The first broadcast of NPR’s All Things Considered took place on May 3, 1971. That day more than 20,000 people gathered in Washington, D.C., to protest against the Vietnam War. NPR journalists covered the day’s events, producing a 24-minute sound portrait of what was happening which was inducted in 2017 into the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress for its place in US audio heritage.
In 1971, NPR debuted with around 88 Member stations, 55 employees, and fewer than 2 million listeners.
NPR has prepared a full slate of programming and a special section of NPR.org, debuted a 50th anniversary logo as well as new fun merchandise at https://shop.npr.org/, including an NPR 50th edition coffee and an NPR 50 prosecco from the NPR Wine Club.
Fifty and Forward: A one-hour broadcast special that stations can air between April 30 – December 31 (check your local station schedules)
Among the NPR affiliates in the Puget Sound area were, 88.5 KPLU, 91.7 KTOY, and 94.9 KUOW.
I posted this on the Forum yesterday, April 28, including a link to an audio commemoration on NPR’s “Fresh Air” with Terry Gross.