diff --git a/pcbnew/dialogs/dialog_board_setup.cpp b/pcbnew/dialogs/dialog_board_setup.cpp
index e0bddc2c26..2fc1aec951 100644
--- a/pcbnew/dialogs/dialog_board_setup.cpp
+++ b/pcbnew/dialogs/dialog_board_setup.cpp
@@ -291,8 +291,9 @@ void DIALOG_BOARD_SETUP::onAuxiliaryAction( wxCommandEvent& aEvent )
     {
         WX_PROGRESS_REPORTER progressReporter( this, _( "Loading PCB" ), 1 );
 
-        otherBoard = pi->LoadBoard( boardFn.GetFullPath(), nullptr, nullptr, nullptr,
-                               &progressReporter );
+        pi->SetProgressReporter( &progressReporter );
+
+        otherBoard = pi->LoadBoard( boardFn.GetFullPath(), nullptr );
 
         if( importDlg.m_LayersOpt->GetValue() )
         {
diff --git a/pcbnew/files.cpp b/pcbnew/files.cpp
index 1c2d11c470..dbedc9cc33 100644
--- a/pcbnew/files.cpp
+++ b/pcbnew/files.cpp
@@ -675,7 +675,8 @@ bool PCB_EDIT_FRAME::OpenProjectFiles( const std::vector<wxString>& aFileSet, in
             unsigned startTime = GetRunningMicroSecs();
 #endif
 
-            loadedBoard = pi->LoadBoard( fullFileName, nullptr, &props, &Prj(), &progressReporter );
+            pi->SetProgressReporter( &progressReporter );
+            loadedBoard = pi->LoadBoard( fullFileName, nullptr, &props, &Prj() );
 
 #if USE_INSTRUMENTATION
             unsigned stopTime = GetRunningMicroSecs();
@@ -1273,8 +1274,8 @@ void PCB_EDIT_FRAME::GenIPC2581File( wxCommandEvent& event )
         try
         {
             PCB_IO::RELEASER pi( PCB_IO_MGR::PluginFind( PCB_IO_MGR::IPC2581 ) );
-
-            pi->SaveBoard( tempFile, GetBoard(), &props, &reporter );
+            pi->SetProgressReporter( &reporter );
+            pi->SaveBoard( tempFile, GetBoard(), &props );
             return true;
         }
         catch( const IO_ERROR& ioe )
diff --git a/pcbnew/kicad_clipboard.cpp b/pcbnew/kicad_clipboard.cpp
index f17fee456c..ba19dfe93d 100644
--- a/pcbnew/kicad_clipboard.cpp
+++ b/pcbnew/kicad_clipboard.cpp
@@ -330,8 +330,7 @@ BOARD_ITEM* CLIPBOARD_IO::Parse()
 
 
 void CLIPBOARD_IO::SaveBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aBoard,
-                              const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties,
-                              PROGRESS_REPORTER*     aProgressReporter )
+                              const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties )
 {
     init( aProperties );
 
@@ -376,8 +375,7 @@ void CLIPBOARD_IO::SaveBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aBoard,
 
 
 BOARD* CLIPBOARD_IO::LoadBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aAppendToMe,
-                                const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties, PROJECT* aProject,
-                                PROGRESS_REPORTER* aProgressReporter )
+                                const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties, PROJECT* aProject )
 {
     std::string result;
 
diff --git a/pcbnew/kicad_clipboard.h b/pcbnew/kicad_clipboard.h
index b68983b562..cc6142e8b4 100644
--- a/pcbnew/kicad_clipboard.h
+++ b/pcbnew/kicad_clipboard.h
@@ -48,8 +48,7 @@ public:
      * Saves the entire board to the clipboard formatted using the PCB_IO_KICAD_SEXPR formatting
      */
     void SaveBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aBoard,
-                    const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties = nullptr,
-                    PROGRESS_REPORTER*     aProgressReporter = nullptr ) override;
+                    const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties = nullptr ) override;
 
     /*
      * Write all the settings of the BOARD* set by setBoard() and then adds all the
@@ -60,8 +59,7 @@ public:
     BOARD_ITEM* Parse();
 
     BOARD* LoadBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aAppendToMe,
-                      const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties = nullptr, PROJECT* aProject = nullptr,
-                      PROGRESS_REPORTER* aProgressReporter = nullptr ) override;
+                      const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties = nullptr, PROJECT* aProject = nullptr ) override;
 
     void SetBoard( BOARD* aBoard );
 
diff --git a/pcbnew/pcb_io/altium/pcb_io_altium_circuit_maker.cpp b/pcbnew/pcb_io/altium/pcb_io_altium_circuit_maker.cpp
index 2090bb24a2..eb339bcaa7 100644
--- a/pcbnew/pcb_io/altium/pcb_io_altium_circuit_maker.cpp
+++ b/pcbnew/pcb_io/altium/pcb_io_altium_circuit_maker.cpp
@@ -60,8 +60,7 @@ bool PCB_IO_ALTIUM_CIRCUIT_MAKER::CanReadBoard( const wxString& aFileName ) cons
 
 BOARD* PCB_IO_ALTIUM_CIRCUIT_MAKER::LoadBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aAppendToMe,
                                                const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties,
-                                               PROJECT*               aProject,
-                                               PROGRESS_REPORTER*     aProgressReporter )
+                                               PROJECT*               aProject )
 {
     m_props = aProperties;
 
