PULLMAN — Recent Arbitron reports for the Northwest Public Radio (NWPR) network reveal one of the largest audiences in its history. More than 101,000 listeners tune in to Northwest Public Radio each week. The trend was consistent with public radio audiences nationwide, which runs counter to the overall trend of declining audiences for radio.Listenership was especially strong for the news magazines from National Public Radio (NPR), including flagship programs, Morning Edition and All Things Considered.
“This fall was the strongest news seasons ever for public radio”, said Station Manager, Roger Johnson. “As the presidential campaign heated up, listeners became more and more glued to their radios. NPR campaign coverage was an important touchstone for millions of listeners across the country.”
“Another contributing factor to current listenership is the economy,” said Johnson. “This is an area that touches everyone’s lives. People pay close attention to reports from NPR, as well as our regional news service, Northwest News Network. They know that they will get accurate, unbiased information. At a time like this, reliable news becomes a highly valued resource.”
“Listeners are always appreciative of the news and information we provide”, said Kerry Swanson, Manager of Programming and Operations. “We hear from listeners all the time who say that they turn to us more than ever. While we hope there is more good news than bad on the horizon, we are glad that we are providing an essential service.”
Northwest Public Radio serves communities from Puget Sound to central Idaho, including Victoria, Port Angeles, Bellingham, Wenatchee, Ellensburg, Yakima, the Tri-Cities, Omak, Walla Walla, Pullman, Moscow, Lewiston and Clarkston. Program services include an NPR News service and an NPR and Classical music service. Northwest Public Radio offers a digital radio service to many listeners and is available online at www.nwpr.org.
Northwest Public Radio is a non-profit, listener-supported public radio service heard on 13 stations across Washington, Idaho, Oregon and Southern British Columbia, and online at nwpr.org. Northwest Public Radio’s mission is to inform, enrich and inspire our audience through programs and services that share ideas, encourage thought, create community and increase appreciation of the arts. Northwest Public Radio is a community service of Washington State University.
Source for the report: Arbitron. Fall 2008, Weekly Cumulative,Total Survey Audience, Persons 12+, Mon-Sun 6AM-12PM. Produced by RRC from Data © 2008 Arbitron, Inc.
