-----Original Message-----
From: Robert Spier [mailto:email@hidden]
Sent: Wednesday, April 09, 2003 9:24 AM
To: Robert Spier
Subject: Termination of Apple QuickTime on NPR.org
Dear Stations:
For several years, npr.org has provided its 24-hour program stream (a
continuous delayed loop of NPR programs) in Apple QuickTime format,
as well
as in the Real and Windows Media formats. A few months ago, we also
started
offering the NPR hourly newscasts in the Apple QuickTime format, in
addition
to the Real and Windows Media formats we had been offering for years.
And,
we have streamed some special All Songs Considered episodes in the
Apple
QuickTime format. All of the above Apple QuickTime streaming has
occurred
under agreements with Apple QuickTime.
We have been renegotiating these agreements with Apple QuickTime for a
number of months but we have failed to reach mutually acceptable
terms. As a
result, we will cease offering any NPR content in Apple QuickTime
format
effective today (April 9, 2003).
More generally, our overall approach has been, and continues to be,
to try
to provide users with a choice of formats, as long as the content be
reasonably secured against downloading and unauthorized posting on
the Web.
The types of the audio we offer also guide our approach toward audio
formats. The 24-hour program stream, by its nature, cannot be readily
downloaded.
NPR.org is evaluating the possibility of offering the 24-hour program
stream
in the MP3 format. In the meantime, the program stream will remain
available
in Real and Windows Media, as will all of NPR's on-demand, archived
content.
Please contact me with any questions concerning this announcement.
Best regards.
Robert Spier | NPR Online Station Services
202.513.3636 | email@hidden
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