Clarifying the Relationship between NPR and Public Radio

There seems to be some confusion from Brand Autopsy readers that NPR is Public Radio and Public Radio is NPR. That is not the case.

National Public Radio (NPR) is merely a content provider to Public Radio stations. NPR does not own nor program local Public Radio stations. NPR merely offers/sells their programming (Morning Edition, All Things Considered, Talk of the Nation, and numerous other programs) to Public Radio stations across the country.

Funding for the creation of NPR programming is provided by charitable foundations, businesses (through financial underwriting contributions), and a small amount from the US Government.

Public Radio stations do not have to program their stations with NPR programming or programming from other content providers like Public Radio International (PRI). Programs from NPR and PRI cost money and some Public Radio stations do not have the dollars to obtain programs from these sources. Many Community Radio stations, which can also be called Public Radio stations, generally do not have the funds to purchase the programming from NPR or PRI and thus, these stations will focus on music programming or local community talk formats

Public Radio stations (and Community Radio Stations) engage in pledge drives to cover their operational costs (broadcasting equipment and salaries), to purchase programming from sources like NPR or PRI, and to cover any other costs related to broadcasting programs on-air.

Public Radio stations are free to program their stations in way they can afford to. It just so happens NPR is the leading brand in producing the highest-quality and most consistent programming that Public Radio stations find ways to afford the fees associated with obtaining NPR programs.

Comments

[John Moore (the British one)]

ah hah, thanks for the clarification!

[Pam Glenn]

Thank you for this clear, concise description of the relationship between my local public radio station and its content providers (both PRI and NPR).