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Automated Internet-Based Public Radio Program Delivery
What if you could have a wealth of nationally-distributed, file-based programs automatically delivered every day to your station computer? Now you can.
Established in 1979, the PRSS is public radio's national distribution network--connecting over 400 public radio stations with over 100 content providers. Originally built as a satellite distribution system, the PRSS has gone through several federally-funded technology upgrades resulting in the ContentDepot. The ContentDepot combines satellite and Internet distribution with web-based tools to offer stations an affordable, reliable, and extensive catalog of public radio programming.
Using ContentDepot services, your station can now access thousands of hours of pre-recorded public radio programming without the need for satellite interconnection. This service does not include live or real-time programs, as those currently can only be delivered via satellite. The ContentDepot's online tools allow you to research, audition, and order programs ranging from well-known, ongoing series to special-occasion pieces; nationally-oriented shows to locally-produced special interest pieces. Content you select is then delivered to your station automatically as files.
With only a simple, one-time subscription setup, daily and weekly programs will be delivered to your station's FTP server automatically so you have them when you need them. You don't even have to remember to download the show each week, because it is pushed to your FTP server.
What is included?
The following features are included in this service:
- Access to public radio's centralized catalog of pre-recorded programs
- The ability to search for and subscribe to the latest programming from NPR, PRI, American Public Media, and hundreds of independent producers
- Access to the PRSS Content Exchange service at no additional charge. Content Exchanges allow stations to post and share files among communities or networks of interest
- Automatic delivery of content to your station's computer
- PRSS Help Desk assistance when you need it
- The ability to participate in governance of the PRSS
Who is eligible?
PRSS services are available to any public telecommunications entity. To determine your eligibility, please contact our business office at 202.513.2618.
What do you need to get started?
- A signed agreement with PRSS
- An Internet connection
- An FTP server to receive content
What does it cost?
Stations joining the PRSS on an Internet-only basis will pay a Distribution/Interconnection (DI) fee equal to one-half of the full DI fee for satellite-interconnection. These fees are established annually by the NPR Board. Proportionate reductions in these fees are available to stations with annual incomes under $225,000. For more information about pricing or policies, please refer to www.prss.org or contact us at 202.513.2618.
While a significant amount of public radio content is free, some producers charge broadcast fees for their programs. Stations that subscribe to those programs pay broadcast fees directly to the producers.
Representative Pre-recorded Programs Available Via FTP
The following is a representative list of daily or weekly programs that are pre-recorded and are available via the PRSS ContentDepot. For some programs, arrangements may need to be made directly with the producer to air their content.
Alternative Radio
American Indian Living
American RadioWorks
American Routes
BBC Proms
Beale Street Caravan
Bluegrass Breakdown
Bookworm with Michael Silverblatt
Broadway Revisited
Cambridge Forum
Car Talk
Crossing East
Echoes
Etown
Folk Sampler
From the Top from NPR
Harmonia
Health Sampler
Hearts of Space
Humankind
Latino USA
Literary Friendships
Making Contact
Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz
Marketplace Money
Minnesota Orchestra
Mountain Stage
Music@Menlo
National Geographic World Talk
Native Sounds, Native Voices
New Dimensions
New Letters on the Air
Parent's Journal
Pipedreams
Planetary Radio
Poet and the Poem from the Library of Congress
Prime Time Radio
Radio Reader
Recess
Record Shelf
Sacred Classics
Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
Saint Paul Sunday
Schickele Mix
Selected Shorts
Sound & Spirit
Soundprint
Speaking of Faith
Studio 360
Swingin' Down the Lane
The Splendid Table
The Writer's Almanac
This Way Out: The International Gay & Lesbian Radio Magazine
Thistle & Shamrock
To the Best of Our Knowledge
Undercurrents
What's the Word
World Café from NPR
World of Opera
And many many more quality programs and specials...
For more information on joining the PRSS, please contact us at 202.513.2618.