Collection
Bill Kling: A Profile
William “Bill” Kling is the founder and president emeritus of Minnesota Public Radio and American Public Media. He was also a founding member of the board of directors of National Public Radio, the founding chairman/president of Southern California Public Radio in Los Angeles, and the founding chairman and president of Public Radio International. He served as president and CEO of American Public Media Group (APMG) until June 2011.
Notable timeline markers in Kling’s career:
· In 1967, KSJR-FM went on the air, and was later spun off into a separate nonprofit community corporation known as MPR
· In 1969, Kling established The Radio Talking Book, the nation’s first closed-circuit reading network for the blind and vision-impaired
· In 1970, Kling helped found National Public Radio and served on its first Board of Directors.
· In 1982, Kling launched American Public Radio (now Public Radio International)
· In 2004, Kling started American Public Media, the national program production and distribution arm of Minnesota Public Radio.
Kling has won numerous honors over his career including 2009 CPB Resolution Award in Appreciation of Service in Public Broadcasting, 1981 CPB Edward R. Murrow Award, 1995 Bemidji State University Distinguished Minnesotan Award, and Saint John's University's Honorary Doctorate Citation for Doctor of Humane Letters, amongst others. He was a 2004 inductee to the Pavek Museum/Minnesota Broadcast Hall of Fame Award. In 1999, both Minneapolis Star Tribune and The St. Paul Pioneer Press list Kling as one of 100 most significant Minnesotans of the century. In 2017, Minnesota Public Radio named its headquarters "The Kling Media Center."
Please note: Most content related to this topic that is contemporary can be found on our main content pages of MPR News, YourClassical MPR, The Current, APM Reports, and Marketplace.
20 Collection Items
- Ask the President: MPR President Bill Kling answers your questions one last time
On this Midday program, MPR President and APMG CEO Bill Kling answers your questions one last time as part of the Ask the President series. After 45 plus years, Bill Kling is moving on.
- Ask the President: Bill Kling on the future of news
On this Midday, an episode of “Ask the President.” Bill Kling joins Midday host Gary Eichten in the studio to answer listener questions about MPR and about the future of news.
- Ask the President: Bill Kling discusses WCAL purchase
Minnesota Public Radio President Bill Kling joins Gary Eichten to answer questions from MPR listeners about buying WCAL and a range of other topics.
- Ask the President: Bill Kling discusses new MPR building
On this Midday program, Minnesota Public Radio president Bill Kling is in the MPR studios to talk with host Gary Eichten about the station, the new MPR building, and topics on the minds of MPR listeners.
- Ask the President: Bill Kling in Collegeville
In a live broadcast from Collegeville, Minnesota Public Radio President Bill Kling talks with Gary Eichten about MPR. He also takes listener questions and comments.
- Ask the President: Bill Kling talks programming and policies
A special weekend edition of Midday’s “Ask the President” series, with Minnesota Public Radio President Bill Kling answering listener questions about programming and policies at MPR. Topics include war coverage, new headquarters initiative, archival material, and the web.
- MPR says it will stay in St. Paul and expand in current space
MPR’s Bill Catlin reports on Minnesota Public Radio announcement to expand its headquarters in downtown St. Paul. The non-profit will acquire a building across the street from its current headquarters for nearly $8 million. The package also includes a vacant piece of land, and will be financed by grants and a $3 million city loan.
- MPR President Bill Kling on MPR's 30th anniversary
Bill Kling, president of Minnesota Public Radio, appears on Midday to talk about MPR's 30th anniversary, the future of public radio, and answers listener questions. Host Gary Eichten begins conversation by asking Kling about the first day on air.
- Save Our SPCO - Bill Kling explains MPR's programming change during this 35 hour event
Bill Kling, president of Minnesota Public Radio, talks about MPR’s SOS drive in support for the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra.
- Bill Kling talks about MPR on it's 25th anniversary
MPR President Bill Kling talks about the development of Minnesota Public Radio since it’s 1967 inception at Saint John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota.