I'm a radio geek

I have heard people say that nobody listens to the radio any more. According to Bridge Ratings (radio research provider), the listening audience in all age groups declined from 22 hours of AM/FM radio per week in 2005 to 18 hours of AM/FM radio today. I would imagine that continues to decline every year, which explains the horrible similarities across radio stations within a market and across the country: cookie cutter radio. Where once we listened to the radio in our cars, through earphones (the days of transistor radios), in our homes, and even at work, there are now so many more options, with the iPods, smart phones, internet radio, HD radio, and satellite radio leading the way.

I automatically turn on the radio in the car…sometimes to catch the traffic report or a weather recap, to check out the music and banter on one of my old commuting days stations, to calm my mind with the local classical station, or to keep me awake on long drives, But in truth, I’m addicted to NPR (National Public Radio). My name is Carla and I’m an NPR junkie.

I gain exposure to so much more that’s going on in the world because of the news reports on Morning Edition and All Things Considered. Even on Saturdays, when I’m at home or in my car, I enjoy listening to Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me, This American Life, and The Splendid Table as well as the Saturday evening staple, Prairie Home Companion. I have my thinking expanded and often challenged by listening to Market Place, Fresh Air, On the Media, On Point or Speaking of Faith. And if I miss an episode, I can always download the podcast free from iTunes.

Where else can I hear an intelligent, in-depth interview with an author, a scientist, an artist, or a musician? Where else could I learn about the Scottish group Frightened Rabbit or have learned 2 years ago that even before the Haiti earthquake, people ate mud cakes or cookies just to suppress the hunger.

I’m not sure if it’s an age thing or just wanting to be tuned in to new ideas, information, and culture, but I would feel completely lost without my NPR. And during a time when I’m not in a workplace everyday, meeting and chatting with people of all age ranges, NPR helps me to feel more in-touch, keeps my mind stimulated, and broadens my perspective on so many things.

I love all kinds of media, I even worked at an all-news radio station early in my career, but NPR is the best news source in this country!