PRI Fact Sheet

Description

Celebrated as a driver of innovation in public media, PRI was founded to diversify and expand the content available on public platforms, enabling U.S. listeners to "hear a different voice™" and to connect with one another and the larger world. PRI leads by identifying critical but unmet content needs and partnering with producers, stations, digital networks and funders to develop multi-platform resources to meet those needs. By creating an environment in which innovation can thrive, PRI supports the creation and distribution of content that would otherwise be unavailable, bringing new voices, global journalism and cultural perspectives to the American public. 

History

PRI was established in 1983 to develop distinctive programming and to diversify the public radio offering. Originally known as American Public Radio, PRI changed its name to Public Radio International in 1994 to mark its growing involvement in international audio publishing. In 1996 PRI launched PRI's "The World," public media's first global news program, and "Classical 24," a 24-hour classical music service. In 2001 it premiered "Studio 360," a weekly guide to pop culture and the arts, and in 2008, launched "The Takeaway," a groundbreaking morning-drive news show co-produced with WNYC Radio in collaboration with the BBC World Service, the "New York Times" and WGBH Radio Boston.

Mission

To serve audiences as a distinctive content source for information, insights and cultural experiences essential to living in our diverse, interconnected world.

Resources

Total FY2009 revenues were $27.8 million with support provided by station fees, corporate underwriting and grants from individuals and foundations. Major underwriters include Medtronic, IBM and "The Economist." Foundation support is provided by the Ford Foundation, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and more.

Accessibility

Public Radio International offers content on multiple platforms. PRI content is available on pri.org through its iPhone app and via its podcasts, which consistently rank in the top U.S. 100. As the managing partner of the satellite radio company American Public Radio LLC, established with Chicago Public Radio, WGBH Radio Boston and WNYC, New York Public Radio, PRI offers its portfolio on Sirius XM Satellite radio. PRI has over 880 public radio affiliate stations, whose schedules include programs from PRI as well as from National Public Radio and American Public Media. More than 13 million people access PRI content each week through these sources.

Programming

PRI distributes more than 400 hours of weekly content that includes a wide variety of news, entertainment and classical offerings. Some of PRI's most recognized, award-winning programs and services are:

Contact:
Julia Yager, Vice President Brand Management and Marketing Strategy
612.330.9231; e-mail: jyager@pri.org