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Write to WBUR/NPR radio and tell them to stream in a format other than MP3!

jgrant's picture
Submitted by jgrant on Fri, 2007-06-01 13:40.

MP3 is encumbered with patents which require listeners to buy licensed players or risk facing patent infringement lawsuits. Since WBUR is publicly funded, it seems silly for it to use resources to enrich a private enterprise. Listeners have already payed once to have the content made, so they shouldn't have to pay an extra MP3 tax.
There are a few viable alternatives to MP3. I strongly suggest WBUR/NPR switch to OGG. OGG is not covered by patents or cumbersome licenses. It is an open format which means anybody can use it, modify it for their own needs, or distribute it. As you know, Microsoft had to pay up millions of dollars for their use of MP3 and I think it's a unnecessary risk for your station to use it.

Use this template from our wiki to send a letter to WBUR/NPR:

use this letter here

For more information about ogg, please see this site

Contact WBUR/NPR and let them know that they should offer their avid listeners an alternative that won't bind them in any way.

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