Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, PRI provided programming to over 850 public radio stations in the United States.

In the United States, PRI distributed well-known programming to public radio stations.

Programs on PRI—sometimes mis-attributed to National Public Radio—were produced by a variety of organizations, including PRI in the United States and other countries.

[2] Public Radio International said its mission was to "serve audiences as a distinctive content source for information, insights and cultural experiences essential to living in our diverse, interconnected world.

"[2] Approximately 850 radio station affiliates and other audio venues broadcast, streamed and downloaded PRI programs.

Both networks maintained separate identities and programming until 2019, when the Public Radio International branding was retired.

In 1996: PRI's The World premieres, presenting issues and events "through a global lens" to American audiences.

[16] In January 2008, PRI and WNYC announced that the name of their new morning drive news program is The Takeaway with John Hockenberry and Adaora Udoji.

This program's editorial partners include The BBC World Service, The New York Times, and WGBH Radio Boston.

Each has distinct missions and emphases in programming—PRI is focused on global journalism, providing diverse voices, and arts and cultural perspectives.

Any given public radio station may be simultaneously both an NPR member and an affiliate of PRI and APM.

PRI was a younger organization than NPR, and focused on pushing the sound of public radio forward through innovative programming strategies and leading media in its areas of focus—global news and cultural perspectives.