PRI Fact Sheet

 

DESCRIPTION:

 Public Radio International (PRI), an independent, not-for-profit corporation and managing partner of American Public Radio LLC, the satellite radio company, is public radio’s leading source for innovative programming and audio content. Based in Minneapolis, the network provides over 400 hours of programming each week, content that is broadcast and streamed online by its 732 affiliates nationwide. PRI's programming is available on XM Public Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio. PRI owns Public Interactive LLC, public broadcasting's leading Web services company.

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 and share risk, cultivate new talent, and bring diverse voices and perspectives to the public airwaves. PRI affiliate stations reach 32 million listeners weekly (Source: Arbitron Nationwide/Act 1 Systems, Persons 12+ in DMA, Mon–Sun, 6 a.m. to 12 a.m., Spring '05). , and its programming is heard by 11 million listeners each week. (Source: Arbitron Nationwide/Act 1 Systems. Persons 12+ in DMA, Mon–Sun 24 hours based on station broadcast schedules)

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:

 The mission of Public Radio International is to engage listeners with distinctive radio programs that provide information, insights, and cultural experiences essential to understanding a diverse, interdependent world.

RESOURCES:

 Financial support provided by station fees, corporate underwriting, and grants from individuals and foundations. Major corporate underwriters include Volkswagon, Merck, and Medtronic. Foundation support is provided by The Ford Foundation, The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, The Atlantic Philanthropies (USA) Inc., 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, and cultural offerings. Some of PRI’s most well-known programs include:

News Programs
Producer
BBC World Service British Broadcasting Corporation
Open Source
from PRI		 Open Source
Media
PRI’s The World BBC World Service, PRI, and WGBH Radio Boston
The Tavis Smiley Show Smiley Radio Properties Inc.

Entertainment
Programs

Producer
Michael Feldman’s Whad’Ya Know?® Wisconsin Public Radio
PRI’s Sound & Spirit with Ellen Kushner WGBH Radio Boston, PRI
PRI’s Studio 360 with Kurt Andersen PRI and WNYC, New York Public Radio®
This American Life Chicago Public Radio®

Contemporary
Music Programs

Producer
American Routes® MBK Productions
Mountain Stage® West Virginia Public Radio
Sounds Eclectic KCRW/Santa Monica

Classical Music
Programs

Producer
Classical 24® American Public Media™
Schickele Mix Tom Voegeli Productions
Major symphony orchestras

 multiple

PRI & 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.