and BBC World Service journalists. In 2011, Marketplace and the BBC's Business Daily co-presented specials examining the impact of the debt crisis in Europe on the wider global economy, with reports from Kenya, China, London and Los Angeles. Since 2010, BBC reporters have regularly contributed global economic stories to Marketplace Morning Report.

In the U.S. more than 500 local public radio stations broadcast BBC content - mainly news and current affairs programming, including its flagship global newscast Newshour.

"With global events often resonating at national and local levels, BBC World Service is a distinct voice offering U.S. audiences access to independent and impartial news," said Richard Porter, Controller English, Global News. "Against a news landscape of increased noise and opinion, BBC World Service gets to the heart of news stories with objective reporting from around the world and allows U.S. audiences a unique perspective on their own country. I'm delighted that we are working with American Public Media in the U.S., and hope that together we can best serve the needs of our audiences here."

"We're committed to helping U.S. audiences understand our rapidly changing world, and we are excited by this new partnership with the BBC World Service" said Jon McTaggart, president and CEO, American Public Media. "Now more than ever, U.S. audiences are wrestling with important questions, and the BBC World Service provides an uncompromised free press that informs, illuminates and explains the "what" and "why it matters" from around the globe."

Contacts:

BBC World Service
Penny Crook
212-705-9335
Penny.Crook@bbc.co.uk
bbcworldservice.com

American Public Media
Tara Schlosser
651-290-1436
Tschlosser@americanpublicmedia.org
americanpublicmedia.org

About BBC World Service
BBC Global News includes BBC World Service, BBC World News television, bbc.com/news (the BBC's international-facing online news site) and BBC Monitoring. The BBC attracts a weekly global audience of 239 million people to its international news services including BBC World Service, BBC World News television channel and bbc.com/news.

BBC World Service is an international multimedia broadcaster, delivering a wide range of language and regional services on radio, TV, online and via wireless handheld devices. It uses multiple platforms to reach its weekly audience of 180 million globally, including shortwave, AM, FM, digital satellite and cable channels. Its news sites include audio and video content and offer opportunities to join the global debate. BBC World Service offers its multilingual radio content to partner FM stations around the world and has numerous partnerships supplying content to news websites, mobile phones and other wireless handheld devices as well as TV channels. For more information, visit bbcworldservice.com.

2012 has been a landmark year for BBC World Service as it marked its 80th anniversary and also moved into a new state of the art home in central London, joining the BBC's UK and international TV, radio and multimedia services. In June 2012 BBC World Service's annual audiences estimate revealed that the broadcaster had increased its overall global audience to 180 million from 166 million in 2011 (an 8% increase).

About American Public Media
American Public Media is one of the largest producers of public radio programming in the world, with a portfolio reaching over 17 million listeners via more than 800 radio stations nationwide each week. Programs include A Prairie Home Companion, BBC World Service, Marketplace, Performance Today, The Splendid Table, On Being, American RadioWorks and many others. American Public Media's 140,000 member-strong Public Insight Network promotes deep connections between journalists across the country and the communities they serve. American Public Media is the parent organization for Minnesota Public Radio, Southern California Public Radio and Classical South Florida. A complete list of stations, programs and additional services can be found at www.americanpublicmedia.org.

Source: Data are copyright Arbitron, Inc. Arbitron data are estimates only. Spring 2011/Fall 2011 average.

DAVID BRANCACCIO TO HOST MARKETPLACE TECH REPORT, JOHN MOE BECOMES FULL-TIME HOST OF WITS

Contact:
Mary Sutherland
Phone: (651) 290-1373
msutherland@americanpublicmedia.org

DAVID BRANCACCIO TO HOST MARKETPLACE TECH REPORT,
JOHN MOE BECOMES FULL-TIME HOST OF WITS

Moves strengthen APM business and entertainment programming offerings

St. PAUL, MN - (July 10, 2012) - American Public Media announced today changes to its popular Marketplace Tech Report and Wits programs to enhance the organization's business and entertainment programming.

First, David Brancaccio, Marketplace's special correspondent and recent host of Marketplace Morning Report, will be taking on the role of host of Marketplace Tech Report.

Brancaccio will continue to be based in New York City and will cover the entire span of tech news, but will be particularly well-positioned to follow the burgeoning tech activity up and down the East Coast. Since technology has become as much an East Coast story as a West Coast one, basing Marketplace Tech Report in New York will give listeners a perspective from outside Silicon Valley.

"By combining Marketplace Tech Report with coverage from Marketplace's technology correspondent on the West Coast, we will be able to offer listeners a more comprehensive look at the tech world," said Judy McAlpine, senior vice president and general manager, American Public Media.

