Public Radio Networks PRI and PRX to Merge in Big Bet on Podcasts

Author: 
Coverage Type: 

Public-radio companies PRX and PRI are merging in a bid to capitalize on the surging popularity of podcasts and other digital formats as listeners and content creators migrate away from traditional broadcast radio.

PRX and PRI are two of the nation’s four national distributors of programming for public-radio stations and the first to combine operations. The other networks, National Public Radio and American Public Media, are much larger. Founded in 1983, PRI, or Public Radio International, produces programming carried by more than 700 public-radio stations in the US, including “The World” and “The Takeaway.” Public Radio Exchange, known as PRX, is ranked the No. 3 podcast publisher by podcast analytics firm Podtrac, behind NPR and WNYC Studios. Launched 15 years ago, PRX began as an audio-distribution company for radio stations, but has diversified into producing and distributing podcasts and making ad technology.

No money will change hands in the tie-up. Boston-based public broadcaster WGBH, which bought PRI in 2012 and recently turned to PRX as a partner for podcasts, will invest $10 million in developing new content, including a new production studio and a Podcast Garage in Washington (DC) to train new creators.


Public Radio Networks PRI and PRX to Merge in Big Bet on Podcasts