Consortium Unveils "170 Million Americans for Public Broadcasting" Campaign

Dec 15, 2010

Minnesota Public Radio Joins Effort to Harness Grassroots Enthusiasm for Public Media

Minnesota Public Radio has joined with public television and public radio stations across the country in an unprecedented effort to harness the enthusiasm of the 170 million Americans who watch, listen to or use the services and programming of public media each month (1). The centerpiece of the campaign is a web site - 170MillionAmericans.org - that represents the beginning of a grassroots effort to engage the support and energy of listeners and viewers in local communities from Homer, Alaska, to Fort Myers, Florida.

The 170 Million Americans campaign was founded on the belief that now, more than ever, our country needs a strong public media system as a source of non-partisan news, local cultural programming and non-commercial educational programs. Public funding ensures that public media will continue to enhance the quality of life of our local communities through its offerings of children's programming, news and public affairs, music and culture, and more.

Minnesota Public Radio plans to promote the campaign effort to members, listeners and residents throughout the state by urging supporters to join the campaign at 170MillionAmericans.org. "2011 will be the year when a vigorous debate over the importance of public media will occur," says Tim Roesler, MPR SVP and general manager, "and we're proud to be a driver in this coordinated grassroots effort to harness the support and energy of every supporter of public media in America."

For more information, contact Bill Gray, MPR communications director, at 651-290-1543.

(1) Source: http://170millionamericans.org/numbers