CEO Re-Imagines NPR as a Pandora of News

A Q&A with national Public Radio chief Gary Knell. NPR has had a rough few years, and despite new leadership, the turbulence hasn't entirely subsided. Knell took over in 2011 when NPR was still smarting from what he calls "self-inflicted wounds." NPR had taken heat the previous year when commentator Juan Williams made controversial comments about Muslims during a TV appearance, and was fired, and then-Chief Executive Vivian Schiller resigned in March 2011 after an NPR fundraiser bashed conservatives. NPR has moved on from those scandals, but its financial woes—it is staring down an anticipated $6 million deficit this year—are keeping Knell busy. The network gets about 40% of its revenue from producing and selling shows including "All Things Considered" and "Morning Edition" to 270 member stations nationwide. Most other funding comes from corporate underwriters, foundations and its own distribution services. This spring, NPR unveiled a shiny new headquarters in Washington, galvanizing critics who question the role of public funds in public broadcasting. The $201 million building was funded in part by the sale of NPR's old office, as well as tax-free bonds and donations. NPR doesn't receive funds directly from the government, but some of the money it gets from member stations comes from public coffers.