Expanding Public Media
Partnering with stations to shape public media’s future by helping to connect with engaged, supportive audiences through our excellent portfolio of diverse shows, building strength and resilience across an inclusive public media system, and supporting audio creators with technology to grow, monetize, and sustain their work.
Discover PRX’s pillars for expanding public media:
Content
Below, explore our award-winning broadcasts available from PRX and learn how they can benefit your programming schedule.
Delivers powerful and unforgettable stories in one fast-paced hour. Go in-depth with an experienced and diverse team that follows leads and pushes the boundaries through curiosity. It’s the world to you!
A message from the host
The world is always in motion. Whether it’s political unrest or economic instability, understanding what matters, and what it all means is more important than ever. Each day our radio program “The World” brings those global events into sharp focus for your listeners. But it isn’t just the difficult news. Our team finds stories of hope and inspiration: efforts aimed at fixing the environment, for example, and building a generation of solution-oriented innovators. “The World” from PRX is a fast-paced hour committed to connecting Americans with events beyond our borders as they happen.
Our reporters and producers are experienced, informed, globally diverse, and irrepressibly curious.
Listeners across the country tell us “The World” is the best part of their day. If you have not heard the program this year, please give it a listen. The World is constantly evolving to keep pace with the news we cover and the world we live in, giving your station a unique position as an information leader.
— Marco Werman, host of “The World”
Airing The World at 3 pm, WUNC-Raleigh/Durham recorded a 49% increase in AQH from Fall 2022 - Fall 2023. The gain also signified a 36% improvement over the show's four-year average on the station.
Source: Nielsen Audio Nationwide / Act 1 Systems Fall ’23 Persons 12+ in DMA based on station broadcast schedules, Mon-Sun 24 hrs.
Award-winning journalism that transcends borders
Snap Judgment… stories that stick with you.
A message from a listener
I teach ELL in a high poverty middle school in WA state. Your show is a godsend; authentic stories, told by different voices… My Mexican-American and Iraqi students heard themselves in a story at school for the first time… your stories are changing how my kids look at school and themselves.
— Kathryn, listener
WAMU-Washington DC's airing of Snap Judgment on Saturdays at 2:00 PM saw a 19% AQH jump in Fall 2023 compared to both Fall 2022 and the four-year average for the program.
Source: Nielsen Audio Nationwide / Act 1 Systems Fall ’23 Persons 12+ in DMA based on station broadcast schedules, Mon-Sun 24 hrs.
Snap Judgment Storytelling
“Snap Judgment”… stories that stick with you. It's diverse, compelling driveway moment radio featuring narratives from people in situations that you never imagined. From the award-winning storytelling team that's always changing, always challenging, and always leaving the listener wanting more.
The longest-running, Latino-focused public radio program on U.S. media.
A message from the host
For over 30 years on air, “Latino USA” keeps true to its mission of reporting on issues important to Latino and other underrepresented communities across the country through authentic storytelling and groundbreaking journalism. Too often, mainstream media reports on our communities with a lack of understanding of the people, or reduce their coverage to a sensationalized point of view.
“Latino USA” relies on reporters who have the cultural competency and understanding to ask the right questions and pursue the right stories.
We understand it isn’t a matter of just speaking the same language, but sharing experiences. By reporting on topics that are of concern to our communities like culture, immigration, and identity, but also politics, science, and technology, we delve deep into the realities and lived experiences of Latinos and Latinas across the country, highlighting their voices. Through our work, we offer our listeners profound audio journeys through our multicultural—real—America.
— Maria Hinojosa, Anchor and Executive Producer
WFAE-Charlotte's airing of Latino USA at 6:00 PM on Sundays saw a doubling of its AQH from Fall 2022 - Fall 2023. The gain also represented a 28% increase over the four-year average.
Source: Nielsen Audio Nationwide / Act 1 Systems Fall ’23 Persons 12+ in DMA based on station broadcast schedules, Mon-Sun 24 hrs.
