Listening to National Public Radio

National Public Radio (NPR) is the nation's radio station. The nation in question is the United States, where NPR began broadcasting in 1971. As of 2008, 27 million people listened to NPR programming weekly, according to an NPR news release. Those millions of people tune in to hear broadcasts on everything from breaking news to political commentary.

What is NPR?

Definition and overview
NPR is a media group that produces radio programs under the NPR moniker.
NPR then syndicates these shows to other radio stations that are members of NPR.
NPR is funded by a mix of private and public money.
National Public Radio is well-known for a variety of news broadcasts, shows on cultural and social topics, and music offerings.
NPR is one of several public radio outlets. Its competitors, and sometimes collaborators, include Public Radio International and American Public Media.

How to listen to NPR

Listening to NPR
There are a variety of ways to listen to National Public Radio.
The most obvious is by tuning in.
NPR's website features a list of stations across the country where you can hear NPR broadcasts.
The Internet has made listening even easier.
You can listen to NPR news, music and talk programs by downloading NPR podcasts on the station's website, or stream news and talk radio online.
One of the most popular ways to listen to NPR online is by using the iTunes Store, which features podcasts for a variety of NPR shows.
These podcasts can also be downloaded to your portable music player.

Well-known NPR programs

Most popular NPR programs
National Public Radio broadcasts a variety of programs that have become iconic.
NPR's All Things Considered provides news, analysis and commentary, with some emphasis on longer feature stories told through interviews.
Car Talk, which is distributed by NPR, has become famous for its hosts' trademark blend of witty humour, down home sensibility and expansive knowledge of everything car-related.
Fresh Air, a talk show, interviews notable personalities on the air.
For straightforward news broadcasts, National Public Radio offers both Morning Edition and Weekend Edition, which provide on-air bulletins of breaking news events around the world. Final word
For listeners wanting to get involved in the broadcasts, NPR features Talk of the Nation, where a panel discusses a current issue and callers can weigh in over the phone.