@@ -101,7 +100,7 @@ BOARD* PCB_IO_ALTIUM_CIRCUIT_MAKER::LoadBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD*
     try
     {
         // Parse File
-        ALTIUM_PCB pcb( m_board, aProgressReporter );
+        ALTIUM_PCB pcb( m_board, m_progressReporter );
         pcb.Parse( altiumPcbFile, mapping );
     }
     catch( CFB::CFBException& exception )
diff --git a/pcbnew/pcb_io/altium/pcb_io_altium_circuit_maker.h b/pcbnew/pcb_io/altium/pcb_io_altium_circuit_maker.h
index e610c7e9a3..ba9193506b 100644
--- a/pcbnew/pcb_io/altium/pcb_io_altium_circuit_maker.h
+++ b/pcbnew/pcb_io/altium/pcb_io_altium_circuit_maker.h
@@ -46,8 +46,7 @@ public:
     bool CanReadBoard( const wxString& aFileName ) const override;
 
     BOARD* LoadBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aAppendToMe,
-                      const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties, PROJECT* aProject = nullptr,
-                      PROGRESS_REPORTER* aProgressReporter = nullptr ) override;
+                      const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties, PROJECT* aProject = nullptr ) override;
 
     long long GetLibraryTimestamp( const wxString& aLibraryPath ) const override
     {
diff --git a/pcbnew/pcb_io/altium/pcb_io_altium_circuit_studio.cpp b/pcbnew/pcb_io/altium/pcb_io_altium_circuit_studio.cpp
index b9e0754c7f..fff15cdcea 100644
--- a/pcbnew/pcb_io/altium/pcb_io_altium_circuit_studio.cpp
+++ b/pcbnew/pcb_io/altium/pcb_io_altium_circuit_studio.cpp
@@ -60,8 +60,7 @@ bool PCB_IO_ALTIUM_CIRCUIT_STUDIO::CanReadBoard( const wxString& aFileName ) con
 
 BOARD* PCB_IO_ALTIUM_CIRCUIT_STUDIO::LoadBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aAppendToMe,
                                                 const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties,
-                                                PROJECT*               aProject,
-                                                PROGRESS_REPORTER*     aProgressReporter )
+                                                PROJECT*               aProject )
 {
     m_props = aProperties;
 
@@ -101,7 +100,7 @@ BOARD* PCB_IO_ALTIUM_CIRCUIT_STUDIO::LoadBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD
     try
     {
         // Parse File
-        ALTIUM_PCB pcb( m_board, aProgressReporter );
+        ALTIUM_PCB pcb( m_board, m_progressReporter );
         pcb.Parse( altiumPcbFile, mapping );
     }
     catch( CFB::CFBException& exception )
diff --git a/pcbnew/pcb_io/altium/pcb_io_altium_circuit_studio.h b/pcbnew/pcb_io/altium/pcb_io_altium_circuit_studio.h
index 2e136f5085..3ac1da1f8a 100644
--- a/pcbnew/pcb_io/altium/pcb_io_altium_circuit_studio.h
+++ b/pcbnew/pcb_io/altium/pcb_io_altium_circuit_studio.h
@@ -45,8 +45,7 @@ public:
     bool CanReadBoard( const wxString& aFileName ) const override;
 
     BOARD* LoadBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aAppendToMe,
-                      const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties, PROJECT* aProject,
-                      PROGRESS_REPORTER* aProgressReporter = nullptr ) override;
+                      const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties, PROJECT* aProject ) override;
 
     long long GetLibraryTimestamp( const wxString& aLibraryPath ) const override
     {
diff --git a/pcbnew/pcb_io/altium/pcb_io_altium_designer.cpp b/pcbnew/pcb_io/altium/pcb_io_altium_designer.cpp
index 9893058791..b90b6a77bf 100644
--- a/pcbnew/pcb_io/altium/pcb_io_altium_designer.cpp
+++ b/pcbnew/pcb_io/altium/pcb_io_altium_designer.cpp
@@ -75,8 +75,7 @@ bool PCB_IO_ALTIUM_DESIGNER::CanReadLibrary( const wxString& aFileName ) const
 
 
 BOARD* PCB_IO_ALTIUM_DESIGNER::LoadBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aAppendToMe,
-                                          const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties, PROJECT* aProject,
-                                          PROGRESS_REPORTER* aProgressReporter )
+                                          const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties, PROJECT* aProject )
 {
     m_props = aProperties;
 
@@ -117,7 +116,7 @@ BOARD* PCB_IO_ALTIUM_DESIGNER::LoadBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aApp
     try
     {
         // Parse File
-        ALTIUM_PCB pcb( m_board, aProgressReporter );
+        ALTIUM_PCB pcb( m_board, m_progressReporter );
         pcb.Parse( altiumPcbFile, mapping );
     }
     catch( CFB::CFBException& exception )
diff --git a/pcbnew/pcb_io/altium/pcb_io_altium_designer.h b/pcbnew/pcb_io/altium/pcb_io_altium_designer.h
index bb9bfa601f..3c7305ef3f 100644
--- a/pcbnew/pcb_io/altium/pcb_io_altium_designer.h
+++ b/pcbnew/pcb_io/altium/pcb_io_altium_designer.h
@@ -52,8 +52,7 @@ public:
     bool CanReadLibrary( const wxString& aFileName ) const override;
 
     BOARD* LoadBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aAppendToMe,
-                      const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties, PROJECT* aProject = nullptr,
-                      PROGRESS_REPORTER* aProgressReporter = nullptr ) override;
+                      const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties, PROJECT* aProject = nullptr ) override;
 
     long long GetLibraryTimestamp( const wxString& aLibraryPath ) const override;
 
diff --git a/pcbnew/pcb_io/altium/pcb_io_solidworks.cpp b/pcbnew/pcb_io/altium/pcb_io_solidworks.cpp
index 63f20aac0a..b4906b7274 100644
--- a/pcbnew/pcb_io/altium/pcb_io_solidworks.cpp
+++ b/pcbnew/pcb_io/altium/pcb_io_solidworks.cpp
@@ -50,8 +50,7 @@ bool PCB_IO_SOLIDWORKS::CanReadBoard( const wxString& aFileName ) const
 
