Recognizing that traditional radio may go the way of the buggy whip, National Public Radio has taken a step to ensure their future survival with NPR One - a news-audio app of the same ilk as on-demand music apps like Pandora. Offering user-curated "best of" feeds featuring international news and topical public radio segments, NPR One gives listeners a smorgasbord of targeted content. An early iteration of a great idea, the product serves as a potential bellwether of the direction NPR may go in the future.
Overall: 8.0
Revenue Potential: 7
As with all NPR products, NPR One is completely reliant on user donations to stay afloat. In an effort to solicit listeners to open their wallets, the app features screen and audio ads asking for donations. These ads are well-done and and only offer minor obtrusiveness. It's not unfair to say they are a necessary evil, though, and NPR-inclined users likely recognize this.
Value to Brand: 10
NPR One is a strong play for the NPR brand, reinforcing the content quality and allowing the organization a future play if traditional radio does in fact fade. It's a way to connect with a younger generation, while also offering a better experience to seasoned listeners. The app could very well keep NPR relevant for years to come - something that may have been uncertain before its creation.
User Experience: 7
Elegantly simple, this app is for listening more than viewing, and the design reflects that. One area where improvement is necessary is on the responsiveness of the 'mark as interesting' button.
Published by National Public Radio
NPR One