PRI Fact Sheet

Description

Founded in 1983 as an independent, not-for-profit corporation, Public Radio International® has distinguished itself by producing, acquiring and distributing innovative content that enables U.S. audiences to "hear a different voice," bringing new voices and global perspectives to the public airwaves. Through partnerships with BBC World Service and station-based and independent producers, the Minneapolis-based network provides over 400 hours of programming each week, content that is broadcast and streamed online by over 800 PRI affiliates nationwide. Podcasts of PRI programs consistently rank in the top U.S. 100. PRI is also the managing partner of the satellite radio company American Public Radio LLC, established with Chicago Public Radio®, WGBH Radio Boston and WNYC, New York Public Radio®. PRI programming is available via XM Public Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio.

PRI is known for driving innovation in public radio through partnerships with stations, independent producers and other organizations, and for working collaboratively to pool resources, share risk and cultivate new talent. PRI affiliate stations reach over 30 million listeners weekly, and its programming is heard by 11 million listeners each week. (Source: Arbitron Nationwide/Act 1 Systems, DMA Persons 12+ based on station broadcast schedules, M-S 24 hours, Spring 08.)

History

PRI was founded in 1983 to develop distinctive radio programs and to diversify the public radio offerings available to American listeners. Originally known as American Public Radio, the network changed its name to Public Radio International in 1994 after adopting a mission that emphasizes programming with a global perspective, and to mark its growing involvement in international audio publishing. In 1996 PRI launched "The World," public radio's first global news program, and Classical 24, a 24-hour classical music service.

Mission

Public Radio International's mission is to serve audiences with distinctive programming that provides information, insights and cultural experiences essential to understanding a diverse, interdependent world.

Resources

Financial support is provided by station fees, corporate underwriting and grants from individuals and foundations. Major corporate underwriters include Merck, Medtronic, Liberty Mutual, Saab and PBS. Foundation support is provided by the Ford Foundation, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and many others.

Programming

PRI distributes more than 400 hours of weekly programming that includes a wide variety of popular news and information, classical music and cultural offerings. Some of PRI's best-known programs include:

News
BBC World Service
Living on Earth
PRI's The World
To the Point
The Tavis Smiley Show

Talk & Entertainment
Bob Edwards Weekend
Michael Feldman's Whad'Ya Know?®
Studio 360 from PRI and WNYC
The Sound of Young America
This American Life

Music
Classical 24®
Echoes
Jazz After Hours
Major symphony orchestras

PRI and NPR

Public Radio International and National Public Radio (NPR) are the two major public radio networks. Individual public radio stations can be affiliates of PRI and members of NPR, selecting programming offered by each. The phrase "public radio" is a generic term, while "Public Radio International" and "National Public Radio" refer to each individual network.