Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?

Timeline of MPR's history

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Barry and Kling
Minnesota Public Radio was founded in 1967 by Bill Kling and Colman Barry, president of St. John's University in Collegeville, Minn. Shown here is Barry, at left, and Kling at right. The station's first broadcast took place on Jan. 22, 1967.
MPR file photo

A brief history of Minnesota Public Radio, under the leadership of President and CEO Bill Kling.

1967: Minnesota Public Radio is founded by Bill Kling and St. John's University President Colman Barry at the school's campus in Collegeville. First broadcast on Jan. 22, 1967.

1970: Kling elected to serve as a founding trustee of National Public Radio.

1973: MPR builds first newsroom.

1974: MPR begins live broadcasting of A Prairie Home Companion.

1980: Kling receives Edward R. Murrow Award for Outstanding Contributions to Public Radio.

1980: MPR moves to new offices and studios on Cedar Street in downtown St. Paul.

1983: MPR joins with public radio stations in Boston, New York and Los Angeles to form Public Radio International; Kling serves as founding chairman and CEO.

1991: MPR purchases 99.5 frequency; dedicates it to classical music programming.

1995: MPR expands reach to Internet.

2000: MPR acquires Marketplace.

2000: Southern California Public Radio founded.

2004: American Public Media founded.

2004: Kling inducted into Minnesota Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

2005: 89.3 The Current launched.

2005: Completion of major expansion and renovation of MPR headquarters.

2009: MPR surpasses 100,000 financially supportive members.

2010: Kling announces his intention to step down as CEO, effective June 30, 2011.

2011: Jon McTaggart, chief operating officer, named to succeed Kling as CEO effective July 1.

Gallery
1 of 1
Barry and Kling
Minnesota Public Radio was founded in 1967 by Bill Kling and Colman Barry, president of St. John's University in Collegeville, Minn. Shown here is Barry, at left, and Kling at right. The station's first broadcast took place on Jan. 22, 1967.
MPR file photo