The interesting point for me here is NPR's revenue model. They're supported by tasteful sponsorships and donations, and they give their content away. They're more successful at this model than any website that I can think of.<p>They are the one traditional news outlet that isn't damaged by changes in distribution methods. The only change might be that they need to spread their pledge drives out more broadly so that it's harder to skip or tune out.
Is someone in an alternate universe? From Friday's NY Times:<p>"In a new round of cost-cutting, National Public Radio said it would lay off 13 employees, eliminate contributions to employee retirement accounts for the rest of fiscal 2009 and impose five days of furloughs for all employees before the fiscal year ends on Sept. 30."<p>No one--not even NPR can monetize their audience to pay for programming. Programs like "All Things Considered" and "Prairie Home Companion" are dependent on an expensive infrastructure and staff.<p>I work in 'old media' and the problem for businesses and employees alike is an eyeball on the Internet is worth less money than an eyeball on TV or ears on radio. As we move people to our websites we do so at our own peril. We can afford to produce less for an Internet than TV viewer.<p>I am no Rupert Murdoch fan, but he put it best when he pointed out ad space on the Internet is unlimited. Therefore there will always be downward pressure on advertising rates.<p>In the short term this isn't a big deal for end users. In the long run people will realize much of the news and entertainment programming we all enjoy (not all and not necessarily the best) will no longer be produced.
NPR is thriving because it manages to be the best information source in any medium. It's not the economist, but it's informative, entertaining, cultured yet very humane. The Saturday programming alone forces me out of bed early; Weekend Edition, Car Talk, Wait Wait Don't Tell Me, This American Life, Studio 360, Market Place, On the Media and All Things Considered. You just can't find that anywhere.<p>TV and regular media have no chance. Commercial FM radio is just obnoxious and loud. I'm shocked and offended every time I get my car back from a borrowing relative and have the preset on some loud annoying jockey. American television .. best left unsubscribed to. Its best hours are 5PM to 9PM of the Sunday Fox programming; when it shows animated shows, which can now easily be watched on Hulu.<p>For those of you who read the Economist, I can recommend Mother Jones to balance out the right-wing nuttjobery that pervades the otherwise excellent publication.
Is NPR really considered "mainstream-media"?<p>To me "mainstream-media" means the big for-profit corporate conglomerates.<p>I bet not needing to make a 10-15% profit has much to do with it. Not only monetarily but also integrity("no worries a show/statement will alienate advertisers") and public perception. In fact I'd wager the not afraid of digital is a symptom of being a NPO.
NPR makes up about 50% of the podcasts I listen to. I've been able to plug my ipod into my car for 4 years now. I never listen to the radio (music or talk) at all any more.<p>I mostly listen to Science Friday. They're constantly pushing alternative interaction methods, like second life and twitter. I always figured it was an attempt to engage 'the kids' into science.