NPR is reporting that its NPR+ subscription service now offers easier access to bonus episodes, sponsor-free listening and other supporter perks through its app. It said the service is designed to support mission-driven journalism and provide exclusive content.
NPR highlighted several exclusive offerings for NPR+ supporters. The Indicator from Planet Money recently held a donor-only Zoom event exploring the U.S. housing market. Co-hosts Adrian Ma and Wailin Wong, along with Redfin chief economist Daryl Fairweather, discussed the housing shortage, real estate as an investment and potential policies to unlock inventory held by baby boomers. An excerpt of this session is available to all listeners, but the full event is an exclusive bonus podcast episode for NPR+ members.
The organization also featured other bonus episodes. NPR Music critic Ann Powers, editor Daoud Tyler-Ameen and reporter Isabella Gomez Sarmiento discussed The Grateful Dead's 1987 hit "Touch of Grey," examining how the song broke through to become a top-40 hit despite the band's non-mainstream status. Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! offers an outtakes episode from a recent Chicago show, featuring panelists Josh Gondelman, Hari Kondabolu and Faith Salie.
Additionally, NPR+ provides access to a 1999 recording where Monica Lewinsky discussed her book, "Monica's Story," detailing her relationship with President Clinton. An episode of Car Talk features a listener's dilemma with an Aston Martin DB9. NPR Politics Podcast hosts Miles Parks and Ashley Lopez shared their most rewarding partner reporting experiences, including a story related to the 2020 election. NPR stated that over 25 podcasts offer NPR+ benefits.