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 accepting a large donation from George Soros' Open Society Foundation to hire station-level reporters for the "Impact of Government" program, and he firing of news analyst Juan Williams for comments he made on Fox News.

Impact of Government

The Open Society Foundation grant, of $1.8 million, is intended to finance the addition of two state government reporters at 50 radio stations. "Impact of Government...[will] better inform the public about the impact that the actions of state governments has on citizens and communities. The new initiative, which begins its pilot phase in March 2011..."