One day, NPR stations could be the primary source of local news in many markets.  Not just local radio news — local news, period.   That’s according to a profile of NPR in the April issue of Fast Company.   The article cites some of NPR’s advantages over commercial news media: the network’s crazy-strong human connection to its audience; a true, deep, aggressive commitment to digital media; and a sustainable cost structure made possible by its not-for-profit status, and the fact no one is making rock-star money.

But for public radio to become a dominant source of local news, NPR affiliates will need to, well, do a lot more local news.  While the network is indeed a fantastic source of world and national news, the local stations tend to be pretty bare-bones in coverage of their markets.   Commercial news or news/talk stations typically do a much better job with hometown news and information, in terms of both quantity and quality.

How long will that be true?  Public radio’s real advantage over commercial broadcasting is motivation.  NPR and it’s staff are all about creating a great product and getting it to the largest possible audience.  Money is a tool for public broadcasters, not an objective.  That’s why morale remains high at NPR, despite recent budget cuts.  The staff believes the network will emerge from the current unpleasantness positioned for even greater achievement.

Can the same be said of commercial radio and its employees?