Stories by, from, and for the Latin community
An energetic radio show recorded in front of a live audience featuring unpredictable conversations, music, and comedy from unexpected voices
A message from the host
It’s Luke Burbank, host of Live Wire. By the time the weekend rolls around, we know listeners are ready to let loose. And don’t fear: we’re here to help!
Each week on Live Wire, we throw a public radio party with the most fascinating people you’ve ever heard of… and better yet, we introduce you to incredible people you’ve never heard of but we know you're going to love! From Booker Award-winning writer George Saunders defending the value of confusion in writing to chef Jenny Nguyen recalling how she ended up opening the first bar dedicated to women’s sports (it’s called the Sports Bra, because… of course), there’s room for everyone at the Live Wire table.
Like any great party, we guarantee you’ll always be entertained, whether by listening to thought-provoking conversations or soaking up some live music from one of our stellar musical guests.
What’s more, you’ll leave knowing a bit more about what’s going on in popular culture AND feeling a bit better about the world.
And the best part? You can show up in your sweatpants. Hope to see you there!
— Luke Burbank, Host
KUOW-Seattle's Saturday noon airing of Live Wire saw a 53% jump in AQH from Fall 2023 - Fall 2022. The gain was also 19% higher than the four-year average.
Source: Nielsen Audio Nationwide / Act 1 Systems Fall ’23 Persons 12+ in DMA based on station broadcast schedules, Mon-Sun 24 hrs.
Putting the LIVE back in Live Wire!
Deep interviews fueled by curiosity, intelligent optimism, and a sense of wonder.
A message from the show
“To the Best of Our Knowledge” is a Peabody award-winning national public radio show that explores big ideas and beautiful questions. Deep interviews with philosophers, writers, artists, scientists, historians and others help listeners find new sources of meaning, purpose and wonder in daily life.
Whether it’s about bees, poetry, skin or psychedelics, every episode is an intimate, sound-rich journey into open-minded, open-hearted conversations.
Warm and engaging, “TTBOOK” helps listeners feel less alone and more connected – to our common humanity and to the world we share. “TTBOOK” is produced in Madison, Wisconsin, at Wisconsin Public Radio, and is part of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Airing To the Best of Our Knowledge Saturdays from 3-5 PM, WGCU-Fort Myers saw a 14% increase in AQH from Fall 2021 – Fall 2022.
Source: Nielsen Audio Nationwide / Act 1 Systems Fall ‘22 Persons 12+ in DMA based on station broadcast schedules, Mon-Sun 24 hrs.
We travel the world to learn about anything and everything that sparks our curiosity about food.
A message from the host
Milk Street Radio is committed to bringing listeners to every part of the globe using food as a lens to tell stories and ask questions. Not only will you hear from the world’s biggest culinary voices, but you’ll also hear from people like Karl de Smedt, a sourdough librarian in Belgium; Susumu Kakinuma, a Neapolitan pizza master in Japan; Ylva Melkeraaen Lundell, a young “tongue cutter” from Norway, and many others from around the world who are demonstrating how food changes lives and shapes our culture.
In addition to our travel stories and interviews, our show is a major resource for home cooks. Over the years, my co-host Sara Moulton and I have taken calls with hundreds of listeners, who always astound us with their passion, excitement to learn and uncanny ability to ask out-of-the-box questions like, “can you cook a sparrow?” Our audience is highly engaged and growing by the year. We think this is because our show truly offers something for everyone––from the most experienced home cooks to the greenest, from those who care about food above all else to those who just want to be gripped, surprised and delighted by stories of history, science and travel.
We are pushing our show to the next level by expanding our original reporting and on-location stories. But, what we’ll continue to offer comes back to this note we received from a listener:
“I keep trying to come up with cooking questions, but I would not be able to call in because even writing this now, I get very emotional. My daughter taught me about Milk Street right after COVID started. I just want you to know that you guys saved me. I could not listen to any news, could not handle more stress. Milk Street seriously got me through and continues to get me through this very strange time.”
