News
09/06/05
New Service: Supplemental Audio Channel Distribution
As HD Radio continues to gain momentum, the full capabilities of digital broadcasting are being exploited to expand services available to the public. One such capability, supplemental audio channel broadcasting or multicasting, provides the ability to simultaneously broadcast multiple channels using existing spectrum. This technology is especially suited to public radio as it gives stations the opportunity to broadcast different formats concurrently, thereby serving more listeners with differing interests.
As supplemental audio streams are introduced into the public radio system, broadcasters will seek additional programming. To support this new demand for programming, NPR Distribution is introducing a new service offering: Supplemental Audio Channel Distribution. The offering includes distribution and uplink service for programming aired on supplemental audio channels. The rate for this service is a special introductory rate that will be reviewed by the NPR Board of Directors every year for a six-year period. This rate is subject to increase upon review, based on evaluation of the penetration of digital radio receivers in use by consumers and on potential changing economics of PRSS transponder costs. A one year contract is required.
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Supplemental Audio Channel Service Rates (per month)
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| 24-hour Stereo Stream | $1,825 |
| 24-hour Mono Stream | $1,375 |
The full time Supplemental Audio Channel service is available for the sole purpose of delivering programming restricted to use on HD Radio supplemental audio channels. Live Internet streaming that replicates this service on the air will be allowed. No insertions are permitted in these 24-hour streams. Until the PRSS ContentDepot® fully launches, supplemental audio channels will use existing PRSS distribution methods. Program associated data (PAD) for digital radio text displays and cueing will not be available on these channels until the full ContentDepot launch.
Additional conditions for use of the Supplemental Audio Channel service include:
- Programs must be free of advertising and be available for use by public radio stations or other public telecommunications entities.
- Programs must be scheduled by the PRSS and will receive all standard public radio scheduling, transmission, and support services.
- The contracting entity for the channel cannot resell or make excess channel time available to others.
- A credit check and approval of the requesting entity will be required prior to issuance of a contract.
- Commitments for Supplemental Audio Channel service must be made by written agreement for a minimum period of one year and a maximum period of two years.
- Supplemental Audio Channels can be used for either mono or stereo program transmission. Mono service is set at 75 percent of the full rate for the channel.