"It's hard to ignore all the tech happenings here in New York; from players like Zynga, Facebook and Twitter setting up major centers, to the start-up culture thriving at companies like Tumblr and Foursquare," said Brancaccio. "I'm especially interested in enhancing Marketplace's existing new-driven technology coverage by providing compelling journalism that explores technology's social impact."

By having Brancaccio host Marketplace Tech Report, its current host, John Moe, will devote the full measure of his talents and energy to Wits, Minnesota Public Radio's two-year old show that features creative storytelling and musical performances by some of America's most talented writers and musicians including Fred Willard, Roseanne Cash, Andy Richter, Amy Sedaris and They Might Be Giants. Moe has been hosting the show, since its launch, in addition to his on-going duties hosting Marketplace Tech Report.

"In just two years, Wits has established itself as a weekend destination for great storytelling, great music and illuminating conversation" said McAlpine. "We think there is enormous potential for Wits to go national and John's absolutely the right person to lead that effort."

"It has been a fantastic opportunity to host and develop Marketplace Tech Report, while also pursuing my passion for music and storytelling on stage in front of a live studio audience," said Moe. "With Tech Report in such good hands, I'm free to plunge whole-heartedly into Wits and into making it a national show. I'm thrilled."

These changes will take effect beginning September 10, 2012.

About Marketplace
Marketplace reports on business, the economy and money as they affect people every day. The portfolio reaches 9.5 million listeners each week on more than 500 public radio stations through its award-winning news shows: Marketplace Morning Report; Marketplace; Marketplace Money; and Marketplace Tech Report. For more information on Marketplace, please visit marketplace.org.

About American Public Media
American Public Media is one of the largest producers of public radio programming in the world, with a portfolio reaching over 17 million listeners via more than 800 radio stations nationwide each week. Programs include A Prairie Home Companion, BBC World Service, Marketplace, Performance Today, The Splendid Table, On Being, American RadioWorks and many others. American Public Media's 140,000 member-strong Public Insight Network promotes deep connections between journalists across the country and the communities they serve. American Public Media is the parent organization for Minnesota Public Radio, Southern California Public Radio and Classical South Florida. A complete list of stations, programs and additional services can be found at www.americanpublicmedia.org.

Source: Data are copyright Arbitron, Inc. Arbitron data are estimates only. Spring 2011/Fall 2011 average.

AMERICAN PUBLIC MEDIA'S MARKETPLACE HIRES STAFF FOR WEALTH AND POVERTY DESK

Contact:
Tara Schlosser
Phone: (651) 290-1436
tschlosser@americanpublicmedia.org

AMERICAN PUBLIC MEDIA'S MARKETPLACE HIRES STAFF FOR WEALTH AND POVERTY DESK

(ST. PAUL, Minn.) April 12, 2012 - After an extensive national search, American Public Media's Marketplace announces four new hires for the Wealth & Poverty Desk. Krissy Clark, senior reporter, is joining Marketplace from KQED where she is the Los Angeles bureau chief for California Report. Joining the Desk as reporter is Shereen Marisol Meraji, a business and economy reporter from KPCC. Rounding out the team are associate producer, Jolie Puidokas, former associate producer for Marketplace Morning Report and assistant producer, John Ketchum, a reporter from WCMU in Mount Pleasant, Mich. The four new hires will be staffing the Desk by early May and will report to Celeste Wesson, senior editor for the Wealth & Poverty Desk.

"I can't wait to see what this talented, diverse team comes up with when they start working together," said Celeste Wesson. "They have the curiosity and creativity to delve into economic data, and to translate their reporting into compelling stories about how the wealth gap affects our lives, at all economic levels."

"The realities of wealth, poverty and the country's growing income gap shape the world we live in, and yet they are subjects that can be loaded or hard to talk about," said Krissy Clark. "I hope our reporting will help shed light on the forces behind these issues and make them dinner table and bus stop conversation."

Clark is an award-winning journalist and documentary-maker, whose work has been featured on Morning Edition, All Things Considered, the BBC and Marketplace. She was on the founding staff of American Public Media's Weekend America and is founder of storieseverywhere.org.

"I'm excited to tell stories that move the conversation about the wealth gap beyond the numbers 1 and 99," said Shereen Marisol Meraji.

Before joining KPCC, Meraji was a producer at NPR's Day to Day and All Things Considered as well as a freelance reporter for NPR.

Marketplace launched the Wealth & Poverty Desk earlier this year with a grant from the Ford Foundation. Using Marketplace's signature style, the Wealth & Poverty Desk explores the human impact of the wealth gap and creates a thoughtful conversation among Americans from different classes, races and walks of life. To explore some of the critical reporting already produced by the Desk, visit marketplace.org/wealth-poverty.

