Media without barriers: Introducing “Made of Minnesota”

Apr 16, 2026

Public media is strong because it belongs to everyone.

That core belief is at the heart of our newest campaign, dubbed “Made of Minnesota,” which celebrates access, trust and connection – values that have long defined MPR’s dedication to this state.

For nearly 60 years, Minnesota Public Radio has provided free news, music and information to all. Because access without barriers has always been a defining feature of who we are.

“Made of Minnesota” is rooted in a simple idea: access to news that informs, music that inspires and conversations that connect should be a right for all Minnesotans—not a privilege.

Meeting the moment

The campaign arrives at a pivotal moment for public media. In 2025, the United States congress voted to take back $1 billion in federal funding. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting is no more. At the same time, the state of Minnesota reduced funding for Minnesota Public Radio—all told, MPR has spent the past year navigating a $6 million budget deficit.

Through these challenges, our three services – MPR News, The Current and YourClassical – have leaned into serving all of Minnesota. Unified by our shared values: independence, trust and being created for, by and with Minnesotans.

Made of Minnesota

“Made of Minnesota” brings those values to the foreground in an effort to connect with even more Minnesotans.

The campaign extends across billboards, video, and social platforms. It includes special-edition tote bags on mpr.org/shop, each celebrating Minnesota and MPR. The things that bring us together, the things we celebrate.

And the way a lot of us pronounce the word “beyg.”

The Made of Minnesota campaign showcases that at Minnesota Public Radio, we’re not just based here.

We’re not just passing through. We’re certainly not flying over.

The journalism we produce, the music we share, and the conversations we host are not just shaped by this place and the people who make up the fabric of this state. They are made of Minnesota.

Accessible to all

We are your neighbors, listeners, artists, reporters, and producers who live what we do. And as a public service, we believe that Minnesotans deserve information, culture and community that is accessible to everyone.

No paywalls, no subscriptions.

Because when we say public media – we mean public.

Learn more here: mpr.org/welcome