NPR begins broadcasting from new $201M facility

[April 16, 2013]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- NPR is moving to a new $201 million headquarters with all digital equipment in Washington, leaving its analog radio gear behind.

The public radio network began broadcasting Saturday from its new home nine blocks north of the Capitol. NPR is consolidating its staff in one building after being spread across several sites for years.

Its flagship shows "All Things Considered" and "Morning Edition" will migrate to the new facility over the next week.

NPR says the new facility was designed to accommodate the network's evolution from a radio broadcaster to a multimedia operation. It includes a two-story newsroom where news, music and digital staff work together. Studios were designed with public viewing areas.

NPR also has 17 foreign bureaus, 17 U.S. bureaus and a studio in Culver City, Calif.

[Associated Press; By BRETT ZONGKER]

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