Don’t Worry, ‘This American Life’ Isn’t Going Off the Air Despite PRI Breakup

If you’ve listened to the wildly popular public radio/podcast series This American Life at some point in the last two decades, you’ve likely heard the words “P-R-I, Public Radio International” at the close of the show. You’ve also likely heard those words for the last time on TAL. According to a report in Variety, TAL and PRI have ended their distribution deal after 17 years. In a statement, a PRI executive explained, “During our most recent negotiation, it became clear that our organizations’ expectations regarding our futures were different.” Because the show didn’t have a new distribution partner lined up, rumors and fears from Ira Glass fans that the show would be off the air became so great that TAL sent out a tweet reassuring listeners that they weren’t going anywhere. Thank goodness! Sixty minutes of your Saturday was almost completely ruined. Imagine being forced to listen to another full hour of Car Talk …