National Friends of Public Broadcasting

What is NFPB?

National Friends of Public Broadcasting is an organization whose purpose is to offer encouragement to and act as a resource for local volunteer groups who work on behalf of public broadcasting stations within their home communities. It seeks to assist in developing local support, and through this support to develop an informed constituency for public broadcasting that will serve both the station and the community.

National Friends grew from the need for volunteer support groups at the local stations. It began when a handful of private citizens, all volunteers representing eight leading public broadcasting stations, were invited by a group of station managers to attend an exploratory meeting in May, 1969. This meeting led to larger gatherings and in May 1970, to the formation of the National Friends of Public Broadcasting, which was incorporated as a non-profit organization in July 1970.

Volunteer representatives from nearly every station have participated in National Friends activities over the years. These people have brought information and encouragement home with them helping the growth of existing groups and often resulting in the formation of new groups.

A Board of Trustees elected by its members directs the work of the organization. Services of the organization are basically informational -- a newsletter, information exchange and an annual conference. At present, there is no paid staff and the Trustees and other members carry out all duties and services.

We are proud to be of service to the many thousands of public television and public radio volunteers working throughout the country.

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