Scheduling Service

When you are ready to distribute your program, contact your Account Representative. You should be prepared to answer the following:

Source number?
Title of program?
Will you be offering an audition feed? If so, will it be offered for broadcast?
Length of program?
Number of programs?
Is there a certain time that you would prefer?
Is your program pre-recorded or will it be live?
If pre-recorded, are you able to upload episodes yourself to the ContentDepot?
If live, how will it be delivered to the NOC? Will you be using an ISDN line? If so, what format and configuration?
Mono or stereo?
Is it available to all interconnected stations or a specific network of interest?

To decide when you want your program or series to be sent over the satellite, you should also take into account the channel and uplink rates involved, other programs being distributed at the same time, and station capabilities for receiving your program.

Keep in mind that you are placing your program on the schedule, not ordering a particular channel. On some occasions it may be necessary to change the channel for your program or move it to a different time slot to accommodate timely, live news events.

Late Transmission Notice

NPR Distribution will make its best effort to schedule any service order, regardless of when we receive it. However, program distributors should understand that the closer to the requested time of transmission an order is received, the harder it will be to confirm service. A minimum of 90 minutes notice is recommended for timely transmissions.

If you have any questions, please contact Public Radio Services at 202.513.2600 or via email.