Disclosure: I work at NPR. The cost isn't just for the translators however - most of our stations also produce content themselves that is local, and many produ

Disclosure: I work at NPR. The cost isn't just for the translators however - most of our stations also produce content themselves that is local, and many produce their own shows as well. Those are not small investments, but a smaller audience in a rural area means fewer people to raise support from. Our Alaska stations actually band together to help keep radio going across Alaska, though population is thinner.