General Discussion

nitpicker

(7,153 posts)

27. NPR has a lot of competition and pressure

Mon Nov 23, 2015, 07:05 AM

Nov 2015

First, there is the Internet. WAMU in DC runs BBC from midnight to 5 am, but it's quicker to find the breaking news, features, etc. om the Internet.

Second, WTOP (and WNEW after 5 am) run traffic and weather at least every 10 minutes, on a schedule. With the "need" to decide what to wear for the day, get to work early to avoid traffic jams, etc., guess which Baltowash station(s) many tune into?

Third, there may be physical and/or social restrictions about listening to the radio at work. Again, it can be easier to switch on the Internet.

This may be why NPR's format may appeal more to retirees (some of whom are NOT computerized) than working people. Outside the big cities, there may also be a "need" for a radio "news" alternative to the talk radio stations, the religious stations, the "golden oldie" stations, and the country-western stations. NPR is the best of the bunch there, but that's not saying much.

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NPR is graying, and public radio is worried about it [View all] Jesus Malverde Nov 2015 OP

I'm available. But I did not take any journalism. bravenak Nov 2015 #1

It's turned into corporate media pablum tularetom Nov 2015 #2

I agree with your characterization sketchy Nov 2015 #3

The saddest thing about Bob Edwards is, when he was jettisoned by NPR, he went to Sirius XM Hoppy Nov 2015 #11

Agree. But they're in a last-ditch effort with breathless alt-and-pop-music features that are Ron Green Nov 2015 #4

Yeah. I'm a generation younger than you, and NPR just went downhill when it decided to Arugula Latte Nov 2015 #5

In this context, Garrison Keillor's departure will be a defining moment. lpbk2713 Nov 2015 #6

Garrison Keillor doesn't work for NPR titaniumsalute Nov 2015 #9

Didn't Mellor retire once already? Liberal_in_LA Nov 2015 #21

I don't know anyone who listens to NPR who is not in their upper 50's or older Kilgore Nov 2015 #7

NPR was the first radio group to really focus on podcasting titaniumsalute Nov 2015 #8

That's how I listen to the NPR shows that I do mythology Nov 2015 #16

I wouldn't say you listen to "Too many" titaniumsalute Nov 2015 #28

I don't know anyone who listens to broadcast radio madville Nov 2015 #30

Time goes by fast. Octafish Nov 2015 #10

It has gotten more boring as I have gotten older 6chars Nov 2015 #12

NPR is a gravy train and the on air talent hold onto their gigs with a death grip. Bluenorthwest Nov 2015 #33

This isn't unique to NPR, radio demographics are horrendous Sen. Walter Sobchak Nov 2015 #13

I think your right....nt Jesus Malverde Nov 2015 #25

Well I'm also a big shit in the radio industry titaniumsalute Nov 2015 #29

I didn't say radio was dead Sen. Walter Sobchak Nov 2015 #36

well, PBS is turning into Antiques Roadshow. How fitting. kwassa Nov 2015 #14

Lol. I actually like watching Antiques Roadshow occasionally. Calista241 Nov 2015 #15

And masterpiece theatre Liberal_in_LA Nov 2015 #22

NPR isn't "graying." It's on life support. PSPS Nov 2015 #17

Npr is useless.for the weekend Liberal_in_LA Nov 2015 #23

Interesting observations..nt Jesus Malverde Nov 2015 #24

I was never a big listener, but it was something to focus on when I was weithout the net. Rod Beauvex Nov 2015 #18

Snap Judgment is a bright spot. aikoaiko Nov 2015 #19

NPR can't die fast enough Fumesucker Nov 2015 #20

+1 (nt) enough Nov 2015 #34

I stopped listening during the buildup to Iraq. Frank Cannon Nov 2015 #35

I think you're thinking of Radio Marti Art_from_Ark Nov 2015 #40

That's it. Frank Cannon Nov 2015 #41

I listened in college get the red out Nov 2015 #26

NPR has a lot of competition and pressure nitpicker Nov 2015 #27

Count me in as one of the 20% who no longer listen to Morning Edition for the reasons corkhead Nov 2015 #31

"project money" dumbed everything down too far JPZenger Nov 2015 #32

I still enjoy public radio hollowdweller Nov 2015 #37

It's the only station we listen to in the car. trof Nov 2015 #38

I prefer listener-supported radio, not corporate pablum, like NPR. alarimer Nov 2015 #39

I used to listen to the radio more often HeiressofBickworth Nov 2015 #42