Heartland Pioneers

Posted at 7:37 AM on January 21, 2009 by Dale Connelly (5 Comments)

Radio Heartland listener Sherilee asked a question about underwriting support on an earlier post, wondering if there was any difference between the two announcements she heard.
I thought that deserved an answer in a separate blog entry.

You may recall that when we began Radio Heartland, there was no underwriting support at all. We're proud to say that within the first few weeks, Bursch Travel bravely stepped into the breach by connecting their service to our little online adventure with an announcement of support every time listeners logged on.

And today, Radio Heartland welcomes its first daily underwriter that is heard both online and on HD radio in the Twin Cities.

It's the Homestead Pickin' Parlor in Richfield.

Thank you, Marv and Dawn Menzel, long-time friends of The Morning Show who are now taking a leadership role by supporting our fledgling service, and, I might add, stepping forward to help jump-start the economy.

Both of these businesses are making contributions to support us, Sherilee, though the announcements appear in different forms. This is an encouraging development, since it will be necessary for listeners and underwriters to see value in Radio Heartland if it is to succeed.

Many thanks to Bursch Travel and The Homestead Pickin' Parlor!

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Comments (5)

I became a sustaining member when my annual membership came to its natural end, before Radio Heartland made it onto the airwaves. I applaud MPR for challenging the classic public radio model and am very happy with this new development. I listen to all the services at various times though I do visit another station for my jazz fix which I think is a big hole in the MPR pallet.

Thanks to Bursch Travel and the Homestead Pickin' Parlor for stepping up to the plate to support this venture and to MPR for keeping Dale's musical genius on the air!

Posted by Mark | January 21, 2009 10:48 AM

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I'm just wondering when Radio Heartland bumper stickers will be available, so I can replace with my current Current sticker.

Posted by Jennifer | January 21, 2009 2:46 PM

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Hooray for Bursch Travel, whom I've never met, and Homestead Pickin' Parlor, who've gotten a good deal of my money over the years! I've just gone there because I like the music I can get there. Now I have another reason to support them.

Posted by Nancy on the North Shore | January 21, 2009 4:16 PM

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I've been worried about the absense of underwriters too. I heard the first this morning from Homestead Pickn' Parlar. Seems like a perfect match too! Thank you HPP & BT!

Speaking of money, if MPR put out a CD of the final morning show broadcast ... I'd buy it!

Dave S

Posted by Dave S | January 21, 2009 8:21 PM

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HD reception
Has anyone else been having reception problems in the past couple of days? Did MPR cut their power or something? I briefly checked other stations and they seem to be coming in just fine ... even in difficult locations. It could be just my cheap radio, I don't know.

Dave S

Posted by Dave S | January 21, 2009 8:26 PM

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