Frequently Asked Questions

What is Old Time Radio?

Old Time Radio (OTR) refers to the era of scripted radio programming in the United States, roughly from the 1920s through the early 1960s. During this "golden age," radio was the dominant entertainment medium, producing drama, comedy, mystery, westerns, science fiction, and variety shows that reached tens of millions of listeners.

Is this content legal to distribute?

Yes. The vast majority of Old Time Radio recordings are in the public domain. We research the copyright status of every recording in our archive. Recordings published before 1923 are definitively public domain. Most OTR broadcasts from the golden age have entered the public domain through expiration or non-renewal of copyright. We maintain a DMCA process for any legitimate concerns.

What formats do you sell?

We offer four formats: Digital Download (instant MP3), USB Drive (16GB branded drive with printed booklet), CD-R Set (archival-grade discs), and DVD-ROM (high-capacity, includes booklet PDF). All physical formats include free shipping within the US and a printed collector's booklet.

What's in the printed booklet?

Each physical order includes a custom booklet covering the show's history, cast biographies, production notes, cultural context, trivia, and a complete episode guide. These are exclusive to physical orders and not available separately.

Can I stream for free?

Absolutely. Our six Icecast channels broadcast 24/7 at no cost — mystery, comedy, western, sci-fi, crime, and adventure. No account required. Just click play.

What audio quality are the episodes?

Every episode undergoes digital restoration to remove surface noise, hum, and deterioration. The source material varies — some episodes come from pristine network transcription discs, others from collector recordings. We restore each to the best possible quality while preserving the original character of the broadcast.

Do you offer volume or institutional pricing?

Yes. Libraries, retirement communities, schools, hospitals, and other institutions can purchase collections at volume discounts. Visit our institutional sales page for pricing tiers and contact information.

How does the Free Episode of the Week work?

Every week we release one complete episode for free download. Sign up for our newsletter to receive it — we rotate across different shows so you can discover new favorites. It's our way of sharing the archive with everyone.

Can I request a specific show or episode?

Yes! Use our Request Line to tell us what you'd like to hear on our live streams or what shows you'd like to see added to the archive. We read every request.

How do I contact you?

Use our contact page or email us directly. We respond to all inquiries within 48 hours.