Editing Public Radio International

{{Short description|American radio organization (1983–2019)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Public Radio International
| image = 
| logo = [[File:Public Radio International logo.png|125px]]
| type = [[Public broadcasting|Public radio network]]
| branding = 
| established = 
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| airdate = 
| area_served = United States
| founder = [[William Hugh Kling]]
| ceo = 
| slogan = 
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| tvstations = 
| tvtransmitters = 
| radiostations = 
| radiotransmitters = 
| market_share = 
| license_area = 
| location = [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]], U.S.
| area = 
| nation = 
| regions = 
| erp = 
| owner = 
| parent = [[WGBH Educational Foundation]] (2012–2018)
| key_people = {{unbulleted list|Marguerite Hoffman {{small|(Chairman)}}|Alisa Miller {{small|(President and CEO)}}}}
| foundation = {{Start date and age|1983|4|15}}
| dissolved = {{Start date and age|2019}}
| replaced = 
| fate = [[Mergers and acquisitions|Merged]] into [[Public Radio Exchange]]
| former_names = American Public Radio<br />(1983–1994)
| digital = 
| analog = 
| servicename1 = 
| service1 = 
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| service2 = <!--......-->
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| affiliation = 
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| webcast = 
| website =
}}
'''Public Radio International''' ('''PRI''') was an American [[public radio]] organization. Headquartered in [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]], PRI provided programming to over 850 public radio stations in the United States.

PRI was one of the main providers of programming for public radio stations in the U.S., alongside [[National Public Radio]], [[American Public Media]], and the [[Public Radio Exchange]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Lynette|last=Clemetson|title=All Things Considered, NPR's Growing Clout Alarms Member Stations|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B04EEDA1F3EF933A0575BC0A9629C8B63|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=August 30, 2004|access-date=December 15, 2008 }}</ref> PRI merged with the Public Radio Exchange in 2018.

==Background==
In the United States, PRI distributed well-known programming to public radio stations. Among its programs were the global news program ''[[The World (radio program)|The World]]'', which PRI co-produced with [[WGBH (FM)|WGBH]] [[Boston]]. Programs on PRI—sometimes mis-attributed to National Public Radio—were produced by a variety of organizations, including PRI in the United States and other countries.<ref name="PRIFactSheet">{{cite web|title=PRI Fact Sheet|url=http://www.pri.org/pri-fact-sheet|publisher=Public Radio International|access-date=May 27, 2014}}</ref> PRI, along with NPR and American Public Media, was one of the largest program producers and distributors of public radio programming in the United States. PRI offered over 280 hours of programming each week to stations and listeners.<ref name="PRIFactSheet" /> Public Radio International said its mission was to "serve audiences as a distinctive content source for information, insights and cultural experiences essential to living in our diverse, interconnected world."<ref name="PRIFactSheet"/>

Approximately 850 radio station affiliates and other audio venues broadcast, streamed and downloaded PRI programs. According to the 2017 Nielsen Audio<ref>Nielsen Audio Nationwide-Act 1 Systems, DMA Persons 12+ based on stations' broadcast schedule</ref> ratings, 8.1 million people listened to PRI programming each week.

PRI's programs won awards for quality and innovation, including the [[DuPont-Columbia Award]],<ref>{{cite press release|title=PRI's ''The World'' Wins Prestigious 2006 duPont-Columbia Award|url=http://www2.pri.org/infosite/networknews/releases/tw_dupont.cfm|publisher=Public Radio International|date=December 15, 2005|access-date=September 22, 2007}}</ref> Scripps Howard Award for Excellence in Electronic Media/Radio,<ref>{{cite press release|title=PRI's 'The World' wins multiple awards, celebrates 10th year|url=http://www2.pri.org/infosite/networknews/releases/tw_awards_10th.cfm|publisher=Public Radio International|date=April 4, 2006|access-date=September 22, 2007}}</ref> [[Peabody Award|George M. Foster Peabody Award]],<ref>[http://www.peabodyawards.com/results/Public%20Radio%20International/1/null/null/title/asc Peabody Awards for Public Radio International] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228222824/http://www.peabodyawards.com/results/Public%20Radio%20International/1/null/null/title/asc |date=December 28, 2014 }}, accessed September 2014.</ref> [[National Federation of Community Broadcasters|Golden Reel Award]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Golden Reel Awards – 2004 Winners|url=http://www.nfcb.org/awards/goldenreelwinners.jsp|publisher=National Federation of Community Broadcasters|year=2004|access-date=September 22, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100417083008/http://www.nfcb.org/awards/goldenreelwinners.jsp|archive-date=April 17, 2010}}</ref> and [[Gabriel Award]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://home.catholicweb.com/GabrielAwards/files/2007_Gabriels/RADIO_WEB.doc |title=Gabriel Awards |publisher=Home.catholicweb.com |access-date=October 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014091036/http://home.catholicweb.com/GabrielAwards/files/2007_Gabriels/RADIO_WEB.doc |archive-date=October 14, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

PRI programming received funding from station fees, corporate underwriting, and individual and corporate grants. Less than 2% of the overall [[operating budget]] came from United States government agencies.{{Citation needed|date=October 2009}}

