Communiqué
NPR and WOUB Celebrate 50th Anniversary of The First “All Things Considered” Broadcast
< < Back toThe first broadcast of NPR’s All Things Considered took place on May 3, 1971. That day more than 20,000 people gathered in Washington, D.C., to protest against the Vietnam War. NPR journalists covered the day’s events, producing a 24-minute sound portrait of what was happening which was inducted in 2017 into the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress for its place in U.S. audio heritage.
In 1971, NPR debuted with nearly 90 founding Member stations, 55 employees, and fewer than 2 million listeners. Now, more than 60 million people access NPR content for free on multiple platforms each week. Through its network of Member stations, NPR provides an essential service to local communities and those seeking vital information during emergencies.
“For the past 50 years NPR has been an essential, trusted source for international, national and local news, and cultural programming featuring music, history, education and the arts,” said NPR President and CEO John Lansing. “The All Things Considered first broadcast was a vivid report on demonstrations against the Vietnam war. Times may have changed but NPR’s mission and commitment to informing the American public has not. We just went through a summer of racial unrest, a global pandemic, and a very contentious election year. NPR is covering all of this and no longer just on the radio, we are meeting our listeners where they are and addressing their interests and needs.”
“During a year in which most Americans have felt isolated, public radio has served to connect us with what’s happening in the world and with one another. Not just as a source of news and inspiring insights on life and the arts but as an essential, enriching, and enlightening companion in listeners’ daily lives,” added LaFontaine, Oliver, Chair, NPR Board of Directors.
To make a donation to WOUB to mark this occasion, visit https://woubradio.pledgecart.org/give/