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National Public Radio (NPR) is a loosely organized public radio network in the United States. NPR was created in 1970, following the passage of the Public Broadcasting Act in 1967 which established the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and also led to the creation of the Public Broadcasting Service. The network was founded on February 24, 1970, with 90 public radio stations as charter members.
Like its competitor, Public Radio International, NPR produces and distributes news and cultural programming. Its member stations are not required to broadcast all of these programs. Its flagship programs are two drive time news broadcasts, Morning Edition, and the afternoon All Things Considered; both are carried by nearly all NPR affiliates and in 2002 were the second- and third-most popular radio programs in the country. Morning Edition has been the network's most popular program since 1989.
Over the years, the portion of the total NPR budget that comes from government has been decreasing. During the 1970s and early 1980s, the majority of NPR funding came from the government (through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which also funds PBS). Steps were being taken during the 1980s to completely wean NPR from government support, but a major funding crisis in 1983, which almost led to the demise of the network, brought about more rapid shifts in NPR's funding setup. More money to fund the NPR network was raised from listeners, charitable foundations and corporations, and less from the government. Some citizens believe that any government funding is too much, while others believe the government should provide more funding to NPR to reduce corporate influence.
NPR member stations also receive charitable and government funding, but are famous for raising money through on-air pledge drives, during which programming is interrupted and listeners are encouraged to donate money to keep the station on the air.
In contrast to commercial radio, NPR carries very little advertising, except for brief statements from major donors. These statements are called underwriting spots, not commercials, though some critics contend that the difference is exaggerated. Since NPR is not dependent on advertising revenue, it is largely free of the ratings-driven decision making of commercial media. The result is programming that advocates consider less sensationalistic than commercial media.
On November 6, 2003, NPR was given $200 million from the estate of the late Joan Kroc, the widow of Ray Kroc, founder of McDonalds Corporation. In 2003 the annual budget of NPR was $100 million.
NPR's major production facilities have been based in Washington, D.C., since its creation. On November 2, 2002, a west coast production facility, dubbed NPR West, was opened in Culver City, California. NPR opened NPR West to improve its coverage of the western United States, to expand its production capabilities (shows produced there include The Tavis Smiley Show and Day to Day), and to create a fully functional backup production facility capable of keeping NPR on the air in the event of a catastrophe in Washington, D.C.
According to a 2003 Washington Monthly story, about 20 million listeners tune into NPR each week. On average they are 50 years old and earn an annual income of $78,000. About 10% are either African American or Hispanic. Many of its listeners consider NPR to be at the apex of journalistic integrity, while others claim that it has a liberal bias, lacks diversity, and depends on public funding.
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Many shows produced or distributed by Public Radio International, such as A Prairie Home Companion, This American Life and Whad'Ya Know?, are broadcast by NPR member stations and popularly associated with NPR, although they are not affiliated with NPR.
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