==History==
PRI was founded in 1983 as American Public Radio as an alternative to [[NPR]] for public radio program distribution.<ref name="PRIFactSheet" /> Five stations established American Public Radio as a [[syndicate]]: the [[Minnesota Public Radio]] network, [[KQED-FM|KQED]] in San Francisco, [[WNYC]] in New York City, [[WGUC]] in Cincinnati, and [[KUSC]] in Los Angeles.<ref>{{Cite news| issn = 0362-4331| title = American Public Radio Extending Its Network| work = The New York Times| access-date = April 10, 2019| date = August 10, 1983| url = https://www.nytimes.com/1983/08/10/arts/american-public-radio-extending-its-network.html}}</ref> The corporation changed its name to Public Radio International in 1994 to reflect its growing interest and involvement in international audio publishing, as typified by its many collaborations with the [[BBC]].

In the mid-1990s, PRI began to expand its reach by producing programming in addition to distributing programming. This evolution in the company began with PRI's ''[[The World (radio program)|The World]]'', originally a co-production among PRI, the [[BBC World Service]], and WGBH.

In 2004, Minnesota Public Radio left PRI and began distributing its own shows (including ''[[A Prairie Home Companion]]'' and ''[[Marketplace (radio program)|Marketplace]]'' and excluding ''Classical 24'') through its newly created arm, American Public Media.<ref>{{Cite web| title = MPR to rep its own shows, mainstays of PRI catalog {{!}} Current| date = February 23, 2004| access-date = March 11, 2019| url = https://current.org/2004/02/mpr-to-rep-its-own-shows-mainstays-of-pri-catalog/}}</ref> In 2012, PRI was acquired by the [[WGBH Educational Foundation]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.poynter.org/news/bostons-wgbh-acquires-public-radio-international|title=Boston's WGBH acquires Public Radio International|website=Poynter|language=en|access-date=November 23, 2018|date=July 26, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/27/business/bostons-wgbh-acquires-public-radio-international.html |title=Boston's WGBH Buys Public Radio International|author=Ben Sisario |date=July 27, 2012 |work=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=August 7, 2012}}</ref>

Public Radio International and Public Radio Exchange merged in 2018. Both networks maintained separate identities and programming until 2019, when the Public Radio International branding was retired.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://current.org/2018/08/pri-prx-merge-to-form-new-organization/|title= PRI, PRX merge to form new organization |last= Falk|first= Tyler|date= August 15, 2018|website= current.org|publisher= Current |access-date= January 16, 2020|quote=Public Radio International and PRX will merge under an unusual arrangement that allows both to maintain separate identities and program portfolios.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.poynter.org/newsletters/2018/merger-of-2-public-radio-%C2%91outsiders%C2%92-has-something-for-both/|title= Merger of 2 public radio outsiders has something for both |last= Beard |first= David|date= August 20, 2018|website= poynter.org|publisher= Poynter Institute |access-date= January 16, 2020|quote=Last week, the two public radio experimenters announced they would merge. }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| last1 = Falk| first1 = Tyler| last2 = Reporter| title = PRX drops PRI from branding| work = Current| date = November 2019| access-date = January 2, 2021| url = https://current.org/2019/11/prx-drops-pri-from-branding/}}</ref> In 2020, the last remaining PRI program other than ''The World,'' ''[[Studio 360]],'' aired its last episode, concluding with the PRI station identification.

==Recent program launches and firsts==
In 1995: PRI launches ''[[Classical 24]]'', public radio's first 24-hour classical music service, as a co-production with Minnesota Public Radio.

In 1996: PRI's ''[[The World (radio program)|The World]]'' premieres'','' presenting issues and events "through a global lens" to American audiences. Co-produced by PRI with BBC World Service and WGBH Radio Boston, it was the first daily news co-production ever undertaken by the BBC.

In 2001: ''[[Studio 360|PRI’s Studio 360]]'' launches.

In September, PRI and ''[[Symphony Space]]'' of New York City announced that PRI would become the national distribution partner of ''[[Selected Shorts]]'', which had previously been distributed by National Public Radio.<ref>{{cite press release|title=PRI to partner with 'Selected Shorts' for national distribution|url=http://www2.pri.org/infosite/networknews/releases/sele_shorts_anct.cfm|publisher=Public Radio International|date=September 14, 2007|access-date=September 22, 2007}}</ref>

In January 2008, PRI and WNYC announced that the name of their new morning drive news program is ''[[The Takeaway]]'' with [[John Hockenberry]] and [[Adaora Udoji]]. This program's editorial partners include The BBC World Service, ''[[The New York Times]]'', and WGBH Radio Boston. The program successfully launched April 28, and full national launch was expected June/July 2008.

