In the Loop

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For the 2009 Armando Iannucci film, see The Thick of It.

In the Loop is a theme-based radio and Internet program produced by Minnesota Public Radio in Saint Paul, Minnesota. It aired sporadically through 2005 and 2006, and began a regular monthly schedule in September, 2006. A season of weekly shows will begin in October, 2007. In The Loop is still considered a "pilot" and MPR does not distribute it nationally for broadcast at this time. The show has an associated blog and a podcast, which includes both episodes of the radio show and stand-alone podcast segments.

The show is taped before a studio audience, with house band "The Smarts." The program includes elements of news, interviews, music, humor, and audience participation. Each show usually derives its theme from a topic of current, national interest -- such as immigration, crime, homelessness, technology or diplomacy -- and applies a number of often unconventional approaches to the subject.

In the Loop is associated with the Public Insight Journalism initiative at MPR, and each show is built partly by soliciting and acting upon suggestions from listeners, who join the show's email network and may gather in person with show staff at informal "gatherings" to discuss upcoming topics.

The show is hosted by Jeff Horwich, a musician and former MPR business reporter who founded the show with collaborating producers in 2005. In the Loop is executive produced by Michael Skoler, director of Public Insight Journalism and a former National Public Radio reporter.