 
 BOARD* PCB_IO_SOLIDWORKS::LoadBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aAppendToMe,
-                                         const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties, PROJECT* aProject,
-                                         PROGRESS_REPORTER* aProgressReporter )
+                                         const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties, PROJECT* aProject )
 {
     m_props = aProperties;
 
@@ -120,7 +119,7 @@ BOARD* PCB_IO_SOLIDWORKS::LoadBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aAppendTo
     try
     {
         // Parse File
-        ALTIUM_PCB pcb( m_board, aProgressReporter );
+        ALTIUM_PCB pcb( m_board, m_progressReporter );
         pcb.Parse( altiumPcbFile, mapping );
     }
     catch( CFB::CFBException& exception )
diff --git a/pcbnew/pcb_io/altium/pcb_io_solidworks.h b/pcbnew/pcb_io/altium/pcb_io_solidworks.h
index f920f944e0..40516bfd04 100644
--- a/pcbnew/pcb_io/altium/pcb_io_solidworks.h
+++ b/pcbnew/pcb_io/altium/pcb_io_solidworks.h
@@ -40,8 +40,7 @@ public:
     bool CanReadBoard( const wxString& aFileName ) const override;
 
     BOARD* LoadBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aAppendToMe,
-                      const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties, PROJECT* aProject = nullptr,
-                      PROGRESS_REPORTER* aProgressReporter = nullptr ) override;
+                      const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties, PROJECT* aProject = nullptr ) override;
 
     long long GetLibraryTimestamp( const wxString& aLibraryPath ) const override
     {
diff --git a/pcbnew/pcb_io/cadstar/pcb_io_cadstar_archive.cpp b/pcbnew/pcb_io/cadstar/pcb_io_cadstar_archive.cpp
index e8ffa58528..29ca2acc36 100644
--- a/pcbnew/pcb_io/cadstar/pcb_io_cadstar_archive.cpp
+++ b/pcbnew/pcb_io/cadstar/pcb_io_cadstar_archive.cpp
@@ -94,15 +94,14 @@ std::vector<FOOTPRINT*> PCB_IO_CADSTAR_ARCHIVE::GetImportedCachedLibraryFootprin
 
 
 BOARD* PCB_IO_CADSTAR_ARCHIVE::LoadBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aAppendToMe,
-                                              const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties, PROJECT* aProject,
-                                              PROGRESS_REPORTER* aProgressReporter )
+                                              const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties, PROJECT* aProject )
 {
     m_props = aProperties;
     m_board = aAppendToMe ? aAppendToMe : new BOARD();
     clearLoadedFootprints();
 
     CADSTAR_PCB_ARCHIVE_LOADER tempPCB( aFileName, m_layer_mapping_handler,
-                                        m_show_layer_mapping_warnings, aProgressReporter );
+                                        m_show_layer_mapping_warnings, m_progressReporter );
     tempPCB.Load( m_board, aProject );
 
     //center the board:
diff --git a/pcbnew/pcb_io/cadstar/pcb_io_cadstar_archive.h b/pcbnew/pcb_io/cadstar/pcb_io_cadstar_archive.h
index 258de19dff..31f4f9f94d 100644
--- a/pcbnew/pcb_io/cadstar/pcb_io_cadstar_archive.h
+++ b/pcbnew/pcb_io/cadstar/pcb_io_cadstar_archive.h
@@ -44,8 +44,7 @@ public:
     bool CanReadFootprint( const wxString& aFileName ) const override;
 
     BOARD* LoadBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aAppendToMe,
-                      const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties = nullptr, PROJECT* aProject = nullptr,
-                      PROGRESS_REPORTER* aProgressReporter = nullptr ) override;
+                      const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties = nullptr, PROJECT* aProject = nullptr ) override;
 
     std::vector<FOOTPRINT*> GetImportedCachedLibraryFootprints() override;
 
diff --git a/pcbnew/pcb_io/eagle/pcb_io_eagle.cpp b/pcbnew/pcb_io/eagle/pcb_io_eagle.cpp
index 68120e2c1c..2a55a824ba 100644
--- a/pcbnew/pcb_io/eagle/pcb_io_eagle.cpp
+++ b/pcbnew/pcb_io/eagle/pcb_io_eagle.cpp
@@ -321,8 +321,7 @@ VECTOR2I inline PCB_IO_EAGLE::kicad_fontsize( const ECOORD& d, int aTextThicknes
 
 
 BOARD* PCB_IO_EAGLE::LoadBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aAppendToMe,
-                                const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties, PROJECT* aProject,
-                                PROGRESS_REPORTER* aProgressReporter )
+                                const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties, PROJECT* aProject )
 {
     LOCALE_IO       toggle;     // toggles on, then off, the C locale.
     wxXmlNode*      doc;
@@ -330,7 +329,6 @@ BOARD* PCB_IO_EAGLE::LoadBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aAppendToMe,
     init( aProperties );
 
     m_board = aAppendToMe ? aAppendToMe : new BOARD();
-    m_progressReporter = aProgressReporter;
 
     // Give the filename to the board if it's new
     if( !aAppendToMe )
diff --git a/pcbnew/pcb_io/eagle/pcb_io_eagle.h b/pcbnew/pcb_io/eagle/pcb_io_eagle.h
index bc72c7eb3b..6837265230 100644
--- a/pcbnew/pcb_io/eagle/pcb_io_eagle.h
+++ b/pcbnew/pcb_io/eagle/pcb_io_eagle.h
@@ -146,8 +146,7 @@ public:
     bool CanReadFootprint( const wxString& aFileName ) const override;
 