On May 1, 2008, PRI was the first major public media outlet to use [[digital cinema]]; and one of the first mass media companies overall. PRI conceived and spearheaded ''This American Life Live!''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.current.org/radio/radio0806thisamericanlife.shtml|title=Popcorn available with this Ira Glass show, 2008|publisher=Current.org|date=April 7, 2008|access-date=June 26, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617120053/http://www.current.org/radio/radio0806thisamericanlife.shtml|archive-date=June 17, 2011}}</ref> in partnership with Ira Glass and [[WBEZ|WBEZ Chicago]]. ''This American Life Live!'' was presented exclusively in select theatres by National CineMedia's (NCM) Fathom, in partnership with BY Experience and Chicago Public Radio, and in association with Public Radio International.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pri.org/About/press-releases/tal-live-release.html|title=This American Life – Live!|publisher=Pri.org|date=April 4, 2008|access-date=June 26, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613145514/http://www.pri.org/About/press-releases/tal-live-release.html|archive-date=June 13, 2011}}</ref>

In 2012: PRI is acquired by WGBH.

On March 21, 2014, the company announced the agreement to distribute ''This American Life'' would end July 1, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|title=Public Radio International Dropping 'This American Life'|url=https://deadline.com/2014/03/public-radio-international-dropping-this-american-life-702612/|publisher=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=March 21, 2014|date=March 21, 2014}}</ref>

In 2017: PRI launches its Engagement Lab.

== Relationship with NPR ==
[[Public radio]] is a generic term for non-commercial radio stations or programming that are covered under the [[Public Broadcasting Act of 1967|Public Broadcasting Act]]. Public radio organizations receive funding from corporate sponsors, public (e.g., [[Corporation for Public Broadcasting]]) and private foundation grants as well as donations and gifts from individuals. The mix of revenue differs by station, network and/or producer. PRI, NPR and American Public Media are the largest providers of public radio programming in the United States. They compete with each other for slots on public radio stations and the attention of listeners. Each has distinct missions and emphases in programming—PRI is focused on global journalism, providing diverse voices, and arts and cultural perspectives. Any given public radio station may be simultaneously both an NPR member and an affiliate of PRI and APM. PRI is a not-for-profit organization that has an independent governing board with an independent board of directors. NPR is a membership organization; its board is composed of public radio stations which run for seats on the board.

PRI was a younger organization than NPR, and focused on pushing the sound of public radio forward through innovative programming strategies and leading media in its areas of focus—global news and cultural perspectives. (NPR was founded in 1970 and PRI in 1983.) Many PRI shows drew a younger overall audience than shows produced by NPR. PRI's stated purpose was to offer a wider range of voices than NPR programs.<ref>{{cite news |title=Is PBS Still Necessary |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/17/arts/television/17mcgr.html |work=[[The New York Times]] |date= February 17, 2008| access-date=February 15, 2008 |first=Charles |last=McGrath}}</ref>

In recent years, numerous programs have changed distributors. Some programs that were formerly distributed by PRI, such as ''[[A Prairie Home Companion]]'', ''[[Marketplace (radio program)|Marketplace]]'', and ''[[American Routes]]'', along with the [[BBC World Service]], are now distributed by American Public Media.<ref>{{cite press release |title=American Public Media Acquires National Distribution of American Routes, Public Radio's Weekly Exploration of American Music : American Public Media is now second in weekly audience size to NPR. (Arbitron Nationwide, Spring 2007) |url=http://americanpublicmedia.publicradio.org/press/archive/pr_030207.html|publisher=American Public Media |date=March 2, 2007 |access-date=September 22, 2007}}</ref> APM was formed by Minnesota Public Radio to distribute programs it owned and produced, thereby moving distribution from PRI to APM.

In addition, PRI distributed ''[[World Cafe (radio program)|World Cafe]]'' for many years. However, in 2005, the show's distribution was switched to NPR. At the same time, PRI has also picked up the distribution of programs originally distributed by NPR, including ''[[Michael Feldman's Whad'Ya Know?]]'', and, in 2006, ''[[Living on Earth]]''—public radio's leading news and information program focused on the environment. In September 2007, PRI became the national distributor of ''[[Selected Shorts]]'', which was previously distributed by NPR.

In January 2014, PRI became the national distributor of ''[[Science Friday]]'', also previously distributed by NPR. On April 11, 2018, distribution of the show changed hands once more when it went from PRI to [[WNYC Studios]].<ref>[http://current.org/2018/01/science-friday-partners-with-wnyc-on-distribution/ 'Science Friday' partners with WNYC on distribution] ''Current Public Media,'' January 11, 2018. Retrieved January 11, 2018.</ref>

==See also==
* [[List of United States radio networks]]
* [[Public Broadcasting Service]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Public broadcasting in the United States}}
{{American broadcast radio}}
{{WGBH}}
{{authority control}}

[[Category:Public Radio International| ]]
[[Category:Corporation for Public Broadcasting]]
[[Category:Sirius Satellite Radio channels]]
[[Category:Peabody Award winners]]
[[Category:Podcasting companies]]
[[Category:This American Life]]
[[Category:Radio stations established in 1983]]
[[Category:1983 establishments in Minnesota]]
[[Category:2019 disestablishments in Minnesota]]
[[Category:2012 mergers and acquisitions]]
[[Category:2018 mergers and acquisitions]]
[[Category:American journalism organizations]]
[[Category:WGBH Educational Foundation]]
[[Category:Radio stations disestablished in 2019]]
[[Category:Defunct radio networks in the United States]]