Community radio also formalized itself during the '70's. There were two important developments, which took place between 1984 and 1986. CPB began funneling money directly to the stations rather than to NPR, and an alternative distribution house was created. Pacifica Radio benefited from this diversification of the marketplace as well, with its offerings gaining greater national carriage. Public radio warms interactivity into participation.
Public radio makes listening itself active.
Its programs create time for thoughtful attention to voices speaking around the world or down the road, inviting listeners to supply something of their own imaginations to the process.