– Christopher Kimball
Building bridges, educating and entertaining… all through the one topic everybody loves—food.
In-depth information about environmental challenges, inspirational stories about individuals and organizations working daily to make the world better and more sustainable.
A message from the show
“Living on Earth” has been on the cusp of environmental news for more than 30 years. What began in 1990 as a environmental news radio program pilot transformed on Earth Day 1991 into a weekly national show that is now among the country’s most trusted environmental journalism institutions.
Each week “Living on Earth” expands public media’s dialog around climate change with powerful, context rich stories that go well beyond the headlines – stories that provide listeners with a deeper understanding of climate change policy, politics, issues, impacts and outcomes. Stories that are useful, compelling, relatable and inspiring.
With its core team of expert environmental journalists and a constantly evolving group of extraordinary contributors, interns and regular commentators, the show strives every week to lean in on the stories that matter to public radio listeners while sustaining a point of view that has inspired several generations of environmental journalists.
Airing Living On Earth at 7 am on Saturdays, WKSU in Northeastern Ohio recorded a 76% increase in AQH from Fall 2021 - Fall 2022.
Source: Nielsen Audio Nationwide / Act 1 Systems Fall ‘22 Persons 12+ in DMA based on station broadcast schedules, Mon-Sun 24 hrs.
Each week we choose a theme. Then, anything can happen.
A message from the show
“This American Life” has been reinventing radio, over and over, for more than 25 years. What began in 1995 as a showcase for Chicago writers, then transformed into a hit national show, is now one of the country’s most celebrated journalistic institutions.
“This American Life” helps expand public media by producing personal, deeply reported stories that go behind the headlines – stories that attempt to show listeners what other people’s lives are truly about. Stories that are emotionally relatable and perpetually surprising.
The show continues to experiment relentlessly while retaining a signature style that has inspired a generation of narrative journalists.
Airing This American Life at noon on Sundays, WNYC-FM in New York saw a 37% increase in AQH from Fall 2022 - Fall 2023. The gain was also 10% higher than the average of the past eight survey periods.
Source: Nielsen Audio Nationwide / Act 1 Systems Fall ’23 Persons 12+ in DMA based on station broadcast schedules, Mon-Sun 24 hrs.
Gripping and compassionate storytelling that speaks truth to power and leads to positive change.
A message from the host
I close out each episode of Reveal with the same line – “There’s always more to the story.” That concept is what drives our show. It’s what makes us different.
“Reveal” takes public radio listeners deeper – whether it’s understanding missteps in the federal government’s response to the pandemic, or exposing dangerous working conditions at Amazon warehouses. “Reveal” makes complicated stories accessible and engrossing.
When we first created the show nearly a decade ago, many in our industry wondered whether it was even possible to produce a weekly investigative radio program. Today, “Reveal” is heard across more than 500 public radio stations nationwide, our stories win top national awards year-after-year, and our reporting plays a vital role in expanding what audiences can expect and rely on from public media.
From the start, “Reveal” has sought to create investigative journalism, and do it in a way that isn’t stuffy or boring. When our creators were searching for a host, they wanted to identify someone who didn’t look or sound like so many other news hosts. That’s how “Reveal” got stuck with me! “Reveal” has always sought to be different, to sound different, to challenge listeners and to attract new ones.
– Al Letson, Host of “Reveal”
Airing Reveal at 3pm on Sundays, WAMU-Washington D.C. recorded a 23% increase in AQH from Fall 2021 - Fall 2022.
Source: Nielsen Audio Nationwide / Act 1 Systems Fall ‘22 Persons 12+ in DMA based on station broadcast schedules, Mon-Sun 24 hrs.
Transporting listeners to new worlds and experiences through the sharing of fascinating, hilarious and often life changing personal stories.
A message from the show
“We may start as strangers, but by the end of the story, we’re closer—and that’s the point.”
