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"In the Loop" from Minnesota Public Radio News Moves to Online Only Format

February 3, 2009

(St. Paul, Minn.)—February 3, 2009—Minnesota Public Radio said last Friday, January 30, that the eclectic weekly news magazine "In the Loop" will be moving to an online-only format in the next few months, leaving its 6 p.m. Friday night radio slot.

"In the Loop" is hosted by Jeff Horwich. Throughout various incarnations since 2007, which included monthly and weekly formats taped before a live audience, "In the Loop" has sought a new twist on the day's news, applying humor, offering alternative points of view and experimenting with alternative forms of storytelling.

The show has gained a loyal following via podcasts and a variety of social networking applications and is in a perfect position to take off on the Web.

"We must continue cultivating new audiences and creating programming that can be experienced any time, anywhere," said Chris Worthington, director, MPR News. "To do that, we must commit talent. 'In the Loop' has a track record of attracting new audiences and getting them to interact with MPR. Jeff truly believes in audience-involved programming."

Past "In the Loop" show topics have included "Bullying for Grown Ups," "Why Am I Spending So Much" and "Super Tuesday." The show also regularly goes into the community for a "Story Slam," live events that invite storytelling from the audience.

"We have been playing hard in the digital world for a while now," said Jeff Horwich. "Our blog, podcast, videos—our constant use of Twitter and Facebook—all became equal partners with our work on the radio. More fans are finding us from places a broadcast won't reach. And when it comes to collaborating with our audience to build our content, there is incredible potential online. I'm excited to discover how we evolve, what we create, and how much fun we can have when we go all-digital."

For more information about "In the Loop," go to www.mpr.org/intheloop.

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Press Contacts:
Christina Schmitt
Minnesota Public Radio
651-290-1449
cschmitt@mpr.org