National Public Radio

National Public Radio (NPR) is a nonprofit corporation, created in 1970 by the quasi-governmental Corporation for Public Broadcasting but itself a private firm, which provides national news programming to public radio stations and conducts technology research and development. Approximately 250 stations receive its radio content, as well as a growing number receiving online media content.

Financials

It is not solely government funded, but receives contributions and also is paid for services by client stations.

Technology

In its research and development programs, it is strongly involved with satellite services. It operates the Public Radio Satellite System (PRSS), and has developed digital multicasting alternatives to analog broadcasting.

Politics

While it is officially politically neutral, it is often accused of liberal bias, especially by American conservatives. Several controversies recently have intensified this discussion, including the firing of news analyst Juan Williams for comments he made on Fox News, and accepting a large donation from George Soros to hire station-level reporters.