Public Radio International® Brings Live Wire! To Stations Nationwide, Welcomes the Perspective of Host Luke Burbank

MINNEAPOLIS, March 31, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Public Radio International® today announced that it will add Live Wire! with host Luke Burbank to its portfolio beginning July 1, 2014. Live Wire!, a weekly, live variety program that features conversation and performance with authors, artists, and people doing remarkable things, broadens PRI's offering of content that reveals the ways culture of all types influences our lives each day.

"PRI understands that people are inspired by all types of experiences: intellectual, artistic, serious and humorous. Live Wire! brings those experiences to audiences in ways that are relevant and energetic. We are delighted to be working with them," said Melinda Ward, Chief Content Officer of PRI.

Live Wire! launched in 2004. Developed by veteran radio and theater producers, the team at Live Wire! uses live theater to tell great stories, introduce new ideas, spark conversations, and make people laugh. Host Luke Burbank says of the show, "Portland has so much wisdom to share with the rest of the country: Can a baby pull off an ironic mustache? What's the best flannel to wear in the rain? Why is that bicyclist so mad? And now, thanks to our partnership with PRI, we finally can. By the way, it's 'yes' 'none' and 'because, earth-killer.'"

Recorded from the Alberta Rose Theater in Portland, Oregon, Live Wire! has quickly built a loyal following over the air and as a podcast. Forty-eight stations across the U.S. currently air the program, bringing its lively sensibility to not only the loyal public radio audience, but also those hungry for insights from authors, filmmakers, thought-leaders, sports figures, politicians and foodies. Robyn Tenenbaum, Co-Creator and Executive Producer, commented, "We are thrilled to be partnering with PRI. When we started this show 10 years ago our goal was to be heard by ears across the country and around the world. Our loyal Portland audiences have been extremely supportive and have helped us grow.  We currently air in some wonderful markets outside of Oregon including Seattle, Austin, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and we look forward to working with PRI to reach our true goal of World Domination."

About PRI: At Public Radio International, we believe sharing powerful stories, encouraging exploration, and connecting people and cultures will effect positive change in the world. By building a deeper awareness and understanding of the world's peoples, conditions, issues and events, we enable others to form their own opinions, share their knowledge and creativity, and take informed actions on issues that matter to them.

Partnering with public media's most talented producers and hosts, we offer distinctly global voices on "PRI's The World®" and CBC shows like "As it Happens" and "Q with Jian Ghomeshi." We cultivate conversations representing diverse viewpoints on "The Takeaway," "To the Point," and "The Tavis Smiley Show." We present voices of culture, contemporary American life and artistry on "This American Life" and "Studio 360® from PRI and WNYC." And we provide decidedly fresh takes with "WireTap" and "The Tobolowsky Files." PRI's content is available on almost 900 public radio stations nationwide, at www.pri.org, and through podcasts and digital platforms.

About Live Wire: Live Wire is a weekly variety show that combines the excitement of a live show and the reach of a radio broadcast to entertain, inspire, and inform listeners. Taped in front of an enthusiastic live audience at the 400-seat Alberta Rose Theatre in Portland's historic Alberta Arts District, Live Wire is a unique blend of interviews, music, storytelling, and original sketch comedy. Live Wire airs on public radio stations across the country and is heard nationally and internationally through our podcasts. www.livewireradio.org

CONTACT: Julia Yager, PRI, 612.330.9231, [email protected]

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130613/DC31772LOGO

SOURCE Public Radio International