Audio Promo Service

Once your program is scheduled, you may want to take advantage of our free audio promo service. NPR Distribution uplinks both mono and stereo promos weekly for independently produced programs. The promo service lets stations know what your program sounds like, and also gives stations a means of promoting your show to their audiences. The transmission begins with a run-down of the promos to follow, and the feed consists of 30-second and 60-second audio spots produced by program sources.

Promos are transmitted to stations in regularly scheduled weekly feeds. Promos feed every Wednesday and Friday, at 11:15 ET and are repeated the same day at 21:15 ET.

For your promos to be included in the Wednesday feed, they must arrive in Public Radio Services no later than 5:00 p.m. on the previous Friday (three working days before the feed). For your promos to be included in the Friday feed, they must reach Public Radio Services no later than 5:00 p.m. on the previous Tuesday (three days before the feed).

Mail your promos to:
National Public Radio, Distribution Division
635 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20001

If your promos do not arrive by close of business on the deadline dates, we cannot include your promos in that feed.

Please send DAT or compact disc. Reel-to-reel tape (preferably 1.5 mils) is also accepted. (No audio cassettes or cartridges.) We accept 15 ips tapes, but we prefer 7.5 ips tapes whenever possible. Recording specifications are available.

If the specifications are not adhered to, we reserve the right to refuse your promos. Each tape, CD, or DAT should arrive in sturdy packaging with a label that includes the run-down information specified. It is very important that you include the program run-down. Promos will be returned to you upon request.

If you have any questions or would like to receive a brochure about the audio promo service, please contact Public Radio Services at 202.513.2600 or via email.