Six Reasons Why You Should Listen to NPR (National Public Radio)

While National Public Radio has been informing and entertaining listeners for decades, it was only very recently that I began listening regularly. Now, I cannot get enough and when I do not listen I feel misinformed.

There was a day when radio was king of all media (and early on, the only broadcast media) but when it comes to the best and most diverse coverage NPR, some would argue, is still the reigning leader.

NPR is a non-commercial producer and distributor of news and entertainment programming, which is aired by over 800 affiliate public radio stations. NPR produces over 130 hours of programming, which local stations supplement with its own news and entertainment productions and playlists.

Here are five reasons to tune in:

Better, Diverse News Coverage

The television news package is at most, on average, about 30-seconds to one minute long. On NPR, the audio news packages are filled with reported commentary and snippets from a variety of sources, and with such slick production images are not needed. NPR also seems to bring stories to the public that are pertinent to our everyday lives, however ignored by other news venues, or just before others get to them.

Morning Edition

According to NPR.org, Morning Edition has been in production since 1979. Hosted by Renee Montagne and Steve Inskeep, this two-hour morning program has correspondents in 19 locations in the US and also in 14 countries. Additionally, reporters also give from NPR member stations across the nation. Each day, they bring stories on a variety of topics such as Iraq, education, pop culture, economy, business, your money, politics, health, listener letters, world news, national news and more. The program allows for local cut-ins, so news from your neighborhoods is also included as part of Morning Edition.

All Things Considered

All Things Considered is NPR's afternoon news magazine, hosted by Michele Norris, Robert Siegel and Melissa Block. The program features news, interviews, entertainment, off-beat features and more for the ride home. Intertwined between segments is some great music snippets.

Audio Diaries

These five-minute or so long audio diaries are incredible. It seems that on my commute home, I always end up in my driveway during the middle of one. So, I simply sit in my car until it's over. The production on these are just so slick, the narration is clever and oftentimes, very fun. These are first-hand accounts from NPR or public radio reporters taking part in interesting things, or rehashing a unique experience. The sound effects allow the listener to close their eyes and let imagination do the rest.

Fresh Air

Peabody-winning Terry Gross hosts Fresh Air, a one-hour program focused on contemporary arts and culture. Gross features in-depth interviews with a variety of authors, writers, poets, actors, musicians and more-often obscure guests and topics. This makes for a great learning experience, and doors opened to a world of talents. Fresh Air is produced by WHYY in Philadelphia and is broadcast on 450 NPR affiliates across the country.

Inspiration and Conversation

As a writer, since I have begun to listen to NPR I find myself never suffering from writer's block. I am so inspired by the topics covered and find that they are not covered elsewhere, meaning the ideas are fresh and new. That said, there are so many conversation starters! I bring up subjects that make for a great discussion, and they are great discussions since they information is new to all of us.

I am curious in nature and the above programs and aspects of NPR feed that.