- from “How to Tell a Story” by “The Moth”
Sharing and listening to true stories is a powerful way to connect with others and build empathy. “The Moth Radio Hour” exemplifies how public radio is a vital tool to help personal storytelling engage people from all walks of life—expanding the reach of one story told on a stage to millions of people each week. Through the necessary act of sharing and listening to the experiences of others, people are able to find common ground and relate to each other on a deeper level.
The “Moth Radio Hour” features stories from a broad range of people across racial, gender and socioeconomic lines. Through these stories, listeners across the country become more open to new perspectives and experiences. When we hear someone's story, we are able to see the world through their eyes, even if only for a brief moment. This can help us understand and empathize with people who may be different from us in many ways.
In today's world, where there are so many things that divide us, personal sharing stories is a powerful force for unity. By carrying “The Moth Radio Hour”, your station is contributing to the tapestry of the human experience, expanding the ways people see themselves and the world around them.
– Catherine Burns, Host, “The Moth Radio Hour”
Airing The Moth Saturdays at noon, Houston Public Media saw its AQH double from Fall 2022 - Fall 2023. The gain was also 17% higher than the four-year average.
Source: Nielsen Audio Nationwide / Act 1 Systems Fall ’23 Persons 12+ in DMA based on station broadcast schedules, Mon-Sun 24 hrs.
Immerse yourself in conversations about sex, health, and relationships — where nothing’s off limits.
In every episode of Embodied, host Anita Rao explores important questions about bodies, sex, relationships, and society. This montage highlights excerpts from programs about male infertility, the experience of growing up mixed race and the history and evolution of vibrators. Anita interviews Jared Wright, a journalist who opens up about his feelings of isolation as a Black man navigating infertility, and Anna Lee, co-founder and head of engineering at Lioness, a sexual wellness company with a “smart” vibrator that’s contributing to sexual health research. It also features listeners’ stories about the experience of navigating mixed-race adulthood.
A message from the show
Public radio has not always created an open forum for conversations about sex and bodies. And I get it … talking about these things is not easy and often uncomfortable! My mission with Embodied is to use journalism to forge a way into taboo territory. In each episode, I invite listeners to see what happens when intimidating topics are examined with curiosity instead of shame and judgment.
We explore diverse aspects of our health (physical, mental and emotional) and how they inform everything from the way we interact with others to how we understand ourselves and our communities. By breaking the silence around topics from male infertility to female pleasure, we expand the possibilities of discourse about our bodies in public media.
Conversations on Embodied blur the lines between experts and everyday people – allowing listeners to gain new insights into science, psychology and history while meeting folks whose lived experiences intersect with the topic at hand. This approach allows us to have deep conversations with guests who are younger and more diverse than you often hear on the airwaves. As a millennial, mixed-race Indian woman, foregrounding content for, by, and about these audiences is core to my journalistic purpose, and thus part of the DNA of this show.
Embodied offers the perspective that there is a way to approach uncomfortable conversations that opens up more – more empathy, more curiosity, and more understanding among all of us.
Embodied creates content by, for, and about younger and more diverse audiences – inviting them into the public media landscape.
Embodied hosted a sold-out live show that brought together pastors, poets, and storytellers to talk about their experiences of purity culture.
Embodied creates unique digital assets for each episode, ranging from in-depth discussion guides for topical series to Instagram carousels that allow listeners to learn more about each of the guests and show topics.
Fundraising with PRX
At PRX we understand the sacred connection that happens when listeners choose to support your station during periods of fundraising. That’s why come pledge season, PRX has you covered with a bevy of fundraising materials to help you reach your goals.
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Many of our shows regularly produce entire fundraising episode stations equipped with timings and cues.
Available for: “Snap Judgment,” “Living on Earth,” “This American Life,” “Milk Street,” “Latino USA,” “Live Wire,” “The Moth,” and “Reveal”
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Ranging from :30 to short segments, these spots are meant to be incorporated during live broadcasts of the show.
Available for: “The World”
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“Anytime Spots” Voiced by popular PRX hosts like Marco Werman from “The World,” our Anytime Spots may be used in “Morning Edition” or other parts of their schedule to champion the value of public radio and your station!
