Transmission Problems

Trouble Transmissions

Sometimes a program transmission is not completed as scheduled. This can be the result of either a satellite system problem or a problem with the delivery of the program to the STC.

A makegood is an extra feed of a program, scheduled by NPR Distribution, due to a technical or operational failure by the satellite system in delivering the primary feed to the stations. Typically, makegoods are scheduled as soon as possible on the next business day after the impairment is discovered. At a program distributor�s option; however, a program or series may be designated as having "Short Notice Makegood" status, which means that the makegood will be scheduled as soon as possible after the impairment is noted, but at least one hour after the end of the impaired transmission.

A retransmission is an extra feed of a program, requested by the distributor, usually due to a technical or operational problem on the distributor's part in supplying the program to the system.

Stations are advised of makegoods or retransmissions via the DACS. Generally, a second transmission is not scheduled for live events.

Missed Feeds/Refeeds

Occasionally, a station will miss a scheduled satellite feed due to a local technical or operational failure. When this happens, stations have several alternatives. They can contact the program producer directly to ask for a copy of the program, or they can contact other stations to ask for a dub. They can also request a satellite refeed of the program from NPR Distribution. This refeed is at the station's expense and is at a reduced cost.

To request a satellite refeed of a program, stations should call Public Radio Services at 202.513.2600. A customer service representative will ask for a station Refeed Authorization Number. This authorization number is a three-digit number assigned to each station by Distribution Business Activities. If you do not know your authorization number, please call Business Activities at 202.513.2618.

Satellite time for a refeed can sometimes be scheduled with a minimum of one hour's notice, provided that channel space and a tape of the program are available. This would also depend on how soon contact is made with the respective uplink. Costs are based on time of day and uplink's ability to refeed. Public Radio Services can help determine approximate costs for refeeds. Please keep in mind that refeeds are booked as "unconfirmed" feeds and receive a 65% discount off regular channel rates. Under this discount, a feed may be bumped to accommodate another program source paying a higher rate for satellite space.

Once a refeed has been ordered, schedule changes or cancellations made more than two hours before the scheduled satellite time incur a 15% service charge; changes or cancellations made less than two hours before scheduled time incur a 25% service charge. In most cases, service charges are based on charges for both uplink and channels. Please review the current public radio channel and uplink rates.

For Satellite Refeeds, please call 202.513.2600.