"Storm Ready," Collaboration Between MPR News and KARE 11 News, On-Air and Online May 14 -16

May 14, 2012

(St. Paul, Minn.)--May 14, 2012-- Today, MPR News and KARE 11 News, two of the largest broadcasters in the Midwest, announced that they will join forces for an in-depth series gauging our awareness and preparedness for a large tornado. Tune in to MPR News and KARE 11 News May 14-16 as reporters and chief meteorologists --KARE 11's Belinda Jenson and MPR's Paul Huttner--examine lessons learned from tornados past and the Twin Cities' readiness for a major storm that experts say isn't a matter of if, but when.

"Both KARE 11 and MPR take our mission of community service seriously," said Tim Roesler, MPR's general manager and senior vice president. "It's tornado season, a time when we as broadcasters have an immediate and essential connection with our audience. They rely on us for storm tracking and warnings."

The two news organizations will share their collective expertise in storm reporting to provide a range of coverage on the air, online and via social media networks. The result is a comprehensive examination into a fascinating phenomena and community safety issue.

"At KARE 11, we provide the most essential up-to-date tornado information. By teaming with MPR News, we can reach more people in more ways than ever before with these life-saving insights," said John Remes, KARE 11's president and general manager.

Tune In: "Storm Ready" will broadcast May 14-16 during KARE 11 News'10 p.m. newscasts, and MPR News' All Things Considered, 3-6:30 p.m, and Morning Edition, 4-9 a.m. on all MPR News stations, including KNOW 91.1 FM in the Twin Cities.

###

Minnesota Public Radio® (MPR) operates a 43-station radio network serving virtually all of Minnesota and parts of surrounding states. Reaching one million listeners each week, Minnesota Public Radio produces programming for radio, Internet and face-to-face audiences, and is home to the largest and most experienced radio newsroom in the Upper Midwest. Programs produced by Minnesota Public Radio's parent company, American Public Media™, reach 15.4 million listeners on more than 800 radio stations nationwide each week. A complete list of stations, programs and additional services can be found at www.minnesotapublicradio.org. Source: Data are copyright Arbitron, Inc. Arbitron data are estimates only. Spring 2011/Fall 2011 average.

KARE 11 is owned by Gannett Co., Inc. Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI) is an international media and marketing solutions company that informs and engages more than 100 million people every month through its powerful network of broadcast, digital, mobile and publishing properties. Our portfolio of trusted brands offers marketers unmatched local-to-national reach and customizable, innovative marketing solutions across any platform. Gannett is committed to connecting people - and the companies who want to reach them - with their interests and communities. For more information, visit www.gannett.com.