     BOARD* LoadBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aAppendToMe,
-                      const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties = nullptr, PROJECT* aProject = nullptr,
-                      PROGRESS_REPORTER* aProgressReporter = nullptr ) override;
+                      const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties = nullptr, PROJECT* aProject = nullptr ) override;
 
     std::vector<FOOTPRINT*> GetImportedCachedLibraryFootprints() override;
 
diff --git a/pcbnew/pcb_io/easyeda/pcb_io_easyeda_plugin.cpp b/pcbnew/pcb_io/easyeda/pcb_io_easyeda_plugin.cpp
index 896d4dac85..650315078c 100644
--- a/pcbnew/pcb_io/easyeda/pcb_io_easyeda_plugin.cpp
+++ b/pcbnew/pcb_io/easyeda/pcb_io_easyeda_plugin.cpp
@@ -133,8 +133,7 @@ bool PCB_IO_EASYEDA::CanReadLibrary( const wxString& aFileName ) const
 
 
 BOARD* PCB_IO_EASYEDA::LoadBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aAppendToMe,
-                                  const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties, PROJECT* aProject,
-                                  PROGRESS_REPORTER* aProgressReporter )
+                                  const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties, PROJECT* aProject )
 {
     m_loadedFootprints.clear();
 
@@ -145,11 +144,11 @@ BOARD* PCB_IO_EASYEDA::LoadBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aAppendToMe,
     if( !aAppendToMe )
         m_board->SetFileName( aFileName );
 
-    if( aProgressReporter )
+    if( m_progressReporter )
     {
-        aProgressReporter->Report( wxString::Format( _( "Loading %s..." ), aFileName ) );
+        m_progressReporter->Report( wxString::Format( _( "Loading %s..." ), aFileName ) );
 
-        if( !aProgressReporter->KeepRefreshing() )
+        if( !m_progressReporter->KeepRefreshing() )
             THROW_IO_ERROR( _( "Open cancelled by user." ) );
     }
 
diff --git a/pcbnew/pcb_io/easyeda/pcb_io_easyeda_plugin.h b/pcbnew/pcb_io/easyeda/pcb_io_easyeda_plugin.h
index 19d61fedba..decba50976 100644
--- a/pcbnew/pcb_io/easyeda/pcb_io_easyeda_plugin.h
+++ b/pcbnew/pcb_io/easyeda/pcb_io_easyeda_plugin.h
@@ -48,8 +48,7 @@ public:
     bool CanReadLibrary( const wxString& aFileName ) const override;
 
     BOARD* LoadBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aAppendToMe,
-                      const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties = nullptr, PROJECT* aProject = nullptr,
-                      PROGRESS_REPORTER* aProgressReporter = nullptr ) override;
+                      const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties = nullptr, PROJECT* aProject = nullptr ) override;
 
     long long GetLibraryTimestamp( const wxString& aLibraryPath ) const override;
 
diff --git a/pcbnew/pcb_io/easyedapro/pcb_io_easyedapro.cpp b/pcbnew/pcb_io/easyedapro/pcb_io_easyedapro.cpp
index 62ae10819f..3c0325ebde 100644
--- a/pcbnew/pcb_io/easyedapro/pcb_io_easyedapro.cpp
+++ b/pcbnew/pcb_io/easyedapro/pcb_io_easyedapro.cpp
@@ -98,8 +98,7 @@ bool PCB_IO_EASYEDAPRO::CanReadBoard( const wxString& aFileName ) const
 
 
 BOARD* PCB_IO_EASYEDAPRO::LoadBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aAppendToMe,
-                                     const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties, PROJECT* aProject,
-                                     PROGRESS_REPORTER* aProgressReporter )
+                                     const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties, PROJECT* aProject )
 {
     m_props = aProperties;
 
@@ -109,11 +108,11 @@ BOARD* PCB_IO_EASYEDAPRO::LoadBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aAppendTo
     if( !aAppendToMe )
         m_board->SetFileName( aFileName );
 
-    if( aProgressReporter )
+    if( m_progressReporter )
     {
-        aProgressReporter->Report( wxString::Format( _( "Loading %s..." ), aFileName ) );
+        m_progressReporter->Report( wxString::Format( _( "Loading %s..." ), aFileName ) );
 
-        if( !aProgressReporter->KeepRefreshing() )
+        if( !m_progressReporter->KeepRefreshing() )
             THROW_IO_ERROR( _( "Open cancelled by user." ) );
     }
 
diff --git a/pcbnew/pcb_io/easyedapro/pcb_io_easyedapro.h b/pcbnew/pcb_io/easyedapro/pcb_io_easyedapro.h
index e30deb5063..5a52fb71ab 100644
--- a/pcbnew/pcb_io/easyedapro/pcb_io_easyedapro.h
+++ b/pcbnew/pcb_io/easyedapro/pcb_io_easyedapro.h
@@ -55,8 +55,7 @@ public:
     bool CanReadBoard( const wxString& aFileName ) const override;
 
     BOARD* LoadBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aAppendToMe,
-                      const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties = nullptr, PROJECT* aProject = nullptr,
-                      PROGRESS_REPORTER* aProgressReporter = nullptr ) override;
+                      const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties = nullptr, PROJECT* aProject = nullptr ) override;
 
     long long GetLibraryTimestamp( const wxString& aLibraryPath ) const override;
 
diff --git a/pcbnew/pcb_io/fabmaster/pcb_io_fabmaster.cpp b/pcbnew/pcb_io/fabmaster/pcb_io_fabmaster.cpp
index 991d2ced11..3c2ecc068a 100644
--- a/pcbnew/pcb_io/fabmaster/pcb_io_fabmaster.cpp
+++ b/pcbnew/pcb_io/fabmaster/pcb_io_fabmaster.cpp
@@ -44,8 +44,7 @@ PCB_IO_FABMASTER::~PCB_IO_FABMASTER()
 
