Our Mission and Vision

Original Logo and Mission (circa 1971)

"National Public Radio will serve the individual; it will promote personal growth; it will regard the individual differences among men with respect and joy rather than derision and hate; it will celebrate the human experience as infinitely varied rather than vacuous and banal; it will encourage a sense of active constructive participation, rather than apathetic helplessness."--Bill Siemering

"National Public Radio will serve the individual; it will promote personal growth; it will regard the individual differences among men with respect and joy rather than derision and hate; it will celebrate the human experience as infinitely varied rather than vacuous and banal; it will encourage a sense of active constructive participation, rather than apathetic helplessness."--Bill Siemering NPR hide caption

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The NPR Mission
The mission of NPR is to work in partnership with Member Stations to create a more informed public — one challenged and invigorated by a deeper understanding and appreciation of events, ideas and cultures.

To accomplish our mission, we produce, acquire, and distribute programming that meets the highest standards of public service in journalism and cultural expression; we represent our members in matters of their mutual interest; and we provide satellite interconnection for the entire public radio system.

Our Strategic Vision
In May 2014, the NPR Board of Directors adopted our strategic plan, which includes a declaration of NPR's strategic aspiration, four strategic priorities, and a description of the path forward toward achievement of this strategic plan, including aspirational outcomes and goals for the next three to five years for each of the priorities. Read the Strategic Plan.