In November 1967, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967, which established the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. National Public Radio was incorporated in 1970.
The CPB says its mission is "to facilitate the development of, and ensure universal access to, non-commercial high-quality programming and telecommunications services." One of its functions is to request appropriations from the federal government.
While NPR does not own any radio stations, its productions are distributed to about 860 outlets nationwide. The corporation produces, acquires and distributes high-quality programming and represents member stations in matters of mutual interest.
Two other organizations that are integral to public radio in the United States are American Public Media and Public Radio International. Like NPR, they produce and distribute unique radio programming.
In cooperation with the CPB, all of the organizations involved with public radio strive for high-quality programming. The material they produce and distribute, as well as the public support they receive, is what defines public radio.