NPR Finds Corporate Sugar Daddy

Redmond, Washington (AP) - Only three and a half days into its semi-annual plea for money, National Public Radio abruptly halted its pledge drive. A new corporate sponsor, identified only as "a ruthless software behemoth," has agreed to sponsor the group of stations, asking for only minor concessions in return. The new public corporation will be known as MSNPR, and will broadcast information regarding its products and services for 3 minutes out of every quarter hour. New programs to be added the '98 broadcast schedule are:

• "The Redmond Philharmonic Orchestra"
• A panel discussion, "Point - PowerPoint"
• "FrontPage", a news hour
• "Word", an R&B music program hosted by The Notorious N.T.
• Motivational business speakers, in "Excel!"
• "Bill's Children's Hour", for the kiddies
• A humor show, "Back at the Office"
• "Putting Up Windows", with Bob Vila