Marketplace has a number of successes in recent weeks, from Kai Ryssdal's interview with President Obama, to Rob Schmitz's revealing reporting about a recent error-filled story on This American Life, to the formation of our groundbreaking new Wealth and Poverty Desk. To find where you can tune-in Marketplace in your area, visit Marketplace.org and click on "Local Air Times."

About Marketplace
Marketplace reports on business, the economy and money as they affect people every day. The portfolio reaches 9.5 million listeners each week on more than 500 public radio stations through its award-winning news shows: Marketplace Morning Report; Marketplace; Marketplace Money; and Marketplace Tech Report. For more information on Marketplace, please visit marketplace.publicradio.org.

About American Public Media
American Public Media is one of the largest producers of public radio programming in the world, with a portfolio reaching 15.4 million listeners via more than 800 radio stations nationwide each week. Programs include A Prairie Home Companion, Marketplace, Performance Today, The Splendid Table, On Being, American RadioWorks and many others. American Public Media's 140,000 member-strong Public Insight Network promotes deep connections between journalists across the country and the communities they serve. American Public Media is the parent organization for Minnesota Public Radio, Southern California Public Radio and Classical South Florida. A complete list of stations, programs and additional services can be found at www.americanpublicmedia.org.

Source: Data are copyright Arbitron, Inc. Arbitron data are estimates only. Spring 2011/Fall 2011 average.

AMERICAN PUBLIC MEDIA NAMES SITARA NIEVES SENIOR PRODUCER, MARKETPLACE

Contact:
Tara Schlosser
Phone: (651) 290-1436
tschlosser@americanpublicmedia.org

AMERICAN PUBLIC MEDIA NAMES SITARA NIEVES SENIOR PRODUCER, MARKETPLACE

(ST. PAUL, Minn.) April 2, 2012 - American Public Media (APM) has named Sitara Nieves the new senior producer of Marketplace with Kai Ryssdal. Nieves joins the Marketplace team from The Takeaway, a co-production from WNYC and Public Radio International. In her new role, Nieves will be responsible for enhancing innovation, while maintaining journalistic standards. She will also help drive an inventive new presence for Marketplace in the digital environment. She will work closely with host Kai Ryssdal and the production team. Nieves will report directly to executive producer Deborah Clark.

"The quick-response nature of The Takeaway taught Sitara to move fast - very fast - while she led the development of four hours of live broadcast journalism every day," said Deborah Clark, executive producer, Marketplace. "Sitara will play an important role as we continue to produce innovative news and economic programming that our listeners expect. I'm confident that she will be a real partner in helping us take Marketplace to the next level."

Nieves was part of the founding team of The Takeaway in 2008. Since then she steadily took on more responsibility, becoming senior producer last year. Before joining The Takeaway, Nieves worked as a multimedia journalist at The Economist and freelanced as a reporter for a number of radio and print outlets.

"There's never been more of a need for personal, accessible stories that help translate the story of the economy to listeners," Said Nieves. "I'm thrilled to work with host Kai Ryssdal and the rest of the Marketplace team to innovate, respond quickly to breaking news, and become even more ambitious in how we tell stories on the radio and across the show's digital platforms. It's a producer's dream to work on a show that's both incredibly strong and committed to continue experimenting and innovating."

Nieves will start her new position at Marketplace on May 31.

Marketplace has a number of successes in recent weeks, from Kai Ryssdal's interview with President Obama, to Rob Schmitz's revealing reporting about a recent error-filled story on This American Life, to the formation of our groundbreaking new Wealth and Poverty Desk. To find where you can tune-in Marketplace in your area, visit Marketplace.org and click on "Local Air Times."

About Marketplace
Marketplace reports on business, the economy and money as they affect people every day. The portfolio reaches 9.5 million listeners each week on more than 500 public radio stations through its award-winning news shows: Marketplace Morning Report; Marketplace; Marketplace Money; and Marketplace Tech Report. For more information on Marketplace, please visit marketplace.publicradio.org.

About American Public Media
American Public Media is one of the largest producers of public radio programming in the world, with a portfolio reaching 15.4 million listeners via more than 800 radio stations nationwide each week. Programs include A Prairie Home Companion, Marketplace, Performance Today, The Splendid Table, On Being, American RadioWorks and many others. American Public Media's 140,000 member-strong Public Insight Network promotes deep connections between journalists across the country and the communities they serve. American Public Media is the parent organization for Minnesota Public Radio, Southern California Public Radio and Classical South Florida. A complete list of stations, programs and additional services can be found at www.americanpublicmedia.org.

