I listened to NPR today. Yes... I have to admit, this wasn't a one time thing for me. I listen EVERY day. I love National Public Radio - I love it to the point of giddiness. The soothing voices (well, minus a certain morning show host out of Washington, D.C. that just can't help it) that waft from the speakers in my car or on my computer continually bring me happiness and hopefulness in this world. So many times I have tried to pinpoint what it is about NPR that is different from any other media source. I believe that it all comes down to one word: thoughtfulness. When I listen to Michelle Norris and Ira Glass and Nina Totenberg I feel focused. I'm not distracted by flashes and pictures - it isn't sensory overload. Instead it is refreshingly unflashy.
But what perhaps attracts me the most to NPR as a news source is its independence. National Public Radio is a non-commercial, not-for-profit organization. It depends on listener-members, as well as foundations and sponsors, for support. And because of its third-sector status, NPR seems to shine extra light on the organizations in this world that are working for good. I get most of my political news from NPR, but I also get to hear and to learn about so much more - art, music, theater, the environment, social issues, CARS!... I could go on and on and on. What's that you say? You don't get an NPR in your area. Good news - many of the local affiliates are streaming online. My local station is WAMU out of American University in Washington, D.C.
So what can you do? You can listen, and you can consider, and if you doubt what it is all about, well then, take a listen to a couple episodes of This American Life - you'll understand.
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2 comments:
NPR? Eating local food? The ASPCA? You might as well rename this the Pinko-Commie Hippy-Dippy Artsy-Fartsy Treehugger Blog (or PCHDAFT Blog, for short). Seriously, though, I enjoy NPR, too -- and I even like some of our local affiliate's programming, like Little Brother Radio, an off-beat rock program. (http://www.myspace.com/littlebroradio)
Well, thank you, I'll take that as a compliment. And I would rename it, but I'm afraid it will confuse my millions of fans.
The one kind of downer about listening in a major area like DC is that we dont' get the funky, cool programming as much. But we have Diane Rehm!
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