Rerunning the news

For longtime NPR listeners, the relatively recent practice of re-airing some stories on the daily magazine shows seems like a breach in an unspoken contract.

All Things Considered, NPR's flagship, first aired in 1971. Morning Edition has been on the air since 1979. When these radio shows debuted, with their high production values and wide-ranging topics, they were often compared to nightly news shows.

That consistently high quality over the decades has created an implicit promise of a fresh and expertly edited window into the world today. When listeners notice that a story has been recycled, some feel as if NPR has changed the terms. We've heard objections from listeners about this practice since it began.

After a recent increase in these audience letters, we decided to take a closer look at the practice and make some recommendations.

We also spotlight a somber Valentine's Day essay about love in Ukraine, and an investigation of the Paycheck Protection Program.

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