Vermont Public Radio
Vermont Public Radio (VPR) is a network of public radio stations covering the state of Vermont. In addition to locally produced programming, the network broadcasts programming from NPR, Public Radio International, and American Public Media. It is headquartered in Colchester, a suburb of Burlington. Other studio facilities are located in Montpelier, Manchester and Norwich.
History
Vermont Public Radio first signed on in 1977 from studios at the historic Windsor House in Windsor. Despite criticism that Vermont was too small and too rural for a listener-supported public radio station, the network has expanded to 13 full-power stations and 12 low-power translators covering almost all of Vermont as well as parts of New York, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Quebec.
In terms of market size, VPR is the smallest NPR member station/network in New England and one of the smallest in the nation. However, since the mid-1990s, it has been one of the most listened-to public radio stations per capita in the country, with approximately 194,000 listeners each week and 27,000 members who support VPR with a voluntary financial contribution.