Evelyn Billings: NEPR donations would end need for underwriters

Published: 06-21-2017 8:36 PM

NEPR donations would end underwriting

The letter titled “Cites advertising on public radio” published June 14 calls for a response.

The underwriters, who are mentioned on the air, pay a substantial amount of money to support our NPR affiliate, New England Public Radio (NEPR). In return they receive brief, tastefully worded explanations by the announcers. In a sense, they are commercials. However, compared to those to which we are subjected on other media, they are easy to hear.

My husband and I volunteer for and contribute to NEPR, and it’s the default station on all of our radios. From news and features on “Morning Edition,” to classical music during the day, to “All Things Considered” late afternoon, to “Jazz a la Mode” at bedtime, we feel blessed to have access to this wonderful station.

In recent years, federal funding has been reduced significantly for both NPR and PBS. If the letter writer objects to the mention of underwriters, I suggest that he contribute enough money to the station so that they won’t need to have underwriters.

Evelyn Billings

Easthampton

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