The Minnesota Citizens' Forum, sponsored by Minnesota Public Radio, the Star-Tribune of Minneapolis and KTCA-TV, and Minnesota Journalism Center, provided a vehicle for people to engage in a discussion of public issues. Through these forums, reporters and editors were able to focus political leaders and candidates on issues that are most important to our listeners, viewers, and readers. It also presented local leaders and residents speaking on regional topics.
March 23, 1998 - As part of the Minnesota Citizens’ Forum on education, in partnership with the Star Tribune, KTCA-TV, and the Minnesota Journalism Center, this program reports on forum and presents MPR listeners' views on education and the Gubernatorial campaign. “Profile of Learning” was a key topic.
April 13, 1998 - A special Talk of Minnesota call-in related to the Minnesota Citizens’ Forum on public financing of sports. Program begins with a report summary of forum; then MPR listener’s views are presented.
May 4, 1998 - MPR’s Perry Finnelli presents a public reponse call-in show on the Minnesota Citizens’ Forum about tax policy.
May 26, 1998 - MPR’s Gary Eichten presents a public reponse call-in show on the Minnesota Citizens’ Forum about crime. Various issues on crime, including racism, prevention, and poverty are commented upon.
July 2, 1998 - Midday presents a broadcast of the Minnesota Citizens’ Forum gubernatorial debate held within state office building at State Capitol. The six DFL candidates, Skip Humphrey III, Doug Johnson, Mark Dayton, Mike Freeman, Ted Mondale, John Marty, and Independent candidate, Jesse Ventura, attended. (Republican Norm Coleman did not accept invitation) Candidates spoke and answered questions from four groups of citizen panelists gathered throughout the state. Lori Sturdevant, of the Star Tribune, moderated debate.
August 31, 1998 - Midday presents a Minnesota Citizens’ Forum gubernatorial debate held at Minnesota State Fair. The five DFL candidates, Skip Humphrey III, Doug Johnson, Mark Dayton, Mike Freeman, Ted Mondale, and Independent candidate Jesse Ventura attended (Republican Norm Coleman did not accept invitation). Star Tribune’s Lori Sturdevant moderated debate, which begins with discussion of Northwest strike.
September 10, 1998 - Midday presents a broadcast of the Minnesota Citizens' Forum “job interview” from the Minnesota State Fair, with two candidates for Governor…Jesse Ventura of the Reform Party; and Norm Coleman of the Republican Party.
August 5, 1999 - A Mainstreet Radio special broadcast of Minnesota Citizens’ Forum, live from FarmFest in Redwood Falls. In the first hour of program, Minnesota Farm Radio Network’s Tom Rothman hosts a discussion of the importance of a strong rural economy to Minnesota.
August 30, 1999 - Midday presents a Minnesota Citizens’ Forum on the future of rural Minnesota, held at the Minnesota State Fair. Panelists Paul Wellstone, Minnesota U.S. senator; Bob Ness, Minnesota state representative and chair of the Agriculture and Rural Development Finance committee; and Colleen Landkamer, Blue Earth County commissioner, discuss issues and solutions of the rural farm community.