 
 BOARD* PCB_IO_FABMASTER::LoadBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aAppendToMe,
-                                    const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties, PROJECT* aProject,
-                                    PROGRESS_REPORTER* aProgressReporter )
+                                    const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties, PROJECT* aProject )
 {
     m_props = aProperties;
 
@@ -55,11 +54,11 @@ BOARD* PCB_IO_FABMASTER::LoadBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aAppendToM
     if( !aAppendToMe )
         m_board->SetFileName( aFileName );
 
-    if( aProgressReporter )
+    if( m_progressReporter )
     {
-        aProgressReporter->Report( wxString::Format( _( "Loading %s..." ), aFileName ) );
+        m_progressReporter->Report( wxString::Format( _( "Loading %s..." ), aFileName ) );
 
-        if( !aProgressReporter->KeepRefreshing() )
+        if( !m_progressReporter->KeepRefreshing() )
             THROW_IO_ERROR( _( "Open cancelled by user." ) );
     }
 
@@ -72,7 +71,7 @@ BOARD* PCB_IO_FABMASTER::LoadBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aAppendToM
     }
 
     m_fabmaster.Process();
-    m_fabmaster.LoadBoard( m_board, aProgressReporter );
+    m_fabmaster.LoadBoard( m_board, m_progressReporter );
 
     return m_board;
 }
diff --git a/pcbnew/pcb_io/fabmaster/pcb_io_fabmaster.h b/pcbnew/pcb_io/fabmaster/pcb_io_fabmaster.h
index 117af297db..625e32fa00 100644
--- a/pcbnew/pcb_io/fabmaster/pcb_io_fabmaster.h
+++ b/pcbnew/pcb_io/fabmaster/pcb_io_fabmaster.h
@@ -45,8 +45,7 @@ public:
     }
 
     BOARD* LoadBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aAppendToMe,
-                      const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties = nullptr, PROJECT* aProject = nullptr,
-                      PROGRESS_REPORTER* aProgressReporter = nullptr ) override;
+                      const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties = nullptr, PROJECT* aProject = nullptr ) override;
 
     long long GetLibraryTimestamp( const wxString& aLibraryPath ) const override
     {
diff --git a/pcbnew/pcb_io/ipc2581/pcb_io_ipc2581.cpp b/pcbnew/pcb_io/ipc2581/pcb_io_ipc2581.cpp
index 801f36d72e..cd019db897 100644
--- a/pcbnew/pcb_io/ipc2581/pcb_io_ipc2581.cpp
+++ b/pcbnew/pcb_io/ipc2581/pcb_io_ipc2581.cpp
@@ -301,8 +301,8 @@ wxXmlNode* PCB_IO_IPC2581::generateXmlHeader()
 
 wxXmlNode* PCB_IO_IPC2581::generateContentSection()
 {
-    if( m_progress_reporter )
-        m_progress_reporter->AdvancePhase( _( "Generating content section" ) );
+    if( m_progressReporter )
+        m_progressReporter->AdvancePhase( _( "Generating content section" ) );
 
     wxXmlNode* contentNode = appendNode( m_xml_root, "Content" );
     addAttribute( contentNode,  "roleRef", "Owner" );
@@ -1116,8 +1116,8 @@ wxXmlNode* PCB_IO_IPC2581::generateLogisticSection()
 
 wxXmlNode* PCB_IO_IPC2581::generateHistorySection()
 {
-    if( m_progress_reporter )
-        m_progress_reporter->AdvancePhase( _( "Generating history section" ) );
+    if( m_progressReporter )
+        m_progressReporter->AdvancePhase( _( "Generating history section" ) );
 
     wxXmlNode* historyNode = appendNode( m_xml_root, "HistoryRecord" );
     addAttribute( historyNode,  "number", "1" );
@@ -1143,8 +1143,8 @@ wxXmlNode* PCB_IO_IPC2581::generateHistorySection()
 
 wxXmlNode* PCB_IO_IPC2581::generateBOMSection( wxXmlNode* aEcadNode )
 {
-    if( m_progress_reporter )
-        m_progress_reporter->AdvancePhase( _( "Generating BOM section" ) );
+    if( m_progressReporter )
+        m_progressReporter->AdvancePhase( _( "Generating BOM section" ) );
 
     struct REFDES
     {
@@ -1307,8 +1307,8 @@ wxXmlNode* PCB_IO_IPC2581::generateBOMSection( wxXmlNode* aEcadNode )
 
 wxXmlNode* PCB_IO_IPC2581::generateEcadSection()
 {
-    if( m_progress_reporter )
-        m_progress_reporter->AdvancePhase( _( "Generating CAD data" ) );
+    if( m_progressReporter )
+        m_progressReporter->AdvancePhase( _( "Generating CAD data" ) );
 
     wxXmlNode* ecadNode = appendNode( m_xml_root, "Ecad" );
     addAttribute( ecadNode,  "name", "Design" );
@@ -2339,20 +2339,20 @@ void PCB_IO_IPC2581::generateLayerFeatures( wxXmlNode* aStepNode )
 
     for( PCB_LAYER_ID layer : layers )
     {
-        if( m_progress_reporter )
-            m_progress_reporter->SetMaxProgress( nets.GetNetCount() * layers.size() );
+        if( m_progressReporter )
+            m_progressReporter->SetMaxProgress( nets.GetNetCount() * layers.size() );
 
         wxXmlNode* layerNode = appendNode( aStepNode, "LayerFeature" );
         addAttribute( layerNode,  "layerRef", m_layer_name_map[layer] );
 
