National Public Radio as Distance and Open Education

National Public Radio (NPR) also known as (npr)
as Distance and Open Education
http://www.npr.org/
and 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NPR

National Public Radio (NPR) "Is an American privately and publicly funded non-profit membership media organization that serves as a national syndicator to a network of 900 pubic radio stations in the United States," (Wikipedia, 2017). National Public Radio is a way of getting educational programs, news, and cultural perspectives to many people all at once. It is a good example of both open and distance education. Many early distance correspondence schools used radio broadcasts for delivering educational content to learners. NPR continues this tradition and distinction. 

NPR produces and distributes news, interviews, and cultural programming, and many different shows. They have two "flagship," drive-time programs, "Morning Edition" and in the afternoon, "All Things Considered." Its content is also available on-demand via the Web. Their content is free of charge and widely available to anyone who has a radio, cell phone, hand-held device, lap top, desk top, or any other mobile device. One can download programming free of charge at any time. 

It is available globally. They offer news, commentary, book reviews, artist interviews, writer reviews, and other public affairs to name a few. They also offer the TED Radio Hour. "A Harrison telephone survey conducted in 2005 found that NPR (National Public Radio) was the most trusted news source in the United States," (Wikipedia, 2017). 

NPR radio broadcasts do not carry traditional commercials but do have advertising in the form of brief statements from major sponsors, which may include the company name, tag line, product or service description, web address, and/or phone number. Revenue for NPR comes from programming fees, grants from foundations, or business sponsorship. They also have on-air pledge drives. In addition they receive corporate underwriting, state and local government, and educational institute funding. NPR is federally funded through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). 

National Public Radio's first broadcast was in April of 1971. NPR replaced the National Education Radio Network in February of 1970. At their website, listed above, they offer a news, arts & life, music, topics, and programs & podcasts sections. NPR has a Facebook and Twitter presence. There is also a place where listeners can have programs delivered to their email accounts. The website offers detailed information for its programming schedule, and featured articles. "The mission of NPR is to work in partnership with member stations to create a more informed public - one challenged and intrigued by a deeper understanding and appreciation of events, ideas, and culture," (www.npr.org, 2017). With its global and national capabilities, it is a good example of open and distance education.