NPR, like in National Public Radio, is now offering its own series of wines. Check this out:

NPR Vintage Collection

Anyone buying?

I admit that I do enjoy listening to NPR and our local Twin Cities MPR even though I'm more conservative then 95% of thier audience. In fact, I have enjoyed Gary Eiken's Midday show so much that I have given them money these past few years.

BUT, lets admit NPR/MPR is an extremely well funded, profit making machine and, probably doesn't deserve "non profit" status. Especially after getting $200 million from McDonald's founder estate recently. NPR walks the "non profit" line better than anyone.

I think I will be joining the 2/3 of their listeners who don't give money to MPR soon. There's too big a difference between NPR/MPR and my truely "non profit" local library....a PROFIT motive.

I would assume a high percentage of listeners drink wine, but not necessarily those wines. Still, it has the NPR logo and label, so I'm sure it'll sell!

Montrachet,

but what do you think of the idea of the wine collection?

The private label wine idea has no appeal for me regardless of who's name is on it.

If I wanted to drink St. Michelle wines I would buy them under their name not; NPR, Pepsi or any other XYZ corp. Same wine with a goofier label. Why? Hey, people will buy it?

If you want to give money to NPR write them a check.

I heard this on the radio the other day.

Actually, it's pretty clever since they (NPR) doesn't really have to do anything. The wineries benefit too, PR-wise and sales.
It might be a crafty way to get wine shipped to a typically non-shippable state. Check out all the "shipping allowed" states.

But there's no Long Island wine, so I'm not buying.

National Pinko Radio- What, no Rose?

"...soon they'll be bleary eyed under a keg of wine, Down where the drunkards roll." Richard Thompson.

Montrachet,

I understand where you're coming from in regards NPR seeming to be flush with cash, but in reality, that $200 million windfall goes only to NPR's central offices, and not to individual stations. WNYC, here in New York, isn't seeing any of that money, at least not directly. NPR might order more locally-produced shows, but it's not like they're having Monty Burns-style money fights in the Centre Street office. In fact, I know more than a few dedicated, hard-working people who work for WNYC for outrageously low salaries, and don't even get health benefits.

It may seem a little counter-intuitive, but I'd urge you to reconsider not giving money to your local outlet.

Hey Keith,

Don't know this for a fact but, I am pretty sure that most full time staff ( not hungry young radio interns) earn salaries competitive with commercial radio employees. I've always heard that low paying jobs are common for newer people in the radio industry in general.

I would bet that most public radio station managers, senior producers, and popular program personalities earn really good money. I have no problem with that as long as they don't call themselves a "non profit". "Non profit", should mean sacrafice in my book.

I really do like about 25% of MPR-NPR programs. I was very bummed recently to learn that a portion of my membership money goes to Garrison Keillor's boring Prairie Home Companion show. I think Keelor earns a seven figure income.

Our local station MPR, has very nice studios and appears to be doing quite well.