NPR tweaks Composer 2.0 software for classical stations

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NPR Digital has altered the latest version of its Composer software used by stations for tracking playlists and scheduling programs. Composer 2.0, which replaced the earlier Composer Pro product, rolled out in beta this spring.

The changes respond to feedback from classical-music stations, who said the new version, as well as its predecessor, didn’t fit their needs. The software couldn’t accurately track scheduling of symphonies and extended performance credits, according to St. John Flynn, p.d. of Classical 91.7/Houston Public Media and president of the Association of Music Personnel in Radio.

Composer’s developers plan to adapt the software by revamping the user interface for classical music and adding new playlist entry fields, said Stephanie Miller, director of station relations for NPR Digital Services.

The revised software should be completed by the end of the year.

This article was first published in Current, Oct. 7, 2013.

6 thoughts on “NPR tweaks Composer 2.0 software for classical stations

    • Have you ever heard that there can be more than one NPR station in a market? Have you ever heard of WQXR, KUSC, Minnesota Public Radio Classical Network, Classical New England, KING, etc., etc.? Perhaps you’ve forgotten that this is not 1940 and people expect consistency from their radio stations and not a new format every few hours.

      • If there can be more than one NPR station in a market, why do they all sound the same?

        Perhaps you’ve forgotten that public radio has a different mission than commercial radio and that niche programming is actually okay — some of us like diversity.

        And, oh, yes, I’m posting under a fake name because I like being an international man or woman of mystery. Catch me if you can.

        • Does WQXR sound exactly like WNYC? WFUV? WGBO? All are NPR member stations. Look it up.

          And why you do consider Dead White European Culture Music more important than the only serious and purposeful broadcast news organization left in the U.S.?

          • I would reply in detail but apparently one is not allowed to say harsh things about NPR in this comments section.

          • What’s your problem with NPR? Is it because you’re both an elitist snob and a teabagger?

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