A clarification from NPR regarding Monsanto ads

On May 13 2009 I posted about the lamentable situation of Monsanto ads appearing on NPR programs. I have received this clarification from the NPR Ombudsman. I very much appreciate this clarification and am gratified to know that NPR maintains it's independent status.

"NPR is very conscious of our non-commercial mission, and is not accepting money from, nor has been approached by Monsanto. What you heard on air may have been an underwriting credit from American Public Media, which produces Marketplace, and is running corporate underwriting spots from Monsanto. Local station WAMU has also accepted sponsorship money from Monsanto. But neither of these spots are affiliated with NPR.

The relationship between local radio station and NPR is an unusual one, and therefore listeners often assume their local station is NPR-run because it broadcasts public radio staples: Morning Edition and All Things Considered, however NPR does not own any radio stations. If you’d like to read more about this issue on the Ombudsman’s column, you may do so at NPR’s webpage. (http://www.npr.org/ombudsman/2009/06/npr_is_not_running_monsanto_sp_1.html)

NPR is an independent, nonprofit organization that carries no on-air advertising. One way NPR funds programming and general operations is through underwriting from corporations and philanthropic support from foundations and individuals. This support provides most of NPR's contributed income.

Thanks,

Alicia Shepard
NPR Ombudsman "