"This...is NPR"

In 1967, Congress passed an act establishing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and charged this new organization with developing non-commercial broadcasting. The act did not specify if it meant television or radio as the medium and it did this specifically to include both formats. This allowed PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) and NPR (National Public Radio) to come into existence. 

Photo: npr.org

In 1971, NPR had its first on-air broadcast in which it covered the Senate hearings on the Vietnam War. One of the people testifying before the Senate was John Kerry, a Vietnam veteran, later a U.S. Senator and now the Secretary of State. That May, NPR began airing an afternoon news show called All Things Considered. 

Photo: baltimorepostexaminer.com

As NPR grew, the organization added original plays, classic novel productions, festivals, and jazz performances in the 1980s. Unfortunately, NPR was $7 million in debt and was forced to cancel all non-news programming. Eventually, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting stepped in and developed a system of NPR member stations which supported the national broadcaster through a subscription basis, and NPR survived and thrived, paying off the debt in only three years.

Photo: npr.org

NPR is considered the most trusted news source in the U.S. While it is known for its well-researched news, it does include non-news shows. Some of my favorites are "Wait Wait Don't Tell Me!" and "Car Talk." Do you have a favorite NPR show?