         for( const NETINFO_ITEM* net : nets )
         {
-            if( m_progress_reporter )
+            if( m_progressReporter )
             {
-                m_progress_reporter->Report( wxString::Format( _( "Exporting Layer %s, Net %s" ),
+                m_progressReporter->Report( wxString::Format( _( "Exporting Layer %s, Net %s" ),
                                                                m_board->GetLayerName( layer ),
                                                                net->GetNetname() ) );
-                m_progress_reporter->AdvanceProgress();
+                m_progressReporter->AdvanceProgress();
             }
 
             std::vector<BOARD_ITEM*>& vec = elements[layer][net->GetNetCode()];
@@ -2735,8 +2735,8 @@ void PCB_IO_IPC2581::generateLayerSetNet( wxXmlNode* aLayerNode, PCB_LAYER_ID aL
 
 wxXmlNode* PCB_IO_IPC2581::generateAvlSection()
 {
-    if( m_progress_reporter )
-        m_progress_reporter->AdvancePhase( _( "Generating BOM section" ) );
+    if( m_progressReporter )
+        m_progressReporter->AdvancePhase( _( "Generating BOM section" ) );
 
     wxXmlNode* avl = appendNode( m_xml_root, "Avl" );
     addAttribute( avl,  "name", "Primary_Vendor_List" );
@@ -2827,14 +2827,12 @@ wxXmlNode* PCB_IO_IPC2581::generateAvlSection()
 
 
 void PCB_IO_IPC2581::SaveBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aBoard,
-                                const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties,
-                                PROGRESS_REPORTER*     aProgressReporter )
+                                const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties )
 {
     m_board = aBoard;
     m_units_str = "MILLIMETER";
     m_scale = 1.0 / PCB_IU_PER_MM;
     m_sigfig = 4;
-    m_progress_reporter = aProgressReporter;
 
     if( auto it = aProperties->find( "units" ); it != aProperties->end() )
     {
@@ -2889,11 +2887,11 @@ void PCB_IO_IPC2581::SaveBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aBoard,
 
     generateContentSection();
 
-    if( m_progress_reporter )
+    if( m_progressReporter )
     {
-        m_progress_reporter->SetNumPhases( 7 );
-        m_progress_reporter->BeginPhase( 1 );
-        m_progress_reporter->Report( _( "Generating logistic section" ) );
+        m_progressReporter->SetNumPhases( 7 );
+        m_progressReporter->BeginPhase( 1 );
+        m_progressReporter->Report( _( "Generating logistic section" ) );
     }
 
     generateLogisticSection();
@@ -2903,9 +2901,9 @@ void PCB_IO_IPC2581::SaveBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aBoard,
     generateBOMSection( ecad_node );
     generateAvlSection();
 
-    if( m_progress_reporter )
+    if( m_progressReporter )
     {
-        m_progress_reporter->AdvancePhase( _( "Saving file" ) );
+        m_progressReporter->AdvancePhase( _( "Saving file" ) );
     }
 
     wxFileOutputStreamWithProgress out_stream( aFileName );
@@ -2922,13 +2920,13 @@ void PCB_IO_IPC2581::SaveBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aBoard,
         written_bytes += aBytes;
         double percent = written_bytes / static_cast<double>( m_total_bytes );
 
-        if( m_progress_reporter )
+        if( m_progressReporter )
         {
             // Only update every percent
             if( last_yield + 0.01 < percent )
             {
                 last_yield = percent;
-                m_progress_reporter->SetCurrentProgress( percent );
+                m_progressReporter->SetCurrentProgress( percent );
             }
         }
     };
diff --git a/pcbnew/pcb_io/ipc2581/pcb_io_ipc2581.h b/pcbnew/pcb_io/ipc2581/pcb_io_ipc2581.h
index ca927acf90..0052a5c14a 100644
--- a/pcbnew/pcb_io/ipc2581/pcb_io_ipc2581.h
+++ b/pcbnew/pcb_io/ipc2581/pcb_io_ipc2581.h
@@ -78,12 +78,10 @@ public:
      *
     */
     // BOARD* LoadBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aAppendToMe,
-    //              const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties = nullptr, PROJECT* aProject = nullptr,
-    //              PROGRESS_REPORTER* aProgressReporter = nullptr ) override;
+    //              const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties = nullptr, PROJECT* aProject = nullptr ) override;
 
     void SaveBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aBoard,
-                const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties = nullptr,
-                PROGRESS_REPORTER*     aProgressReporter = nullptr ) override;
+                const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties = nullptr ) override;
 
     const IO_BASE::IO_FILE_DESC GetBoardFileDesc() const override
     {
diff --git a/pcbnew/pcb_io/kicad_legacy/pcb_io_kicad_legacy.cpp b/pcbnew/pcb_io/kicad_legacy/pcb_io_kicad_legacy.cpp
index b0f20f4c44..8e31188376 100644
--- a/pcbnew/pcb_io/kicad_legacy/pcb_io_kicad_legacy.cpp
+++ b/pcbnew/pcb_io/kicad_legacy/pcb_io_kicad_legacy.cpp
@@ -466,8 +466,7 @@ bool PCB_IO_KICAD_LEGACY::CanReadFootprint( const wxString& aFileName ) const
 
 
 BOARD* PCB_IO_KICAD_LEGACY::LoadBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aAppendToMe,
-                                 const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties, PROJECT* aProject,
-                                 PROGRESS_REPORTER* aProgressReporter )
+                                 const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties, PROJECT* aProject )
 {
     LOCALE_IO   toggle;     // toggles on, then off, the C locale.
 
