National Public Radio

National Public Radio (NPR), first noncommercial, satellite-delivered radio system in the world, and a membership organization serving more than 540 member radio stations in the United States. About 60 percent of NPR's operating income comes from member station dues and fees. About 4 percent comes directly from other governmental, tax-funded sources. Corporate, foundation, and individual supporters also provide financial gifts and grants. NPR produces and distributes news and information programs, including “Morning Edition,” “All Things Considered,” “Weekend Edition,” “Talk of the Nation,” “On the Media,” and “Fresh Air with Terry Gross”; and cultural programs such as “Performance Today,” “The Thistle and Shamrock,” “JazzSet,” “Car Talk,” and “NPR Playhouse.” More than 18 million people listen to NPR programs each week.

NPR was formed in response to the passing of the Public Broadcasting Act by the Congress of the United States in 1967. The act authorized the creation of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which was to “encourage the growth and development of noncommercial radio” and to develop programming that “will be responsible to the interests of the people.” The CPB set out to foster professionalism in the many small, noncommercial stations. NPR was created to provide national news coverage and to act as the first nationwide connection between the noncommercial stations. Incorporated in 1970 with 90 public radio stations as charter members, NPR transmitted its first program on April 19, 1971. On May 3, 1971, the news program “All Things Considered” debuted, establishing NPR as a national news and information service. In 1977 NPR merged with the Association of Public Radio Stations. Two years later, NPR established the first nationwide satellite-delivered radio distribution network.

Although NPR experienced financial difficulties in the early 1980s, the company had settled its debts by 1986. Financial restructuring finalized that year directed funding from the CPB to member stations rather than to NPR. At the same time, NPR began to cultivate new partnerships with public and private organizations.

In 1995 members of the U.S. Congress initiated legislation to eliminate federal funding for public broadcasting. Supporters of public broadcasting objected to this move, and the Congress agreed to explore methods for maintaining public broadcasting while seeking funding from other sources.

Reviewed by: National Public Radio