Where do we go from here?

The VStar Network is a supplemental programming service offering top-quality, award-winning programming only for public radio stations.  Our service is digitally delivered from our studios to your station via point-to-point internet connections. Programming is delivered in a continuous live stream with multiple break away points for local station insertions.  Client stations can select as little or as much of our live service as they wish.

Absolutely not!  Hundreds of public radio stations are facing major disruptions in both income and programming due to the elimination of funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.  The VStar Network’s mission is to provide top-quality, award-winning programming to stations which need to continue operations with diminished financial and personnel resources.  National Public Radio is a treasured staple for most public radio stations;  VStar is available as a quality supplemental programming resource at extremely affordable subscription rates. 

The VStar Network is nearing the “roll-out” stage for its 24/7 program schedule.  At this juncture, we’re looking for a “test station” as our initial subscriber to use as much or as little of our daily program schedule as needed.  At most we will offer two public radio stations, from different markets, a 100% free subscription until December, 2026!  

A commitment for 12 months is required.

The VStar Network schedule provides a continuous 24-hours-a-day series of program “blocks.”  Most blocks (with several exceptions) begin at the top of the hour and the bottom of the hour.  Stations may also break away for local underwriters, weather or traffic updates, etc. at floating break points within each program block.  The program stream continues and cannot be paused but “fill” programming of at least 30-60 seconds will run after each obvious on-air break if your station decides to insert local content.

At this point, VStar Network programming is a continuous “live-stream only” service; individual programs cannot be downloaded.  In the near future, VStar may elect to offer individual downloading of specific programs if enough station interest is suggested.

The VStar Network service will NOT require a board operator since our program service runs continuously, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  For stations requiring overnight programming, VStar would be an ideal choice.  In one sense, connecting to VStar is roughly equivalent to a station’s automation system.  Again, the network stream can simply run unattended or be used in tandem with a live board operator for local program content insertion.

The most accurate barometer for audience acceptance is past performance.  Each of the programs offered during VStar’s 24/7 live program stream has been aired (in small, medium, and large markets) with remarkable and positive support from listeners and underwriters.  Programs such as Kaleidoscope, Sandman Standards, and classic radio shows have consistently out-performed nearly all other non-NPR offerings by any metric…financial, station identity in its market, underwriting, ratings…).  From our extensive public radio broadcast experiences, once listeners hear these new and exciting programs, they’re intrigued and highly likely to tune in again.  For the most part, the program blocks delivered by VStar are unqualifiedly unique!  No other station in your market will be able to offer anything like it.

To be sure, VStar is not a “live” news service.  Most of our staff have spent their careers working with NPR programming and appreciate the fierce loyalty of listeners and members.  However, while not a replacement for NPR, VStar will bring an entirely new stream of award-winning, income-producing programs to your on-air sound that would otherwise be totally unavailable to you.  Given the flexibility of the VStar live program stream, your station can opt to join the network at any time of the day for as long as you wish.  VStar’s program offerings can bring an entirely new base of listeners (and donors) to any station.

This is a valid and undeniable concern!  All of us at VStar have served in top management roles at public stations, large and small.  Having faced the same realities as you, we can offer these assurances:

100% money-back guarantee.  (If your station believes that VStar’s programming has not met your financial or listener expectations, your investment will be fully refunded.  However, we do require that stations broadcast at least some significant program blocks for a 12-month trial run.  After 12 months…you decide!  Is V-Star worth it or do you expect a refund?  Your choice!

The program blocks offered on the VStar Network are all “tried and true” success stories at other public radio stations.  While we cannot hope to replace the NPR news service we can offer unique and proven “audience-grabbing” programs such as Kaleidoscope, Sandman Standards, The Big Broadcast, Audiosyncracies, and the rest!  

VStar provides extremely high-quality digital audio from our studios directly to yours via the internet.  Subscribing stations have two options for connecting to our network services:

·  Purchase of a Barix 100 “Exstreamer” unit (either on your own or from VStar)

·  Using the VLC computer app “VLC” media player’s sound card audio output.

In either case, VStar engineers will assist your staff in the initial setup procedures at no additional cost.

We’ve already established our 100% money-back guarantee (with the aforementioned expectations).  Given that, we minimally expect some reasonable (you define it) usage of our programming.  Any time new programs are introduced, it takes an indeterminate amount of time for listeners to (a) hear it; (b) grow accustomed to its presence; and (c) decide that this is an important part of their listening day.  We expect that any station, in its own best interests, will not only carry their own choice of program blocks but promote them on their local airwaves to the best of their ability.  Other than that, we have no expectations.  All of us at VStar are current or former public radio station managers and staff.  Our objective is to provide solid and affordable programming options for stations trying to maintain quality service to listeners, after the demise of CPB funding in 2026!