Both Simon and Rascoe use the billboard as a general discussion about what's coming up in the hour, infused with soundbites from selected stories.

The second minute, from nineteen to twenty past, is a "headlines" segment in which the NPR newscaster on staff that morning recaps the major stories of the hour.

Some stations decide to use the entire two minutes for local purposes, taking the opportunity to deliver their own headlines, underwriting or events calendars.

For stations that opt to stay with the national feed, a short interview or commentary piece is delivered, running 2:59 in length.

Weekend Edition Saturday usually slots musical performances, arts stories or interviews in segment C. Weekend Edition Sunday uses the time for its popular weekly puzzle segment with Will Shortz, the New York Times crossword puzzle editor, and interviews and light features.