Remember radio?
It may be coincidence, but lately I have been thinking about how all encompassing the internet has become, and wondered if people still listen to the radio anymore. Let’s face it, the internet offers everything. You can download podcasts, music of practically any genre, videos of any kind, I could go on, but it is en endless sea of possibilities. You don’t even have to turn on your TV anymore. Networks such as ABC, FOX, and MTV now offer full episodes of their shows on their website. Why even get out of bed?
So, when I found this article in The New York Times about NPR (National Public Radio), I got a little excited. It turns out, they are trying to revamp their image. From what the article suggests, it seems there will be new programming. Although, I think I became a little confused midway through, mainly because the article’s title is “Public Radio Tries to Reignite Its Public,” yet the first line reads, “Public radio is drawing its largest audience ever.” 28 million listeners to be exact. So, wait, what is going on? Okay, I keep reading, and I come to find out that, yes, I am infact right, there are creating a new morning program. It seems this is happening in order to freshen the genre that is NPR. The only people I know who listen to NPR include my parents, my gay best friend, and private car drivers. Although, I must admit, NPR has a calming effect on its listeners, especially in comparison with other radio stations that scream rhymes and raps about the station you are tuned into, catchy ads, long commercials. NPR is more mellow.
The article serves to re-inform the public about a media outlet that has sort of lost its audience in a way. It does have a high volume if listeners, but who are they? And, is NPR’s style updated enough for the changing and growing internet generation? The answer is no, but I think they’re realizing this.
