Rich Egger's guest is Jonathan Ahl, who is the new general manager of Tri States Public Radio. He began work on Monday, August 20.
Ahl was a student employee of Tri States Public Radio in the mid-1990s. After he graduated from Western Illinois University, Ahl earned a Master's degree from the Public Affairs Reporting program at the University of Illinois - Springfield.
The panelists follow up on last week's discussion about the future of newspapers by talking about the future of public radio.
Minnesota Public Radio journalist Bob Collins questioned in a blog whether public radio is still willing to take risks. He wondered if a program such as A Prairie Home Companion would be given a chance if it were introduced today.
The panelists discuss proposals in several states to reduce or eliminate funding for public broadcasting.
The public media magazine Current reports such funding cuts are being discussed in Rhode Island, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Idaho, and Kansas. In addition, there has been talk about slashing funding for Iowa Public Television.
