Pricing FAQ

Why are rates changing?
The PRSS^® ContentDepot^® is public radio's next generation distribution system, which combines the quality and reliability of satellite transmission with the convenience and ease of the Internet. The ContentDepot allows users to send and request programs via a web-based interface, and outfits the more than 400 interconnected stations nationwide with new equipment to make receiving your programs even easier for them.

One of the fundamental changes in the ContentDepot is the introduction of file-based program distribution. In the previous PRSS system, all programs are distributed as real-time audio streams, and pricing is based on the number of channel hours you use and the time of day you choose to distribute your programs. In the ContentDepot, many programs will be distributed as files, and pricing will be based on the data capacity used to deliver files and streams (e.g. live programs), expressed in terms of "megabytes."

The regional system uplinks were decommissioned in 2005, and all programs are now being sent directly to the ContentDepot's Network Operations Center (NOC) in Washington, DC. In the new pricing model, producers will no longer pay uplink fees, but there will be a new "ingest" fee to cover the costs of handling your programs and delivering them to the satellite.

How were the new prices determined?
Converting the distribution pricing structure from a time-based to capacity-based model was challenging. NPR Distribution did extensive analysis to develop a model that uses new standards of measurement while complying with our mandate to not increase overall costs as we transition producers to the new system.

These changes to the underlying pricing principles mean that not every program will cost exactly the same in the ContentDepot as it did in the previous system. Our pricing analysis was performed based on producer usage of the system during 2003, the last year for which we have complete annual data. Assuming a consistent volume and pattern of program distribution, we expect that some producers who currently use the system will pay less in 2006 to distribute the same programs. However, under the new pricing model, some producers will experience a price increase. To help producers manage these price increases, a 10%, per program, price cap will be applied to all programs that were distributed in 2006. To qualify for the price cap, a program must be distributed in the ContentDepot as an automated file transfer, if possible.

Note: The 10% price cap and other aspects of the new pricing model will be reviewed annually by the D/I Committee.

How can I keep my prices to a minimum?
The most efficient and economical way to distribute programming in the ContentDepot is as files. Any program that is pre-recorded can be distributed as a file, while programs that must go direct to air in real-time will continue to be handled as live streams. By encoding your pre-recorded programs into broadcast-quality audio files and uploading them into the ContentDepot portal, you will eliminate additional fees associated with NPR Distribution-assisted ingest as well as the mailing costs you may be incurring now to submit your programs on CD or DAT. If you are unable to create program files in the appropriate format or upload them yourself, NPR Distribution will continue to support you for an additional charge.

How can I prepare for the ContentDepot?
An online training module for producers is available that will give you an overview of how programs are handled in the ContentDepot. When you are ready to begin submitting your files electronically, the PRSS ContentDepot Catalog is already available. Your Public Radio Account Representative will be happy to assist you in making this transition.