Public Radio Journalism

American public radio journalism consists of the news and public affairs programs that can be heard on noncommercial radio stations and includes a variety of formats, from news magazines to public affairs programs to listener call-in programs. At a time when commercial radio’s news content is generally limited to brief newscasts, public radio offers listeners a wide range of news, analysis, and discussion. Public radio journalism offers greater variety and depth than is typically provided on commercial stations, covering not only breaking news but also science and the arts.

The main producers of such programming historically have been National Public Radio (NPR), Public Radio International (PRI), American Public Media (APM), and Pacifica Broadcasting. In recent years, more programs are also being produced by several local public ...