About NPR: Contact NPR: Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I find a story I heard on the air?
• Help! I've tried everything and I still can't find what I'm looking for.
• How do I listen to NPR audio on the Web site?
• How can I find out more about the music I heard between news stories?
• I clicked on the audio link but I can't hear the story. What's wrong?
• Can I just read the story online? The transcript doesn't come up when I click on the link.
• What's the best way to send a story idea to NPR?
• How can I submit a commentary or essay?
• I got an e-mail saying NPR's funding is being cut. Is it true?
• How can I listen to NPR if I am overseas?

Please contact us at nprhelp@npr.org if you still need assistance. The help desk is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

How do I find something I heard on the air?

If you know which show aired the piece, you can check in the show archives. Just go to the pulldown menu at the top of this page and choose the program. A link to the latest show and previous shows is in the navigation bar on the right side.

Try using our search engine at the top right hand side of this page, or in the archives. Remember: Using fewer words may result in a more successful search. Instead of "totenberg military trials", try just "totenberg".

There are other public broadcasting networks that produce shows heard on NPR member stations. You can find a list of these shows by using the pulldown menu at the top of this page and choosing 'additional programming,' or 'other public radio programs'.

You might also try the public radio search engine, Radio Scout.

If none of these tips works, contact NPR Listener Services at (202) 513-3232 Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.

Help! I've tried everything and I still can't find what I'm looking for.

All of the radio stations that air NPR programs are independent entities and many produce their own programs. It's possible what you heard was only broadcast on the station in your area. To find your local public radio station, check the list of NPR member stations.

How do I listen to NPR audio on the Web site?

To hear NPR audio you need to have an audio player installed on your computer.

NPR audio created after Feb. 1, 2003, can be played with either the Windows Media player or the RealOne player.

Audio created before Feb. 1, 2003, can only be heard with a Real player.

If you do not have a player, download a free one here. If you have a problem with your player, find out how to contact the player's technical support department.

After you have downloaded a player, the first time you play NPR audio a screen will appear asking you to select your preferred player. Make your choice and your browser will remember your preference.

If you are using a Macintosh computer and are experiencing difficulties, please visit our Mac help page.

How can I find out more about the music I heard between news stories?

You can find out about these music bits -- which we call 'buttons ' -- by going to the Morning Edition main page or to the All Things Considered homepage. Either click on the archive or latest show link in the right navigation bar and check the listing for the day you're looking for.

If you like the music you heard there, visit our Web-only music site All Songs Considered. The show features artists heard on some of the NPR news programs.

I clicked on the audio link but I can't hear the story. What's wrong?

If you have a problem listening to NPR online, have a look at the fixes for various operating systems and browsers on our audio help page.

Can I just read the story online? The transcript doesn't come up when I click on the link.

Because of the high cost of transcribing every story on NPR newsmagazines, transcripts of our stories are not available to read online at this time. However, you may purchase tapes and transcripts of individual segments and entire shows. For ordering information, please visit our tapes and transcripts Web page.

What's the best way to send a story idea to NPR?

We're always interested in hearing your suggestions for stories for NPR newsmagazines and newscasts. Please read our tips for how to submit a story idea.

How can I submit a commentary or essay?

We are looking for essays that tell a tale, reveal a personal reflection, or add an informed perspective to events in the news. We want pieces that express an original idea with clear, creative writing. While many essays are from regularly-scheduled commentators, we also want to hear from people who can comment on a once-only basis.

Here are some guidelines:

• Send one or two written commentaries in the body of the e-mail. Because of security and virus concerns, we are unable to open e-mails with attachments.
• Each commentary should take about two-and-a-half minutes to read aloud (about 300 words in length).
• Please include your name, address, daytime telephone number, and e-mail address.

Send your commentary (with the word "Commentary Submission" in the subject line) to Morning Edition: mecommentary@npr.org, All Things Considered: atccommentary@npr.org or The Tavis Smiley Show's Sheryl Flowers (sflowers@npr.org)

I got an e-mail saying NPR's funding was being cut? Is this true?

No. This urban myth has been making the rounds since around 1995. Read more about how the story got started.

How can I listen to NPR if I am overseas? You can find the information about listening to NPR overseas at the NPR Worldwide page or you can also listen NPR programs online via the streaming program. Find out more on our program stream information page.