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NPR needs public support

Your recent coverage of philanthropist Joan Kroc's bequest to National Public Radio ("Kroc widow wills $200 million to NPR," Nation, Nov. 7) accurately reported how much her generous donation will benefit NPR in terms of establishing a strong and secure endowment.

Though Mrs. Kroc's gift will be enormously helpful, it is not a magic wand for public radio. The public radio system -- which includes more than 750 independent stations and NPR -- still faces the daily challenge of funding about $800 million in cumulative annual budgets. This gift will produce revenues equal to only about 1 percent of the total costs of public radio.

Public radio has seen enormous growth in audiences in the past decade, but costs to serve this growing audience have outstripped revenues. These have been trying economic times for public radio, and many critical needs remain unmet. Mrs. Kroc's magnificent gift has inspired a broad conversation about the current and future financial health of public radio, particularly local NPR member stations. This conversation includes the ongoing need for continued private and government support for local public radio stations.

We ask public radio's listeners to support their public radio stations -- WETA and WAMU -- locally. They are critical sources of news, information and ideas for millions of Americans.

KEN STERN

Executive vice president

National Public Radio