Raised on Radio

About a month ago, we were driving around town with National Public Radio on. The familiar introduction to the news began and from the back seat I heard Alex finish it with “From NPR news. . . in Washington.” “Ahh,” I thought, smiling, “another convert to intelligent radio.”

You see, I am a child of NPR. Growing up in Pennsylvania, I can remember wiping the sleep out of my eyes while the sounds of “Morning Edition” emanated from the kitchen. In the evening, my parents would prepare dinner to the sounds of “All Things Considered.” I never understood “Prairie Home Companion,” and still don’t to this day, but they were sure into it. Today, we listen to the morning and evening news, along with the world music of “Echoes”at night and, if I’m really up late, the BBC World Service.

Most importantly, about 10 years ago, I hooked Jen on it and now she’s what I call an “NPR Hound.” We often find ourselves starting a conversation with “NPR had this story on. . .”

And, we put a little money where our ears are as members of our local NPR and we’re happy to write that check every year. It’s a particularly well-run and active local station through Northern Illinois University and they do great work.

Oh, sure, NPR’s coverage of the Middle East seems a little over the top and they often run pieces on topics that are so obscure they defy the conventional wisdom. However, that’s what makes it fresh, interesting and educational. I always learn something after listening for a bit. Despite its success, NPR has been hit by the tough economy and recently laid off a number of people in their national organization.

However, I’m confident it will survive. And, with what seems to be the general dumbing down of America, it’s critical that it does.