NPR emerges as powerhouse for music sales

National Public Radio has become an “incredibly effective” outlet for music promoters, according to the Hollywood Reporter, in a feature that doesn’t dwell on the distinctions between public radio stations like Santa Monica’s KCRW, music features presented on NPR’s national programs, and NPR Music, the website that features exclusive preview streams of new releases. “NPR moves more albums and downloads proportionately than the commercial big boys, yet labels spend millions trying to penetrate those markets,” Shirley Halperin reports. “Call it ‘Yindie Rock,’ as in yuppie indie rock, modern music for boomers with loads of disposable income.”