Non-Profit Media Join Forces

At the Television Critics Association Press Tour, National Public Radio (NPR) and Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) announced on Tuesday, an on-air and online strategic alliance in which the companies will co-produce live Web events, cross-promote each other's programs on-air and online, and collaborate in e-commerce efforts. In spring 2001, PBS's Web site (www.pbs.org) will feature NPR's hourly news updates and other NPR ( www.npr.org) audio content. The companies will also explore joint television productions.

PBS and NPR will jointly create a variety of live, online events, including chats, specials and other broadcast-related coverage.

"This alliance will enable us to deepen and broaden our news and cultural content, and extend the NPR and PBS brands into new areas,'' said Kevin Klose, NPR president and CEO. "The time is ripe for NPR and PBS to join forces to bring fresh, groundbreaking programming to our expanding audiences, as we explore mutually supportive cross-promotional opportunities.''