As NPR Marks 40th Anniversary, CEO Charts Vision for the Future

As NPR Marks 40th Anniversary, CEO Charts Vision for the Future

Vivian Schiller to Discuss the Future of Public Radio, March 7 at National Press Club

WASHINGTON, March 4, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As NPR celebrates its 40th anniversary, the number of people listening to NPR member stations is at an all-time high, and the audience for NPR's digital services is sky-rocketing.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080917/NPCLOGO)

During a luncheon speech at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., on March 7, NPR chief executive Vivian Schiller will explain why the media organization's popularity is growing.

Schiller started her NPR career two years ago - a time when the U.S. economy was plunging. The media organization's corporate underwriting was shriveling and its stock investments tumbling. Schiller was being introduced to the staff just as NPR was laying off workers, eliminating programs, reducing salaries and slashing travel budgets.

But even in those hard times, Schiller pushed for innovation and excellence, especially in the digital world.

Today, NPR has stabilized financially, and is flourishing both on the air and in the mobile and digital space. Under her leadership, NPR has continued to haul in top awards for journalistic excellence. But Schiller and public broadcasting as a whole now face a new and serious challenge given the effort to eliminate federal funding for public radio and television.

Before joining NPR, Schiller served as General Manager of NYTimes.com, the largest newspaper website. Previously, Schiller headed up the Discovery Times Channel, and had served as Senior Vice President of CNN Productions.

The March 7 Press Club luncheon will begin promptly at 12:30 p.m. Remarks by Schiller will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by a question-and-answer session. Advance reservations should be made through (202) 662-7501 or reservations@press.org. Luncheon admission is $18 for National Press Club members, $29 for their guests, and $36 for the general public. Tickets must be purchased at time of reservation.

National Press Club Luncheons are webcast live on press.org. Follow the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #NPCLunch, or on Facebook at (facebook.com/PressClubDC) and Twitter (@PressClubDC). Submit questions for speakers in advance and during the live event by sending them to @QNPCLunch on Twitter. Or email a question in advance, type SCHILLER in the subject line and send to president@press.org before 10 a.m. on March 7.

The Press Club is on the 13th floor, 529 14th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. Credentialed press may cover this event.

About the National Press Club

The National Press Club is the world's leading professional organization for journalists with more than 3,400 members worldwide representing every major news organization. More than 250,000 people visit the Club each year to attend more than 2,000 events. The Club was founded in 1908 and is on the web at press.org.

SOURCE National Press Club

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National Press Club

CONTACT: Melinda Cooke, +1-202-662-7516

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