Source: Data are copyright Arbitron, Inc. Arbitron data are estimates only. Spring 2011/Fall 2011 average.

BBC World Service Statement

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

BBC World Service Statement

BBC World Service has announced today that, subject to contract, American Public Media has been selected as the preferred distributor of BBC World Service English radio to public radio stations in the United States for the next five years.

This announcement follows a procurement process triggered by the end of the current distribution agreement.

BBC World Service radio has been distributed by PRI (Public Radio International) for more than 20 years. More than 500 local public radio stations use BBC content - mainly news and current affairs programming. Arrangements for the distribution of existing co-production programmes such as The World are unaffected by today's announcement.

Subject to the necessary approvals, the new arrangements will come into force on [1 July] 2012 once final contract negotiations are complete.

Richard Porter, Controller, English, said: "BBC World Service radio has been enjoying record audiences in the US and we are delighted to be working with American Public Media to ensure that more US listeners have access to the BBC's impartial international journalism and programming across public radio in the US."

"I appreciate the support that Public Radio International (PRI) have given to BBC World Service in the US over the years, and we will continue to work with them on our co-productions, including The World."

How to Eat Weekends Nominated For Prestigious James Beard Award

Contact:
Jackie Cartier
Phone: (651) 290-1113
jcartier@americanpublicmedia.org

How to Eat Weekends Nominated For Prestigious James Beard Award

A Win Would Be Third Prestigious Beard Award for Lynne Rossetto
Kasper In the Cookbook Category & a First for Sally Swift

(St. Paul, Minn.) March 22, 2012 - The Splendid Table's host, Lynne Rossetto Kasper, and managing producer, Sally Swift, are being honored with a nomination in the general cookbook category of the 2012 James Beard Awards, for How to Eat Weekends: New Recipes, Stories & Opinions from Public Radio's Award-Winning Food Show, released in September 2011. The James Beard Awards, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, is among the nation's most prestigious cooking honors and commonly referred to as the "Oscars of the Food World." Winners will be announced on May 4 and 7 and a complete list of the 2012 nominees is available at www.jamesbeard.org/.

Lynne Rossetto Kasper, an already four time James Beard award winner, twice for cookbooks and twice for the show, along with Sally Swift, a first time book nominee are honored to be recognized by the Foundation.

Lynne Rossetto Kasper is host and co-creator of The Splendid Table radio program. She has explored food for more than 40 years as a teacher, researcher, writer, and lecturer. She's the author of The Splendid Table, winner of both the James Beard and Julia Child/IACP Cookbook of the Year awards. She also wrote The Italian Country Table and co-authored with Sally Swift The Splendid Table's How to Eat Supper, both of which were award nominees. Lynne is also included in the James Beard Foundation's Who's Who of Food and Beverage in America.

Sally Swift is the Managing Producer and co-creator The Splendid Table public radio program. Previously she worked in film, video, and television production. She has twice won the James Beard Award for Best National Radio Show, received the Gracie Allen Award for Best Syndicated Talk Show three times, and is a five-time recipient of the Clarion Award from Women in Communications. She is the co-author with Lynne Rossetto Kasper of The Splendid Table's How To Eat Supper.

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

For image or interview requests, please contact Jackie Cartier at jcartier@americanpublicmedia.org or 651-587-6385.

American Public Media Promotes Mike Reszler to Vice President, Digital Media

Contact:
Jackie Cartier
Phone: (651) 290-1113
jcartier@americanpublicmedia.org

American Public Media Promotes Mike Reszler
to Vice President, Digital Media

Will Oversee Digital Programming, Digital Product Development, and the Public Insight Network

(St. Paul, Minn.) March 6, 2012 - American Public Media (APM) today announced the promotion of Mike Reszler, managing director of digital strategies, to the newly-created position of vice president for digital media. Reszler will be responsible for APM's Public Insight Network (PIN), as well as for all APM digital programming and product development.

"Mike is a strong champion of APM's Public Insight Network, digital innovation, and high-quality journalism and programming," said APM chief operating officer Dave Kansas. "He is superbly suited to focus our digital resources on projects and products that strengthen all three, and to help PIN and its partners deepen relationships with audiences, sources and each other."

Reszler is a veteran journalist who has helped lead the digital transformation of many news operations, both print and broadcast, during his career. An alumnus of Knight Ridder and MediaNews Group, he's also worked on the front lines as a reporter, managing editor, and senior editor. At Knight Ridder, he oversaw the online coverage of Hurricane Katrina, for which the Biloxi Sun Herald won the Pulitzer Prize. Reszler joined MPR in November, 2007, as managing editor for online news.

