Timeline of MPR's history
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.
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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.