Happy Birthday, National Public Radio

"Radio is the most personal medium we have, because the human voice is so expressive. It's a storytelling medium and we all need storytelling." —Bill Siemering

I wanted to note for the record that today, February 26, 2020, is the 50th anniversary of the founding of National Public Radio—what we now call NPR. (The first broadcast wouldn't take place until April of 1971, but today represents the founding of the organization.)

Those of you of a certain age and experience might know the name Bill Siemering. I think of him as the Yoda of NPR—a fellow who has dedicated himself to the idea and ideals of public broadcasting. He was the first program director at NPR, and he wrote their mission statement. Below, please find a couple of my favorite excerpts from Siemering's founding documents (read by him during a fairly recent interview with Adam Ragusea), which speak to his notion of what public broadcasters, especially NPR, should do. 

It's worth remembering that at High Plains Public Radio, celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, we don't make widgets or sell junk food. We should, when we are at our best, be in the business of fostering civility, discussion, thoughtfulness, open-mindedness, community, compassion, and even joy. For me, it's a rewarding job when we do it right.

So I guess this is a note intended to mark what I think of as an important anniversary. But just as much, I wanted to take a moment to thank YOU—members, volunteers, community partners, supporters, staffers, board members, and listeners—for making public radio possible on the High Plains. Thank you.