A native of Aberdeen, South Dakota, Reszler earned a B.A. from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD, a M.A. from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and he is A.B.D. in history from Claremont Graduate School in Claremont, CA.

For media inquiries, contact Jackie Cartier, APM national public relations manager, at jcartier@americanpublicmedia.org or 651-290-1543.

About American Public Media
American Public Media is one of the largest producers of public radio programming in the world, with a portfolio reaching 16 million listeners via more than 800 radio stations nationwide each week. Programs include A Prairie Home Companion, Marketplace, Performance Today, The Splendid Table, On Being, American RadioWorks and many others. American Public Media's 140,000 member-strong Public Insight Network promotes deep connections between journalists across the country and the communities they serve. American Public Media is the parent organization for Minnesota Public Radio, Southern California Public Radio and Classical South Florida. A complete list of stations, programs and additional services can be found at www.americanpublicmedia.org.

Source: Data are copyright Arbitron, Inc. Arbitron data are estimates only. Fall 2010/Spring 2011 average.

AMERICAN PUBLIC MEDIA'S MARKETPLACE LAUNCHES WEALTH & POVERTY DESK

Contact:
Jackie Cartier
Phone: (651) 290-1113
jcartier@americanpublicmedia.org

AMERICAN PUBLIC MEDIA'S MARKETPLACE LAUNCHES WEALTH & POVERTY DESK

New desk provides groundbreaking content on the growing concentration of wealth in the U.S. and its causes and consequences

(St. Paul, Minn.) February 27, 2012 - This month, American Public Media's (APM) Marketplace launches the Wealth & Poverty Desk, which will provide groundbreaking content on the growing concentration of wealth in the U.S. and its causes and consequences for the economy and society. The Wealth & Poverty Desk is made possible by a grant from the Ford Foundation.

"Marketplace's Wealth & Poverty Desk will provide millions of Americans with the information and insights needed to make critical decisions, and help to empower people to change their lives and the communities they live in," said Jon McTaggart, American Public Media's president and CEO. "This reflects our deep commitment to important journalism that can expand perspectives and strengthen communities in every state, big city, small town and rural region in the country."

Using Marketplace's signature style, the Wealth & Poverty Desk goes beyond traditional media by exploring the human impact and creating a thoughtful conversation among Americans from different classes, races, and walks of life. Through on-air and online content, and unique partnerships, the Wealth & Poverty Desk aims to increase public awareness of the growing income and wealth gap, so all Americans can expand their perspectives and strengthen their communities.

"We believe that quality journalism examining issues of poverty and inequity - which are too often ignored by the media - enriches public understanding and debate," said Calvin Sims, Program Officer for the Ford Foundation's Freedom of Expression division. "To that end, the Ford Foundation is proud to support groundbreaking news programs like Marketplace."

Beginning immediately, reporting from the Wealth & Poverty Desk can be heard across Marketplace's portfolio of programming, starting this morning with a series of features on Marketplace Morning Report that lay out "The Fundamentals" of our coverage. Marketplace reporter Mitchell Hartman has prepared a series of primers that answer "What is Wealth?", "What is Poverty?", "What is the Middle Class?", and "What is the Wealth Gap?" Hartman's stories include the voices of top experts in the field and people from all levels of economic life in America, to lay the groundwork for our exploration.

To find where you can tune-in Marketplace in your area, visit Marketplace.org and click on "Local Air Times." To learn more about upcoming reporting from the Wealth & Poverty Desk, visit http://www.marketplace.org/wealth-poverty.

About Marketplace
Marketplace is produced and distributed by American Public Media (APM), in association with the University of Southern California. Public radio consists of more than 900 individually owned and operated public radio stations (or regional systems of stations). American Public Media is one of the largest producers of public radio programming in the world, with a portfolio reaching 16 million listeners via nearly 800 radio stations nationwide each week. In addition to APM, Public Radio International and National Public Radio distribute and produce national programs. For more information on Marketplace visit marketplace.org. For more information on American Public Media visit americanpublicmedia.org.

About American Public Media
American Public Media is one of the largest producers of public radio programming in the world, with a portfolio reaching 16 million listeners via more than 800 radio stations nationwide each week. Programs include A Prairie Home Companion, Marketplace, Performance Today, The Splendid Table, On Being, American RadioWorks and many others. American Public Media's 130,000 member-strong Public Insight Network promotes deep connections between journalists across the country and the communities they serve. American Public Media is the parent organization for Minnesota Public Radio, Southern California Public Radio and Classical South Florida. A complete list of stations, programs and additional services can be found at www.americanpublicmedia.org.

