NPR Does More With Less Than Anyone Else…

Tuesday, July, 28, 2009 by Mel Phillips.

NPR or National Public Radio is just that.  It relies on public funds for its very existence, yet they get more out of less than any other radio station or network — take their new website.  They redesigned their website, customizing it with sections for news, arts & life, music and programs.  News is updated throughout the day and they provide NPR music downloads.  They also have links for any artist, any format, you’re looking for.  That goes for other radio stations too.  They’re developing apps to give full access to NPR current and archived content and a news app is under development for the iTunes App Store.  “We’re making it easier for the public to find our stations, listen to NPR programs, and follow news throughout the day” says NPR President/CEO Vivian Schiller…

What I like best about the new NPR website is that it’s a full-service site, complete with lots of anecdotal information and they go out-of-format.  They even have poll results of the best music of 2009 (so far).  They have book and movie reviews, a National Geographic pictorial show of Caves, Cameras and Explosives, politics, opinion, business, health, science and technology features too…

Do yourself a favor and check it out for yourself.  For those in radio who want some tips on running a good, full-service website, you owe it to your station and listeners to take a look… 

10 Timeline Memories: 

1. 1945] Empire is hit: A U.S. bomber crashes into the 79th floor of the Empire State Building, killing 14 and injuring 26. The building only sustained minor damage…
2. 1973] Wedding Bells: Lee Majors and Farrah Fawcett tie the knot. The couple separates in 1979 in an “on-again, off-again” relationship…
3. 1978] Heeeeeeee’s back: At Old Timer’s Day at Yankee Stadium it’s announced that Billy Martin will return as Yankee manager in 1979 (I remember being at this game. My jaw didn’t shut for a week after this bizarre announcement)…
4. 1987] So Sue me: The remaining members of the Beatles and Yoko Ono sue Nike from using “Revolution” in one of its sneaker ads without permission or paying for it. An out-of-court settlement is made at an undisclosed amount…1995] A settlement returns the rights to Jimi Hendrix’s estate to his father. The ruling includes all unmastered tapes, concert recordings, photographs and other personal possessions…
5. 1991] A pair of perfectos: Texas pitcher Kenny Rogers pitches a perfect game against California, 4-0…1994] Three years to the date in 1994, the next perfect game is pitched by Montreal’s Dennis Martinez against the Dodgers…
6. 1995] A life sentence: A jury in Union (SC) rejects the death penalty for Susan Smith, sentencing her instead to life in prison for drowning her 2 young sons…
7. 1998] Blanket immunity: Monica Lewinsky is given blanket immunity from prosecution in exchange for grand jury testimony in the investigation of her, er, relationship with President Bill Clinton…
8. 1999] Curtains: Detroit running back Barry Sanders, in the prime of his career, retires after 10 years at the age of 31 (a lot of teams would sign him today if they could)…2000] Kathie Lee Gifford makes her final appearance as co-host of “Live with Regis and Kathie Lee” (Sheeeeeee’s back but this time Reeg lucked out)…
9. 2002] Tour de Lance: Lance Armstrong wins his 4th consecutive Tour de France…
10. 2004] Kerry’s the one: The Democratic National Convention in Boston nominates Massachusetts Senator John Kerry for president (Vietnam veterans drop what they’re doing and call information for the number of the White House)…









          






Music Memories:

• 1956] Number One on this date: “I Want You, I Need You, I Love You” - Elvis Presley…
• 1957] Debuted on this date: Jerry Lee Lewis makes his TV debut on “The Steve Allen Show” singing “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On“…
• 1973] Released on this date: “We’re An American Band” - Grand Funk Railroad…

“Happy Birthday…happy birthday“:

Sally Struthers (61), Georgia Engel (61), Jonathan Edwards (63), “Garfield” cartoonist Jim Davis (64) and Bill Bradley (66)…










Timeline Countdown: 11 days until NFL HOF induction, 41 days from Labor Day and 44 days until the NFL opener…

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