February 1, 2017 – St. Paul, Minn. – Following the success of the first season of APM Reports’ “In the Dark” podcast, American Public Media today announced that the team behind season one has begun work on a second season. The subject and timing of season two have not yet been announced.

The first season of “In the Dark” provided the most comprehensive reporting on the 27-year investigation of the Jacob Wetterling disappearance. The reporting, led by award-winning journalist Madeleine Baran and done over a period of nine months, revealed how law enforcement mishandled one of the most notorious child abductions and the far-reaching implications of the case.

With 5.5 million downloads, the first season of the podcast topped the iTunes charts for weeks as well as numerous “Best Podcast” lists of 2016. In addition to the podcast audience, a five-episode series of adapted “In the Dark” episodes is running on approximately 150 public radio stations across the country – including stations in Chicago, Boston, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Dallas, San Diego, Charlotte, N.C., and Cleveland.  The combined full-week audience for these stations is more than 5 million. *

“We’re investing in more journalists and resources in fact-based journalism than any time in our history,” said Dave Kansas, American Public Media, executive vice president, and chief content officer. “In the Dark is an example of the type of investigative journalism that is as important as ever. We’re looking forward to seeing and hearing what the team uncovers for the next season.”

Updates from the team over the next year will be shared with listeners via the APM Reports email newsletter.

APM Reports, formed in November 2015, is a collection of investigative journalists and documentary producers, editors, researchers and digital producers dedicated to producing high quality reporting on issues that are often hidden from public view.

*(Source: Nielsen Audio, Persons 12+).