@@ -492,7 +491,6 @@ BOARD* PCB_IO_KICAD_LEGACY::LoadBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aAppend
     FILE_LINE_READER    reader( aFileName );
 
     m_reader = &reader;
-    m_progressReporter = aProgressReporter;
 
     m_loading_format_version = getVersion( m_reader );
     m_board->SetFileFormatVersionAtLoad( m_loading_format_version );
diff --git a/pcbnew/pcb_io/kicad_legacy/pcb_io_kicad_legacy.h b/pcbnew/pcb_io/kicad_legacy/pcb_io_kicad_legacy.h
index bbf87a2992..b2e676f26e 100644
--- a/pcbnew/pcb_io/kicad_legacy/pcb_io_kicad_legacy.h
+++ b/pcbnew/pcb_io/kicad_legacy/pcb_io_kicad_legacy.h
@@ -80,8 +80,7 @@ public:
     bool CanReadFootprint( const wxString& aFileName ) const override;
 
     BOARD* LoadBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aAppendToMe,
-                      const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties = nullptr, PROJECT* aProject = nullptr,
-                      PROGRESS_REPORTER* aProgressReporter = nullptr ) override;
+                      const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties = nullptr, PROJECT* aProject = nullptr ) override;
 
     void FootprintEnumerate( wxArrayString& aFootprintNames, const wxString& aLibraryPath,
                              bool aBestEfforts,
diff --git a/pcbnew/pcb_io/kicad_sexpr/pcb_io_kicad_sexpr.cpp b/pcbnew/pcb_io/kicad_sexpr/pcb_io_kicad_sexpr.cpp
index 78ba1699b8..54b7646431 100644
--- a/pcbnew/pcb_io/kicad_sexpr/pcb_io_kicad_sexpr.cpp
+++ b/pcbnew/pcb_io/kicad_sexpr/pcb_io_kicad_sexpr.cpp
@@ -294,8 +294,7 @@ bool PCB_IO_KICAD_SEXPR::CanReadBoard( const wxString& aFileName ) const
 
 
 void PCB_IO_KICAD_SEXPR::SaveBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aBoard,
-                            const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties,
-                            PROGRESS_REPORTER*     aProgressReporter )
+                            const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties )
 {
     LOCALE_IO   toggle;     // toggles on, then off, the C locale.
 
@@ -2415,18 +2414,17 @@ PCB_IO_KICAD_SEXPR::~PCB_IO_KICAD_SEXPR()
 
 
 BOARD* PCB_IO_KICAD_SEXPR::LoadBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aAppendToMe,
-                              const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties, PROJECT* aProject,
-                              PROGRESS_REPORTER* aProgressReporter )
+                              const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties, PROJECT* aProject )
 {
     FILE_LINE_READER reader( aFileName );
 
     unsigned lineCount = 0;
 
-    if( aProgressReporter )
+    if( m_progressReporter )
     {
-        aProgressReporter->Report( wxString::Format( _( "Loading %s..." ), aFileName ) );
+        m_progressReporter->Report( wxString::Format( _( "Loading %s..." ), aFileName ) );
 
-        if( !aProgressReporter->KeepRefreshing() )
+        if( !m_progressReporter->KeepRefreshing() )
             THROW_IO_ERROR( _( "Open cancelled by user." ) );
 
         while( reader.ReadLine() )
@@ -2435,7 +2433,7 @@ BOARD* PCB_IO_KICAD_SEXPR::LoadBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aAppendT
         reader.Rewind();
     }
 
-    BOARD* board = DoLoad( reader, aAppendToMe, aProperties, aProgressReporter, lineCount );
+    BOARD* board = DoLoad( reader, aAppendToMe, aProperties, m_progressReporter, lineCount );
 
     // Give the filename to the board if it's new
     if( !aAppendToMe )
diff --git a/pcbnew/pcb_io/kicad_sexpr/pcb_io_kicad_sexpr.h b/pcbnew/pcb_io/kicad_sexpr/pcb_io_kicad_sexpr.h
index 921e391fa0..c1cce85a45 100644
--- a/pcbnew/pcb_io/kicad_sexpr/pcb_io_kicad_sexpr.h
+++ b/pcbnew/pcb_io/kicad_sexpr/pcb_io_kicad_sexpr.h
@@ -305,12 +305,10 @@ public:
     bool CanReadBoard( const wxString& aFileName ) const override;
 
     void SaveBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aBoard,
-                    const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties = nullptr,
-                    PROGRESS_REPORTER*     aProgressReporter = nullptr ) override;
+                    const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties = nullptr ) override;
 
     BOARD* LoadBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aAppendToMe,
-                      const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties = nullptr, PROJECT* aProject = nullptr,
-                      PROGRESS_REPORTER* aProgressReporter = nullptr ) override;
+                      const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties = nullptr, PROJECT* aProject = nullptr ) override;
 
     BOARD* DoLoad( LINE_READER& aReader, BOARD* aAppendToMe, const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties,
                      PROGRESS_REPORTER* aProgressReporter, unsigned aLineCount );
diff --git a/pcbnew/pcb_io/pcad/pcb_io_pcad.cpp b/pcbnew/pcb_io/pcad/pcb_io_pcad.cpp
index ce89d087bb..ced34e2915 100644
--- a/pcbnew/pcb_io/pcad/pcb_io_pcad.cpp
+++ b/pcbnew/pcb_io/pcad/pcb_io_pcad.cpp
@@ -63,8 +63,7 @@ bool PCB_IO_PCAD::CanReadBoard( const wxString& aFileName ) const
 
