PRSS^® ContentDepot^®

The PRSS® ContentDepot® is public radio's national program distribution system. The ContentDepot uses a combination of Internet and satellite technologies to offer automated content delivery services to stations. Both live and pre-recorded programs are distributed via the ContentDepot, as well as accompanying marketing and promotional materials and modules.

The ContentDepot is a subscription-based system for both live and pre-produced broadcasts. The ContentDepot incorporates satellite distribution, as this technology is still the most cost-effective and reliable means of delivering high-quality, real-time audio programming to a national network of radio stations. The ContentDepot also provides alternative distribution methods that give stations flexibility in receiving and storing programs and other information from the PRSS.

Previously, all programming was distributed over the satellite in real-time. Stations needed to manage the programming using a variety of station-provided storage systems. With the ContentDepot, IP-based transmission technologies and station hardware and software enable stations to streamline program management.

Both stations and producers have the need for a distributed content storage and management system to enable them to operate efficiently in today's changing media environment. The ContentDepot responds to this need by providing centralized storage and program retrieval. It captures and manages not only audio content, but also associated data and metadata.

The ContentDepot's subscription-based model provides information to both stations and producers about program usage.

As we move into the future, the ContentDepot lays the groundwork for NPR Distribution to explore new business ideas and technologies (such as HD Radio™) as they emerge.

For more information about the ContentDepot, please email prssplanning@npr.org.