CONTACT: Dan Jensen, PRI, 612.330.9212, djensen@pri.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

MINNEAPOLIS, May 13, 2004 — Public Radio International® (PRI) announces that Gerald Slavet is the recipient of the 2004 PRI Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The honor recognizes Slavet's remarkable vision and leadership in creating From the Top, a weekly hour-long showcase for young classical musicians that has revitalized classical music programming and attracted multiple generations of new listeners to the genre. Slavet conceived of the show, piloted its initial broadcasts, and championed the concept to funders and stations alike so that it is now public radio's fastest growing music program. Slavet's vision is also responsible for From the Top's remarkable range of educational outreach activities: a partnership that will feature the program's young musicians in a Macmillan/McGraw-Hill textbook series and an initiative that places young artists in schools to perform and that leads classes through the production of their own radio show. Slavet was presented with a $1,000 cash award and an antique radio, emblematic of the industry's entrepreneurial history, at the Public Radio Leadership Forum's Dinner and Awards Ceremony held May 10 in Arlington, VA.

In his acceptance speech, Slavet said of winning the award, "I came in as an outsider to this hallowed industry, and I want to thank you so much for welcoming me and recognizing From the Top. It's amazing what we all can do when we have an idea we believe in. It was a risk for stations to try us, and I thank you for taking that risk with us.

"We strive to retain and grow our entrepreneurial spirit and want to take From the Top even higher. I look forward to making it happen in partnership with stations."

PRI President and CEO Stephen Salyer presented the award and praised Slavet and From the Top for "... breathing fresh air into classical music programming." He continued by saying, "Jerry has helped From the Top become a program with intergenerational appeal that has inspired young people to embrace classical music, many for the very first time. My heartfelt congratulations go out to Jerry and everyone who has contributed to this remarkable program."

Established in 1994, the PRI Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship recognizes an individual in public radio whose creativity, drive, and willingness to take risks embody the entrepreneurial spirit. Candidates are nominated by individuals throughout the industry, and the winner is chosen by an independent committee, representing public radio stations, producers, and industry associations. Previous winners are:

2003 — Torey Malatia, President and General Manager, Chicago Public Radio®
2002 — Laura Walker, President and CEO, WNYC, New York Public Radio
2001 — Neil Best, General Manager, KUNC/Greeley
2000 — Ira Glass, Host/Producer, This American Life
1999 — Doug Eichten, President, The Development Exchange
1998 — Jim Russell, Sr. Vice President and General Manager, Marketplace Productions
1997 — David Giovannoni, President, Audience Research Analysis
1996 — Max Wycisk, President, Colorado Public Broadcasting
1995 — Kit Jensen, General Manager, WCPN/Cleveland

About Public Radio International®
PRI is public radio's leading source for innovative programming and audio content. The Minneapolis-based network and managing partner of American Public Radio LLC, the satellite radio company, provides over 400 hours of programming each week, content that is broadcast and streamed online by its 743 affiliates nationwide, who reach 29.2 million listeners each week. PRI programming is also available nationwide via Sirius Satellite Radio.

PRI is known for driving innovation in public radio through partnerships with stations, independent producers, and other organizations, and for working collaboratively to pool resources and share risk, cultivate new talent, and bring diverse voices and perspectives to the public airwaves. Its most well-known offerings include Marketplace®, produced by Minnesota Public Radio in association with the University of Southern California; This American Life, produced by Chicago Public Radio®; PRI's The World, a co-production of BBC World Service, PRI, and WGBH Radio Boston; PRI's Studio 360 with Kurt Andersen, a co-production of PRI and WNYC, New York Public Radio; and Michael Feldman's Whad'Ya Know?®, produced by Wisconsin Public Radio; as well as 24-hour program services — Classical 24®, produced by Minnesota Public Radio; and BBC World Service, produced by the British Broadcasting Corporation. For more information on PRI and its programs, visit the PRI website at www.pri.org.

About From the Top®
Hosted by acclaimed pianist Christopher O'Riley, From the Top is the unique hit radio program that showcases the top-notch musicianship, offbeat humor, and insights of America's best young classical musicians. Each hour-long program profiles classical artists ages 9 – 18 who demonstrate their prodigious musical talent. Responding to O'Riley's engaging and often whimsical manner, they share their passion for and knowledge of the genre, and reveal much about their non-musical lives, from career goals and siblings to favorite breakfast foods and pets..

Taped before a live audience in major performance centers such as Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Tanglewood, Interlochen, and New England Conservatory's Jordan Hall, From the Top offers a weekly lineup of young individuals and ensembles whose performances are outstanding. From the Top is produced in association with WGBH Radio Boston and New England Conservatory of Music, and distributed nationwide by Public Radio International.