It's Your Dime

Bill Haenel and I were talking with Maria Thomas, vice president for NPR Online, at the PBS-NPR Online Summit in Baltimore last February, when she referred to National Public Radio as the 'parent' organization. I said that member stations like NCPR, who formed the national system thirty-some years ago, looked upon National Public Radio as the 'daughter' organization. However you view this evolving partnership, everyone has something to say about the variety, depth and quality of public radio offerings. Why do we do those things we do?

Recovering Nicely

Missed you all last week. And no--it wasn't because you clicked that link you weren't supposed to click--I wasn't able to connect with the secure server I use to write and mail this newsletter from the wilds of the teen web retreat. The campers were great. Without them it would have been just Bill and I talking geek talk in a room full of computers (our usual routine, in other words). Instead, we are recovering from much mental stimulation and outdoor recreation. Look for the resulting regional teen website sometime this fall. It will be called (what else) YAK.

Taking Off

This week's Listening Post is coming to you a day early because I'm actually taking a day off. Being a contrarian, I am celebrating the Fourth by leaving the country to spend the day in Ottawa, exacerbating the trade imbalance. I feel my American identity most keenly when it stands out against a field of citizens of other nations (or when driving up a mountain in a really big four-wheel drive vehicle).