Source: Data are copyright Arbitron, Inc. Arbitron data are estimates only. Fall 2010/Spring 2011 average.

MARKETPLACE, PBS NEWSHOUR, CENTER FOR INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING AND HOMELANDS PRODUCTIONS COLLABORATE ON FOOD FOR 9 BILLION

MARKETPLACE, PBS NEWSHOUR, CENTER FOR INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING AND HOMELANDS PRODUCTIONS COLLABORATE ON FOOD FOR 9 BILLION

Special programming tackles global food security

(St. Paul, Minn.) January 24, 2012ñAmerican Public Mediaís Marketplace, PBS NEWSHOUR, the Center for Investigative Reporting and Homelands Productions are collaborating on a multi-platform media project, "Food for 9 Billion." The project examines the challenge of feeding the world at a time of growing demand, changing diets, rising food and energy prices, shrinking land and water resources and accelerating climate change.

Both in format and in subject matter, "Food for 9 Billion" will be one of the most thorough explorations of global food security issues to appear in public media.

The main project elements for "Food for 9 Billion" include a year-long series of radio features on Marketplace, a year-long series of video features on PBS NEWSHOUR and an online experience managed by the Center for Investigative Reporting at foodfor9billion.org. Specialists at Cornell University, Franklin & Marshall College and PBS NEWSHOUR are designing interactive web features and materials for teachers and students.

On Monday, Jan. 23, Marketplace and PBS NEWSHOUR each broadcast special features on the ways in which rapid population growth contributes to a deepening food crisis in the Philippines. Both were reported by Los Angeles-based freelance journalist Sam Eaton. Earlier features examined the role of science in boosting global food production, the roots of famine in eastern Africa, and the debate in Egypt over food policies and prices.

"The struggle to put food on the table is such a basic human story," said Homelands Productions' Jonathan Miller, executive producer for "Food for 9 Billion." "We can see it in the families we meet in the Philippines, who are determined to gain some control over their futures. But itís also a complex societal story, mixing economics, science, ethics, politics and culture."

"Feeding the world will take so much more than producing more food," said Sharon Tiller, who heads digital media at The Center for Investigative Reporting. "The stories we produce across multiple platforms--including television, radio, animation, and interactive features-- will reveal how factors as diverse as population, climate, politics and global trade all interact, allowing us to create a three-dimensional portrait of the monumental challenge we face."

"'Food for 9 Billion' is anchored in the qualities that public media audiences value mostóhigh quality journalism and powerful storytelling with opportunities for response and engagement in the story," said Jon McTaggart, American Public Media's president and CEO. "Using all the media technologies available, allows us to support a global challenge with global coverage."

"Food for 9 Billion" is made possible in part by grants from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the New Venture Fund and the Grantham Foundation, with additional support from the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, the National Science Foundation, and the Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future at Cornell University. To learn more about "Food for 9 Billion," visit foodfor9billion.org.



Contacts:
Tara Schlosser
Phone: (651) 290-1436
tschlosser@americanpublicmedia.org

Jonathan Miller
Phone: (607) 266-8128
jon@homelands.org

Anne Bell
Phone: (703) 998-2175
abell@newshour.org

Christa Scharfenberg
Phone: (510) 809-3171
cscharfenberg@cironline.org

About CIR:
The Center for Investigative Reporting is the nation's oldest nonprofit investigative news organization. It produces compelling multimedia stories to engage and inform the public, distributing them through hundreds of news outlets, such as FRONTLINE, NPR, The Washington Post and The Daily Beast. CIR launched California Watch in 2009, now the largest investigative team in the state. CIRís reports have sparked congressional hearings and legislation, UN resolutions, public interest lawsuits and changes in corporate policies.

About Homelands Productions:
Homelands Productions is a nonprofit journalism collective that specializes in radio features and documentaries, particularly from the developing world. Since its founding in 1990, Homelands has produced eight major series for public radio, reporting from more than 50 countries and winning 22 national and international awards.

About PBS NEWSHOUR:
PBS NEWSHOUR is seen by over 5 million weekly viewers and is also available online, via public radio in select markets and via podcast. The program is produced in association with WETA Washington, DC, and WNET.org in New York. Major corporate funding for the PBS NEWSHOUR is provided by BNSF Railway, with additional support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and public television viewers. PBS Newshour Extra, a web resource for high school students and teachers, offers current events resources and lesson plans tied to national standards.

