Public radio music programmers are making their content easier to find.
NPR and a dozen stations got together and launched a free multimedia “music discovery” site. NPR Music contains on-air and online content from the network and stations, as well as unique content including interviews and live performances.
The site, www.NPR.org/music, “permits users to explore, experience and enjoy all the music genres that are found on public radio,” organizers say.
Taking part are KEXP and KPLU Seattle; KUT Austin; WBGO Newark; WDUQ Pittsburgh; WFUV and WNYC New York; WGBH Boston; WGUC Cincinnati; WKSU/Folk Alley Kent, Ohio; WXPN Philadelphia; and American Public Media/Minnesota Public Radio. Other stations are expected to join.
Sections are dedicated to rock/pop/folk, classical, jazz/blues, world and urban music. The site promises thousands of features, with more than 200 to be added monthly.
Features include a video challenge to songwriters to write and record an original song in two days at NPR studios; in-studio video performances; audio stories about individual songs; and five-song sets curated by musicians and public radio music personalities.
Coinciding with the launch is an NPR media player that allows users to create a playlist for video and audio, dating from 2004, on the site; it also makes recommendations for related content depending on a user’s selections.
The service lets stations incorporate modular content offerings like RSS feeds and Javascript modules into their Web sites.
