National Public Radio has announced it will now be known as NPR. The Public broadcaster joins other image-conscious nonprofits in adopting a self-referential abbreviation, chief among them AARP. “Radio” sounds so old-fashioned, just like “Colored People” and “Retired People.” The “just-call-us-NPR” network is trying to emphasize its sizeable mobile, podcast, and web presence because the NPR radio audience largely comprises … retired people.
Some large corporations have adopted this “abbreviation-is-our-name” marketing ploy, chief among them KFC (née Kentucky Fried Chicken) and BP, formerly British Petroleum. NPR probably hopes for a more positive brand-changing experience.
Image by Mike Licht. Download a copy here.
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Tags: branding, broadcasting, marketing, National Public Radio, nonprofits, NPR, public broadcasting, public radio, radio
NotionsCapital 
July 19, 2010 at 4:43 pm
I’ve missed you! Your wit and wisdom are sorely needed in this world and economy. And did you know that Texas A&M is now just that? Takes an Aggie’s wife to know it. I love the Palin nuptial announcement. Just trying to catch up with you – it’s tough to do! Keep up the good work, fellow blogger, Dee
July 21, 2010 at 12:30 am
[…] NPR no longer stands for National Public Radio. It stands for NPR. […]
June 24, 2013 at 12:22 am
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