About Marketplace:
Marketplace is produced and distributed by American Public Media (APM), in association with the University of Southern California. Public radio consists of more than 900 individually owned and operated public radio stations (or regional systems of stations). American Public Mediaô is one of the largest producers of public radio programming in the world, with a portfolio reaching 16 million listeners via nearly 800 radio stations nationwide each week. In addition to APM, Public Radio International and National Public Radio distribute and produce national programs. For more information on Marketplace visit marketplace.org. For more information on American Public Media visit publicradio.org.

COMMON GOOD BOOKS OPENS AT MACALESTER

Contact:
Barbara K. Laskin
Macalester
651-696-6203

David O'Neill
Common Good Books
Phone: 651-999-1092
E-mail: davido@prairiehome.us

COMMON GOOD BOOKS OPENS AT MACALESTER

Garrison Keillor's bookstore lands on Snelling Avenue.

St. Paul, Minn. — Common Good Books is opening a store at Macalester College, owner Garrison Keillor announced today. The independent bookstore will reside at 38 South Snelling Avenue in the 1923 Lampert Building, just north of the corner of Grand and Snelling avenues.

The building is owned by Macalester and the college's textbook store is upstairs.

"We are delighted that Common Good Books will be part of the Macalester community," said President Brian Rosenberg, "and look forward to having a bookstore of its caliber on campus.

"Macalester has a special relationship with Garrison Keillor, since the very first Prairie Home Companion took place in the Janet Wallace Fine Arts Theater in 1974, and he's been back to campus many times since. It's simply a good fit for us."

Renovations will begin December 1st, and the bookstore is expected to open in April 2012.

"We'll be just behind my favorite bakery and around the corner from a terrific cheese shop and a few blocks east of the old Hungry Mind, where I used to buy all my books," said Keillor. "And Wet Paint, where I buy pens and paper. And around the corner from St. Paul's on the Hill, a good Anglo-Catholic church. It's a good neighborhood, and with all those college students around, there's a sense of high spirits in the air, and you need to inhale that if you're in the book business."

"Common Good Books has found a large and loyal clientele, and we hope they'll like the new store," said Martin Schmutterer, store manager. "The new space is larger and more convenient, and we'll partner with Macalester for more literary events."

Macalester has been without a trade bookstore since July 2004, when Ruminator Books, which opened in 1970 as the Hungry Mind Bookstore, went out of business.

When he opened Common Good Books in 2006, Keillor wrote:

A bookstore is for people who love books and need
To touch them, open them, browse for a while,
And find some common good — that's why we read.
Readers and writers are two sides of the same gold coin.
You write and I read and in that moment I find
A union more perfect than any club I could join:
The simple intimacy of being one mind.
Here in a book-filled room on a busy street,
Strangers — living and dead — are hoping to meet.

Macalester College, founded in 1874, is a national liberal arts college with a full-time enrollment of 1,958 students. Macalester is nationally recognized for its long-standing commitment to academic excellence, internationalism, multiculturalism, and civic engagement. Learn more at macalester.edu.

AMERICAN PUBLIC MEDIA’S PUBLIC INSIGHT NETWORK ACQUIRES SPOT.US

Contact: Tara Schlosser
(651) 290-1436
Tschlosser@americanpublicmedia.org

AMERICAN PUBLIC MEDIA’S PUBLIC INSIGHT NETWORK ACQUIRES SPOT.US

(St. Paul, Minn.) – November 29, 2011 –American Public Media announced today that it has acquired pioneering community funding website Spot.Us, and will incorporate it into the Public Insight Network(PIN) crowd-sourcing platform. The combination lays the foundation for a networked approach to sourcing and funding high-quality journalism that will help newsrooms and journalists gather the resources and insights they need to do great reporting.

"Spot.Us and PIN both believe in the power of the independent voice in journalism – from both journalists and sources, making the acquisition an ideal move," said Joaquin Alvarado, senior vice president of digital innovation at APM. "PIN believes in the important work of Spot.Us and we will explore opportunities to continue to drive the effectiveness and relevancy of the site even further in the future."

"We couldn’t be more excited about joining forces with the Public Insight Network to change the way journalism is both funded and reported," said David Cohn, founder of Spot.Us. "Combined, we have a real opportunity to be a positive force, paving the way for journalism to be truly public from the ground up."

Spot.Us was founded in 2008, making this November the 3-year anniversary. Launched by David Cohn with technical help from Erik Sundelof, Spot.Us was made possible with $340,000 in seed funding from the Knight Foundation through the Knight News Challenge, an international contest to find innovative, digital ideas for delivering news and information. The Knight Foundation also supported the Public Insight Network with a grant in 2008.

Spot.Us gives the public the opportunity to fund important journalism that is then distributed by newsrooms around the country. Community members can also take surveys from site sponsors to earn credits they can use to support the story of their choice. Spot.Us has also drawn on support from individual funders, a network of advisors, designers and developers.

