On May 3, 1971, at 5 p.m., All Things Considered debuted on 90 public radio stations.
In the 50 years since, almost everything about the program has changed, from the hosts, producers, editors and reporters to the length of the program, the equipment used and even the audience.
However, one thing remains the same: each show consists of the biggest stories of the day, thoughtful commentaries, insightful features on the quirky and the mainstream in arts and life, music and entertainment, all brought alive through sound.
All Things Considered is the most listened-to, afternoon drive-time, news radio program in the country. Ailsa Chang, Juana Summers, Scott Detrow, Mary Louise Kelly, and Ari Shapiro host the two-hour show every weekday. In 1977, ATC expanded to seven days a week with a one-hour show on Saturdays and Sundays.
-
A new report from scientists at Project CETI demonstrates that the noises that sperm whales make to communicate with each other contain what humans would describe as vowels.
-
NPR's Mary Louise Kelly speaks with correspondents Greg Myre and Rob Schmitz about how the Iran war is affecting the U.S. alliance with Europe.
-
A community health worker in Uganda stopped getting paid after aid cuts but kept checking in on her patients. Many lost access to contraception. Now she's coaching them through unintended pregnancies.
-
Linguist and New York Times columnist John McWhorter joins pianist Lara Downs to explore the history of American music as a joyful noise, even in the toughest times. -
In his first appearance this year, the health secretary is taking questions on his record on health, including his controversial moves on vaccines. -
"My hope is that this commitment provides the stability and the spark NPR needs to innovate boldly and strengthen its national network," says Connie Ballmer, who gave $80 million of the $113 million. -
Insurance coverage of blockbuster obesity drugs has been spotty at best over the years, and it looks like things are getting worse, not better. Plans are dropping coverage or restricting it further.
-
In The Take, an older woman and a younger woman agree to exchange 10 years of their lives through a blood transfusion. NPR's Ailsa Chang speaks with author Kelly Yang.
-
Picking up trash in Mangrove forests has become a calling for one Florida man.
-
Syrian Kurds ran their own region for 12 years after breaking away from Assad control. Now they are forced to give up autonomy. NPR visited the changing region.
