National Public Radio
Founded in 1970, National Public Radio (NPR) is a major producer and distributor of commercial-free news, talk, and entertainment programming. NPR is a not-for-profit membership organization that relies on corporate sponsorship, in-house fundraising activities, indirect federal funding, bequeaths of estate and private funding (such as membership contributions or "Donor Support"). [1]
NPR serves "more than 750" [2] radio stations of fewer than 800 non-profit and not-for-profit in the US. There seems to be an unspoken sense of hegemony about the intended broadcast area of NPR -- the organization wishes to have reception in every area of the United States. This has caused territorial conflicts and litigation with smaller broadcasters in crowded markets. For example, in April, 1989 listener-sponsored WFMU radio of New Jersey had spent over $400,000.00 in legal fees to fight an NPR-spearheaded campaign in an attempt to lower WFMU's power and boost its own signal. [3]
NPR claims to produce "more than 290 hours" of original programming each week [4] Programs produced by NPR include "Fresh Air" hosted by Terry Gross; "On the Media" hosted by Brooke Gladstone and Bob Garfield; This American Life with Ira Glass; " The National Press Club Luncheon Speaker Series" [5]; "Justice Talking" with Margot Adler and "The Motley Fool Radio Show".
In August 2004, the New York Times reported that Wal-Mart, "stung by criticism of its labor practices, expansion plans and other business tactics, is turning to public radio, public television and even journalists in training to try to improve its image." Wal-Mart's new media-related philanthopy includes National Public Radio sponsorship and underwriting the popular "Tavis Smiley" talk show. NPR's underwriter announcements for Wal-Mart include a claim that the store brings "communities job opportunities, goods and services and support for neighborhood programs."[6]
In response to listener complaints, NPR ombudsman Jeffrey Dvorkin wrote, "Wal-Mart has been embroiled in anti-union controversies, accusations about its low-paid workers, the hiring of undocumented workers and the homogenizing effect of Wal-Mart in smaller communities. To its credit, NPR has reported this on a number of occasions. Some listeners wonder if Wal-Mart was motivated to purchase underwriting on NPR in an attempt to counteract that reporting. ... Wal-Mart symbolizes values that some listeners believe to be antithetical to the values of public radio."[7]
Sponsors include:
Contact details
Sources
- Constance L. Hays, "Wal-Mart Tries to Shine Its Image by Supporting Public Broadcasting," New York Times, August 16, 2004.
- Lorne Manly and Elizabeth Jensen, "Public TV and Radio to Receive Big Grants", New York Times, May 10, 2005.
- Misinformation from NPR, Media Matters for America
- J. Max Robins, "US Army Psy-ops personnel assigned to CNN, NPR" TV Guide, April 15, 2000.