Founded in 2003, American Public Media's Public Insight Network is dedicated to journalistic excellence, innovation and collaboration. PIN gives newsrooms the capacity to do smart, targeted crowd-sourcing on deadline. More than 130,000 PIN sources around the country shape news coverage at 60 partner news organizations. Sources sign up by responding to online surveys, participating in virtual and in-person forums, playing serious games and meeting PIN journalists in person. Demographic information and insights are stored in a secure, searchable database. Participating journalists query the network for knowledgeable sources, test hunches, identify trends and support production of major news projects.

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

American Public Media™ is one of the largest producers of public radio programming in the world, with a portfolio reaching 16 million listeners via nearly 800 radio stations nationwide each week. Programs include A Prairie Home Companion®, Marketplace®, Performance Today®, The Splendid Table®, On Being™, American RadioWorks® and many others. American Public Media's 130,000 member-strong Public Insight Network promotes deep connections between journalists across the country and the communities they serve. American Public Media is the parent organization for Minnesota Public Radio, Southern California Public Radio and Classical South Florida. A complete list of stations, programs and additional services can be found at www.americanpublicmedia.org.Source: Data are copyright Arbitron, Inc. Arbitron data are estimates only. Fall 2010/Spring 2011 average.

AMERICAN PUBLIC MEDIA NAMES PADDY HIRSCH SENIOR PRODUCER, PERSONAL FINANCE, MARKETPLACE

Contact: Tara Schlosser
(651) 290-1436
Tschlosser@americanpublicmedia.org

AMERICAN PUBLIC MEDIA NAMES PADDY HIRSCHSENIOR PRODUCER, PERSONAL FINANCE, MARKETPLACE

(St. Paul, MN) - November 21, 2011 - American Public Media (APM) has named Paddy Hirsch the new senior producer of personal finance for the entire Marketplace portfolio, including production of Marketplace Money. Hirsch will oversee editorial content for Marketplace Money, hosted by Tess Vigeland, as well as develop new ways to expand personal finance coverage beyond Marketplace Money to all programs and platforms, including Marketplace, Marketplace Morning Report, Marketplace Index and online. Hirsch also will continue hosting the Marketplace Whiteboard, a video explainer of financial and economic terms.

"Our latest audience research showed that listeners want to hear more personal finance news from Marketplace," said Deborah Clark, executive producer. "Three years into the economic downturn, people are looking more than ever before for context to understand how the broader economy effects them at the personal level – whether it's how to survive the loss of a job, plan for retirement or weigh the consequences of walking away from a home on which they owe more money than they originally paid."

Hirsch's hire is part of a new effort from the Marketplace portfolio to cover personal finance across all the platforms. He will also help lead initiatives, such as the successful collaborations with The New York Times – "Money Through the Ages" and "Which Way Home?"

"At Marketplace we are constantly fine tuning our on-air and online content to respond to our audience's wants and needs when it comes to business news programming," said Hirsch. "I'm excited by the prospect of taking on such a pivotal role at American Public Media, and I'm looking forward to helping to consolidate Marketplace's position as the country's most reliable source of business, economic and personal finance news and information."

Hirsch joined Marketplace in 2007, just as the credit crunch that preceded the 2008 financial crisis began to take hold. He administered the New York bureau, the Entrepreneurship desk and the senior business correspondent during the crisis, and he spearheaded Marketplace's financial markets coverage both during the crisis and afterwards, as the economy slipped into recession. He was awarded a Knight Fellowship at Stanford University in 2010, and he returned to Marketplace in July of 2011. Hirsch is also the creator of the Marketplace Whiteboard, an online video series in which he uses simple sketches and colorful analogy to explain financial and economic terminology in plain and understandable terms.

To find where you can tune-in Marketplace in your area, visit Marketplace.org and click on “Local Air Times.”

About Marketplace

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

American Public Media™ is one of the largest producers of public radio programming in the world, with a portfolio reaching 16 million listeners via nearly 800 radio stations nationwide each week. Programs include A Prairie Home Companion®, Marketplace®, Performance Today®, The Splendid Table®, On Being™, American RadioWorks® and many others. American Public Media's 125,000 member-strong Public Insight Network promotes deep connections between journalists across the country and the communities they serve. American Public Media is the parent organization for Minnesota Public Radio, Southern California Public Radio and Classical South Florida. A complete list of stations, programs and additional services can be found at www.americanpublicmedia.org.Source: Data are copyright Arbitron, Inc. Arbitron data are estimates only. Fall 2010/Spring 2011 average.