NPR Unveils New Terrestrial Distribution Platform

NPR is developing a next-generation terrestrial distribution platform designed to transform how public radio stations across the U.S. receive programming. The initiative is being led by NPR Distribution, which operates the Public Radio Satellite System (PRSS) and currently delivers live and pre-produced content to approximately 1,200 public radio stations, including NPR member stations and community broadcasters.

The new platform, called ContentDepot Edge, aims to modernize broadcast distribution while preserving the reliability and functionality of existing systems.

“Integration of local and national news and programming is essential to the public radio experience,” NPR said in its announcement. “To advance innovations in broadcast distribution, NPR Distribution will introduce a new low-latency terrestrial receiver.”

The ContentDepot Edge system will allow for key advancements including station-to-station content sharing, geo-targeted delivery, and enhanced metadata, monitoring, and playback capabilities. It is designed as both a hardware and software solution that operates over public internet connections — such as fiber, 5G, and satellite internet — while maintaining NPR’s high standards for uptime and reliability.

The new receiver will seamlessly integrate with the existing ContentDepot platform, offering higher audio quality, faster file transfers, and simplified installation through a plug-and-play setup.

A pilot program will launch this summer, in partnership with 16 public radio stations across the country and select commercial partners. The new receivers will run alongside current satellite receivers to ensure a smooth transition without disrupting service.

NPR notes that ContentDepot Edge was developed specifically to address technical challenges that have historically hindered widespread public radio use of terrestrial broadband delivery. The platform is intended to ensure public radio remains accessible, affordable, and resilient into the future.

NPR pioneered satellite distribution for public broadcasting more than 40 years ago with the launch of PRSS. With ContentDepot Edge, the organization says it is continuing its legacy of innovation to meet the evolving needs of its listeners and member stations.

“This new platform will help ensure that public radio interconnection remains reliable, affordable, and accessible into the future,” NPR stated, “preserving access to national content for communities across the nation while taking advantage of technological advancements to expand NPR’s capabilities as a network.”