I would agree that some NPR stations have a (slight, IMO) liberal bias, but they bring something to the table that no one else on the radio dial has: Long form journalism. In the day of 3-5 second sound bite journalism, Headline News Network, and news tickers on the bottom of everyone's screen, I'm thankful for a source of news that doesn't stop with the headline. Anecdotally, I would say their average piece is about 20 seconds long, with their reporting pieces seem to be several minutes long.
BTW, not all NPR stations are government funded. KCLU here in Ventura County, CA, receives $0 from the government. I'm sure that they are not the only ones, but right now, I don't have any solid facts or links for you.
Someone please explain to me how a (overwhelmingly republican) government funded radio station would have a liberal bias? It seems to me that a propaganda organ of the state, as cheezedawg seems to think of NPR, would reflect the views of the current administration. Personnally, I think that NPR news has significantly less bias than other radio and TV stations I've listened to, or watched. Regardeless of type or quantity of bias, one can engage their brain and filter out propaganda and FUD from any source.
Don't worry about liberal (or conservative) bias in media. Having a bias in media benefits us all, by presenting differing viewpoints on subjects. This allows us to make our own decisions on these subjects. If one doesn't want any other view point than that which is "correct" for them , I pity them for their close-mindedness. None of us deserves to be spoon fed!
Some other advantages I've found:
1. Smaller more responsive radio stations - They are not hampered by programming director puppets from big media companies. If you don't like the programming (or alleged bias) call them!
2. Better music - If you like jazz or classical, that is. Does anyone know if any NPR stations play other than jazz or classical?
3. Better locality - The NPR stations I listen to have a great concept of how to serve the local community.
4. Good staff - When I call to report a traffic accident, or call to complain/compliment about something, I get to talk to people other than a front office staff. I've spoken directly with the anchors and reporters at KCLU when I've called in the past.
Bottom line is that NPR stations have an important niche to fill, and they seem to be the last holdouts in the rolling tidal wave that is giant media companies. Treasure them, and if you don't like them, either change the channel, or work to change the station.
-Chris Horner
Re:This is in the New York Post, people!
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To the Moon, Alice
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hmm...reminder to self: Hit the damn preview button first!
I would agree that some NPR stations have a (slight, IMO) liberal bias, but they bring something to the table that no one else on the radio dial has: Long form journalism. In the day of 3-5 second sound bite journalism, Headline News Network, and news tickers on the bottom of everyone's screen, I'm thankful for a source of news that doesn't stop with the headline. Anecdotally, I would say their average piece is about 20 seconds long, with their reporting pieces seem to be several minutes long. BTW, not all NPR stations are government funded. KCLU here in Ventura County, CA, receives $0 from the government. I'm sure that they are not the only ones, but right now, I don't have any solid facts or links for you. Someone please explain to me how a (overwhelmingly republican) government funded radio station would have a liberal bias? It seems to me that a propaganda organ of the state, as cheezedawg seems to think of NPR, would reflect the views of the current administration. Personnally, I think that NPR news has significantly less bias than other radio and TV stations I've listened to, or watched. Regardeless of type or quantity of bias, one can engage their brain and filter out propaganda and FUD from any source. Don't worry about liberal (or conservative) bias in media. Having a bias in media benefits us all, by presenting differing viewpoints on subjects. This allows us to make our own decisions on these subjects. If one doesn't want any other view point than that which is "correct" for them , I pity them for their close-mindedness. None of us deserves to be spoon fed! Some other advantages I've found: 1. Smaller more responsive radio stations - They are not hampered by programming director puppets from big media companies. If you don't like the programming (or alleged bias) call them! 2. Better music - If you like jazz or classical, that is. Does anyone know if any NPR stations play other than jazz or classical? 3. Better locality - The NPR stations I listen to have a great concept of how to serve the local community. 4. Good staff - When I call to report a traffic accident, or call to complain/compliment about something, I get to talk to people other than a front office staff. I've spoken directly with the anchors and reporters at KCLU when I've called in the past. Bottom line is that NPR stations have an important niche to fill, and they seem to be the last holdouts in the rolling tidal wave that is giant media companies. Treasure them, and if you don't like them, either change the channel, or work to change the station. -Chris Horner
It looks like he's got something going on...or he likes building strange structures in the middle of nowhere.