Expand the Story: Our Impact in 2021
Last year, PRX broke new ground with our dedicated listeners, creators, and supporters
In 2003, PRX was created to address a particular challenge of the time — great stories were produced for radio, aired once, and then disappeared. PRX solved this problem by creating the first open, searchable, digital marketplace devoted to audio — The PRX Exchange. We also built an economy to support it.
Our aims were to reduce the friction that stifled opportunities for independent producers and to expand the shelf life of evergreen stories. Prior to this, public radio stations had only two content choices — to either air national programs or to make content themselves. PRX created a middle option giving independent producers local and national broadcast reach, and public radio stations the access to choice. In doing so, we unlocked opportunities for diverse voices and opened an otherwise closed system. PRX also became one of the first places you could listen to public radio on the internet.
In those early days, PRX had a rebel vibe. We disrupted the status quo to create something new, efficient, and more accessible. Today that nonconformity has led to expansive impact. We see our work as a catalyst for change — turning problems into opportunities, reframing difficulties, and empowering people and teams to expand the story of public media.
The ways we see this in action:
- We support a creative economy and, over the course of our existence, have put $100 million in the hands of creators.
- We provide access to state-of-the-art technology at no or low cost to content makers of all sizes.
- We champion local public radio stations in their service to their communities.
- We have created an innovative and rigorous global training curriculum, helping audio producers make meaningful media in an agile, supportive, and accessible learning environment.
- We welcome the public to tell their own stories in the studios and classrooms at our Podcast Garages in Boston and embedded in the new headquarters of KQED in San Francisco.
- We have partnered with some of the most creative makers in public radio and podcasting, and have celebrated their success on their own terms.
We create value through our collaborations, technology, journalism, stories — and by sharing what we have learned along the way. Inspired by the success of our partners, fueled by the benefits of our merger with PRI, and bolstered by the generous philanthropic support of our donors and institutional funders, we have established core values to serve as our north-pointing arrow.
In our very first annual report, you will find our values woven throughout our work: Our bold vision and innovative spirit give us the courage to take risks. We practice empathy by celebrating the humanity of our colleagues and partners. We believe that excellence is not centrally sourced, and if we create opportunities for many, we all benefit. All of this is in service of our purpose and our vision of a world that values inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility.
We want to be the place of big dreams and meaningful impact — an entrepreneurial nonprofit with an expansive mission. We need courage fueled by the ideas, inspiration, and support of those we meet along the way. Thank you for your partnership.
— Kerri Hoffman, CEO of PRX
This piece was originally published in our first-ever digital Annual Report, a multimedia exploration of our work, partnerships, and impact over the past year. From supporting critical journalism like “The World” and podcasts like those of Radiotopia from PRX, to championing public radio stations and providing state-of-the-art technology and training to audio creators, PRX is at the heart of innovation in public media.
For every success and triumph listed in the Annual Report, there are dozens of others behind it — and none of it would be possible without the support of our community. Thank you and we hope you enjoy exploring the stories of your impact!
