Widow leaves US radio $200m

US National Public Radio (NPR) has inherited what is believed to be the largest single donation bequeathed to an American cultural institution.

NPR was left more than $200m by Joan B Kroc, the philanthropist widow of the founder of worldwide fast food giant McDonalds, Ray Kroc.

Joan Kroc donated millions of dollars to various causes

"We are inspired and humbled by this magnificent gift," said NPR President Kevin Klose.

"This remarkable act of generosity will help secure the future of NPR," he said.

The bequest amounts to almost twice NPR's annual operating budget.

NPR is a private, self-funding non-profit company which is supported mainly through membership charges, station fees and private contributions.

It provides programming to more than 750 public radio stations and has an audience of about 22 million listeners each week.

Mrs Kroc died from brain cancer earlier this month.