Why do you repeat programs?

Bluegrass Country currently uses a combination of programs created specifically for the Web site, programs created by independent producers and those broadcast initially on WAMU 88.5, American University Radio in Washington, DC. Present financial considerations require that we repeat programs in order to fill a 24 hour 7 day a week service schedule. We hope increased financial support in the future will enable us to add additional programming, and reduce the number of repeat hours.

Why don’t you offer “audio on demand” so I can listen to programs at a time convenient to me instead of having to listen to whatever is scheduled?

There are legal restrictions on which Internet streams may be delivered “on demand,” and Bluegrass Country does not have the rights for on-demand music streams. Bluegrass Country does offer some special productions and recordings for which we do have “on demand” rights, like the Artist of the Month series.

Why don’t you pre-announce or display onscreen the titles of the current set of songs as you play them?

Unlike terrestrial radio broadcasts, Internet streams are prohibited from posting or announcing the specific titles of upcoming tracks. Also, unlike many streams, our shows are actual radio programs, not individual songs strung together off a hard drive, and as such, our hosts do not automically record the artist and title of each track.

Do you have plans to enhance your Web site with features other than music, for example, items of general interest to bluegrass music fans?

Glad you asked! Keep checking our Web site for additional features and offerings. We don’t intend to stand still! Many additional features are planned to provide a high level of service and entertainment to our world wide webcast listener audience. We add these features as our listener financial support grows.

I would like to make a donation to support Bluegrass Country. But how can I be assured my credit card number is secure when I send it to you via the Internet?

We value your privacy and security, and so your transaction is processed by our secure server. After your sale is completed your card information is deleted or stored in an encrypted database and you have complete access to make changes or cancel your membership. If you have additional security concerns, please contact us.

What is Bluegrass Country? Are you public, commercial, part of American University or something else? What is your philosophy on advertising content?

Bluegrass Country is a wholly owned operation of WAMU 88.5, American University Radio, a public (not-for-profit) radio service located in Washington, D.C. Our site received start up public “seed” money in 2001 from the United States National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in the form of a small grant. WAMU 88.5 provides operational support. As of 2006, Bluegrass Country operates as a self-supporting entity with a support base similar to WAMU 88.5 and many other public radio stations in the United States. That financial support structure consists of donations from BluegrassCountry.org listeners, occasional funding from public sources (such as grants), and corporate sponsors. Our content and selection of music is determined solely by the Bluegrass Country hosts and production staff.

Why do I need to register to listen?

On Friday, July 20, we began asking you to register on BluegrassCountry.org in order to listen to our live music stream. Registration is free. By registering, you will allow us to communicate with you in order to better meet your needs. Read more about the registration requirement in our FAQ.

As always, your personal information will be used exclusively by Bluegrass Country, and will not be shared with outside organizations. More information about how we ensure your privacy is available here.

Registration on BluegrassCountry.org will have no effect on your current membership contributions. Bluegrass Country members provide one in every five dollars (20%) it costs to keep the bluegrass music coming. We hope that when you register to listen to our streaming bluegrass music, you will also take a moment to reaffirm your commitment to supporting this unique service by also becoming a member.

What is the difference between becoming a member and registering on the site?

Registration: Registering on our site allows you free access to our live audio streams.

Membership: Becoming a member is one way you can support Bluegrass Country. While you can login to your membership account, it is a completely separate, secure login strictly for managing your Bluegrass Country account and reviewing your onling giving history.