Community Radio vs. Public Radio: What's the Difference?

What are "Public Radio Stations"?

In general, public stations are connected both physically and financially to colleges and universities, or to large public broadcasting entities. Public stations are generally run by professional staffs and are largely supported by corporate and foundation donations.

Almost all public radio stations receive programs from, or are members of, either Public Radio International (PRI)(which was called American Public Radio or APR until June of 1994) or National Public Radio (NPR). Frequently, the bulk of what many public stations broadcast comes over the public radio satellite from these two sources.

What are "Community Radio Stations"?

Community Radio, on the other hand, is based in the community. Most stations are owned by community organizations whose directors are elected by the station's listeners, by volunteers working at the station, or by both. Community stations are financed in large part by listener subscriptions - something that helps these stations remain independent (although it may also keep them poorer than public radio stations).

Most of the airtime at community stations is filled with locally produced programs, although many stations also use some programs available on the public radio satellite (such as Pacifica Network News broadcast on WEFT). Community stations are also unique since they usually put great importance on serving underrepresented communities in their area.