Missed Transmissions

From time to time, a scheduled transmission is not completed as ordered. There could be a transmission problem, or "impairment" originating from the satellite distribution system, or from the program distributor.

Impairments caused by the satellite distribution system could be either system-related (due to scheduling errors, software problems, satellite interference); or uplink-related (problems related to the uplink sending the event, including operator error, equipment malfunction, microwave or telco link problems, power outage, etc.).

In either of these cases, NPR Distribution will provide an additional transmission of the impaired program at no additional charge to you. This is known as a makegood. Please note: If an uplink is late in starting a transmission, but the program is still sent in its entirety within its booked time, then a makegood will not be scheduled.

Impairments caused by the program distributor may include poor quality recording, program master length problems, telephone circuit or microwave problems ("first mile" problems), loss or late delivery of medium to the uplink, or late notice of scheduling changes to NPR Distribution. In these cases, you may choose to provide stations with an additional feed of the program. This is called a "retransmission" and is done at a program distributor's expense.

When a makegood is ordered by NPR Distribution as a result of a system or uplink-related problem, we bill the program distributor for the first transmission only. For retransmissions ordered by the distributor, we bill you full rates for both the first and second transmissions. If no retransmission is ordered, then you are billed for the entire first transmission.

NPR Distribution gets information on trouble transmissions from the daily NOC Discrepancy Log, uplinks, distributors, and stations. We are responsible for determining the type of problem, for scheduling the additional transmissions, and for informing stations and the uplink.

Missed Feeds

Occasionally, local, technical, or operational failure will cause a station to miss the scheduled feed of your program. When this happens, stations have several alternatives. They may contact you directly to ask for a copy of the program. Or, they may try contacting other stations to get a dub.