In my recent
post detailing the lucrative post-employment package of now-retired MPR
founder Bill Kling, I hope I didn’t leave behind the impression that the
management team he left behind was toiling in penury. Because they are not.
In Fiscal Year 2013, Kling’s successor as MPR’s CEO, Jon
McTaggart, received $557,014 in total compensation from the non-profit
corporation.[1]
Including McTaggart and Kling, a total of 10 MPR employees
made more than $300,000 in FY 2013. A
total of 15 made over $200,000. Keep in mind that Minnesota ’s Governor earns only $120,303.
Rest assured that MPR’s
on-air talent is sharing in this largesse. Kai Ryssdal, the host of
MPR’s nationally-syndicated program Marketplace,
took in $446,732 in FY 2013. At that
level of compensation, he was MPR’s 2nd highest paid current
employee.
But don’t worry, if you
donate just $5 per month, you get a free "I
Listen" coffee mug.
In Part 3, I see how MPR's pay compares to that offered by other organizations.
Note: All MPR financial data, including tax returns, can be found here.
This is an informative article. I was wondering whether you could provide an active link to source (IRS) documentation. I cannot get into your "C:" drive.
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ReplyDeleteBack before I was politically knowledgeable, I listened to Classical 99.5 for the music and Prairie Home Companion. I never did (and still don't) listen to any other MPR stations. When I realized my conservatism and learned that MPR was publicly funded, I quit listening to it all out of protest. After several years I realized, "Hey, I'm paying for it, why the hell DON'T I listen to it?" So now, I happily consume 99.5's music, PHC and Garrison Keillor's 6:10-6:15pm-ish "Writer's Almanac" (which I find absolutely fascinating), and feel not one twinge of guilt for not being a member. I'd even gladly consider throwing them $5/mo and getting my bumper sticker or coffee mud or whatever....WHEN they no longer receive one cent of public funding and have to compete in the marketplace like every other radio station...even if it means commercials. While I am still involuntarily forced to generate their revenue, even a fraction of a cent in taxes, that is the only money they will receive from me.
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