 
 BOARD* PCB_IO_PCAD::LoadBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aAppendToMe,
-                               const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties, PROJECT* aProject,
-                               PROGRESS_REPORTER* aProgressReporter )
+                               const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties, PROJECT* aProject )
 {
     wxXmlDocument   xmlDoc;
 
diff --git a/pcbnew/pcb_io/pcad/pcb_io_pcad.h b/pcbnew/pcb_io/pcad/pcb_io_pcad.h
index 84c9959c31..a37339d1c4 100644
--- a/pcbnew/pcb_io/pcad/pcb_io_pcad.h
+++ b/pcbnew/pcb_io/pcad/pcb_io_pcad.h
@@ -53,8 +53,7 @@ public:
     bool CanReadBoard( const wxString& aFileName ) const override;
 
     BOARD* LoadBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aAppendToMe,
-                      const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties = nullptr, PROJECT* aProject = nullptr,
-                      PROGRESS_REPORTER* aProgressReporter = nullptr ) override;
+                      const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties = nullptr, PROJECT* aProject = nullptr ) override;
 
     long long GetLibraryTimestamp( const wxString& aLibraryPath ) const override
     {
diff --git a/pcbnew/pcb_io/pcb_io.cpp b/pcbnew/pcb_io/pcb_io.cpp
index 63eb32e9fc..62ccf1f6c0 100644
--- a/pcbnew/pcb_io/pcb_io.cpp
+++ b/pcbnew/pcb_io/pcb_io.cpp
@@ -73,8 +73,7 @@ bool PCB_IO::CanReadFootprint( const wxString& aFileName ) const
 
 
 BOARD* PCB_IO::LoadBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aAppendToMe,
-                          const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties, PROJECT* aProject,
-                          PROGRESS_REPORTER* aProgressReporter )
+                          const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties, PROJECT* aProject )
 {
     NOT_IMPLEMENTED( __FUNCTION__ );
 }
@@ -87,7 +86,7 @@ std::vector<FOOTPRINT*> PCB_IO::GetImportedCachedLibraryFootprints()
 
 
 void PCB_IO::SaveBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aBoard,
-                        const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties, PROGRESS_REPORTER* aProgressReporter )
+                        const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties )
 {
     // not pure virtual so that plugins only have to implement subset of the PLUGIN interface.
     NOT_IMPLEMENTED( __FUNCTION__ );
diff --git a/pcbnew/pcb_io/pcb_io.h b/pcbnew/pcb_io/pcb_io.h
index 133e140d2c..8be2f0de90 100644
--- a/pcbnew/pcb_io/pcb_io.h
+++ b/pcbnew/pcb_io/pcb_io.h
@@ -119,8 +119,6 @@ public:
      *                    it to be optionally NULL.
      * @param aProject is the optional #PROJECT object primarily used by third party
      *                 importers.
-     * @param aProgressReporter an optional progress reporter
-     * @param aLineCount a line count (necessary if a progress reporter is supplied)
      * @return the successfully loaded board, or the same one as \a aAppendToMe if aAppendToMe
      *         was not NULL, and caller owns it.
      *
@@ -129,8 +127,7 @@ public:
      *                 possible.
      */
     virtual BOARD* LoadBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aAppendToMe,
-                         const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties = nullptr, PROJECT* aProject = nullptr,
-                         PROGRESS_REPORTER* aProgressReporter = nullptr );
+                         const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties = nullptr, PROJECT* aProject = nullptr );
 
     /**
      * Return a container with the cached library footprints generated in the last call to
@@ -157,13 +154,11 @@ public:
      *                    tuning arguments that the plugin is known to support.  The caller
      *                    continues to own this object (plugin may not delete it) and plugins
      *                    should expect it to be optionally NULL.
-     * @param aProgressReporter an optional progress reporter
      *
      * @throw IO_ERROR if there is a problem saving or exporting.
      */
     virtual void SaveBoard( const wxString& aFileName, BOARD* aBoard,
-                            const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties = nullptr,
-                            PROGRESS_REPORTER*     aProgressReporter = nullptr );
+                            const STRING_UTF8_MAP* aProperties = nullptr );
 
     /**
      * Return a list of footprint names contained within the library at @a aLibraryPath.
diff --git a/pcbnew/pcb_io/pcb_io_mgr.cpp b/pcbnew/pcb_io/pcb_io_mgr.cpp
index 2d1fa449ff..899729bd00 100644
--- a/pcbnew/pcb_io/pcb_io_mgr.cpp
+++ b/pcbnew/pcb_io/pcb_io_mgr.cpp
@@ -172,7 +172,8 @@ BOARD* PCB_IO_MGR::Load( PCB_FILE_T aFileType, const wxString& aFileName, BOARD*
 
     if( (PCB_IO*) pi )  // test pi->plugin
     {
-        return pi->LoadBoard( aFileName, aAppendToMe, aProperties, aProject, aProgressReporter );
+        pi->SetProgressReporter( aProgressReporter );
+        return pi->LoadBoard( aFileName, aAppendToMe, aProperties, aProject );
     }
 
     THROW_IO_ERROR( wxString::Format( FMT_NOTFOUND, ShowType( aFileType ).GetData() ) );
diff --git a/pcbnew/tools/pcb_control.cpp b/pcbnew/tools/pcb_control.cpp
index 9f39011147..4ad508651a 100644
--- a/pcbnew/tools/pcb_control.cpp
+++ b/pcbnew/tools/pcb_control.cpp
@@ -1303,7 +1303,8 @@ int PCB_CONTROL::AppendBoard( PCB_IO& pi, wxString& fileName )
         WX_PROGRESS_REPORTER progressReporter( editFrame, _( "Loading PCB" ), 1 );
 
         editFrame->GetDesignSettings().m_NetSettings->m_NetClasses.clear();
-        pi.LoadBoard( fileName, brd, &props, nullptr, &progressReporter );
+        pi.SetProgressReporter( &progressReporter );
+        pi.LoadBoard( fileName, brd, &props, nullptr );
     }
     catch( const IO_ERROR& ioe )
     {