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Of course, PRX hosts stand ready to assist your fundraising and on-air strategy. Simply fill out our custom promo form for custom promos, tags, and fundraising spots!
Content Development
to support your entire station
PRX Content Development has helped multiple public media stations launch new shows, expand audience reach, explore new revenue sources, and help build a bench of talent on both sides of the mic. We offer customized training and resources to media creators and organizations of all sizes around the world, including mentorship-based podcast accelerator programs, tailored workshops, consultancies, webinars, and more.
Partner Spotlight: WUSF-TAMPA
PRX Training swung by WUSF-Tampa for a week-long podcast development intensive aimed at sparking new ideas around podcast innovation and an intentional strategy for sustainability around on-demand offerings.
In addition to training and supporting WUSF through their podcasting development, the time yielded a closer bond and relationship.
— Accolades from WUSF staff —
“[PRX team members] were extremely knowledgeable and competent but never made anyone feel inferior or less than. They empower us through gentle, but honest, coaching.”
“I came in with a very old school idea about workshops…I was very happy with how it was run professionally and with consideration to all types of personalities and styles.”
“[PRX team members] are crazy good. Smart, caring, collaborative. A dream to work with.”
Is your station seeking to launch a podcast, revamp a podcast or spark some culture changes at your organization? Let PRX Training help you shake things up and get to work!
IDEA Consulting
Become more inclusive with help from PRX.
PRX believes a strong commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) is central to our mission and the health of public media.
We approach our work and journey through a lens of equity and inclusion while recognizing and respecting that learning also lies ahead. We also acknowledge that our work with stations builds strength and resilience across the public media system.
Training and Consultation:
We now offer IDEA consultations to stations that have identified this as a need and are looking for structure and support. Services will be provided on a sliding cost scale and customized for each station’s needs.
We offer rigorous assessment and co-created roadmaps to address areas of opportunities found during an appraisal. We also provide support for employee resource groups and diversity councils. Our coach approach is free of judgment while building towards greater inclusion.
Community engagement: we have built a process through an equitable approach to design thinking that will help you engage your local community in the work you are looking to start. This process centers your stakeholders and allows for co-creation that invests in your communities as well as your station.
Interested in learning more? Reach out to Dr. Bryon Greene, VP of IDEA, to explore how PRX can partner with your station to weave inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility into your organizational fabric and realize the benefits.
Technology
that transforms and transcends.
PRX believes that public media should be amplified by innovative technology, which is a core reason we built industry-leading tools to help stations thrive in audio.
Dovetail is technology built on the trusted values of public media. We adhere to the highest privacy standards that ensure the safety of audiences while maximizing revenue opportunities. Dovetail is a suite of connected applications that provide:
Publishing With Your Needs in Mind: PRX has been distributing podcasts from the start of the medium. We know publishers’ needs and provide a seamless podcast publishing experience.
Dynamic Ad Insertion: Dovetail is a dynamic ad insertion system that serves sponsorship messages, geo-targeted messages for events, cross-promotion, house ads, and more.
Metrics that Matter: Our platform provides real-time data to help you understand your podcast’s audience and the key metrics in podcasting.
“Dovetail is one way we can contribute to helping public radio to fortify its mission, values, and independence, giving organizations the option to distribute their podcast programming on a trusted platform that is also owned and operated by public media.”
— Kerri Hoffman, CEO of PRX
Visit our Dovetail site to learn more about our best-in-class tools and reach out to your Station Services Manager to explore how PRX can help you achieve your goals and keep your podcasts independent.
Did you know?
As a membership benefit, PRX partner stations can distribute content on the Exchange marketplace free of charge.
** Download-only distribution.
Producers can upload audio stories of all types — from documentaries, to music specials, to weekly series — that are then licensed and played on-air by radio stations across the country. Distribution options include download-only and automated delivery, allowing daily, hourly, or weekly programs into station automation system.