Use this page to find instructions and videos on how to volunteer remotely for AINC successfully, and find helpful resources for troubleshooting any issues. Navigate to instructions relevant to you by using the navigation buttons below. Please follow all instructions carefully and always follow AINC protocol to ensure your program gets aired correctly and best serves our listeners.
If you do more than 1 regular program, your Volunteer Portal accounts will list your programs on the left side of the portal when you log in. You must upload the appropriate audio file in the appropriate folder by clicking the program name on the left and uploading each one individually within it’s folder.
Some people are experiencing issues when both Studio Recorder AND Audacity are installed on their computer. You may need to uninstall Studio Recorder to prevent issues with Audacity. To do this, right click on Studio Recorder and click “uninstall”.
AINC recommends you use the recording software, Audacity. We do not provide support or training for any other software on PC or Mac. Click the steps below to see step-by-step guides and videos.
NOTICE: There may be ads on the web page with prominent “download” buttons. If they are not Audacity download button, do not click.
2. Click the version you want to install (either “Audacity Windows Installer” or “Audacity macOS DMG”). The download will save to your computer.
3. Run the installer to begin using Audacity
NOTE FOR THOSE WHO PREVIOUSLY USED STUDIO RECORDER: Some people are experiencing issues when both Studio Recorder AND Audacity are installed on their computer. You may need to uninstall Studio Recorder to prevent issues with Audacity. To do this, right click on Studio Recorder and click “uninstall”.
Breakdown of Steps in Audacity:
A critical step is actually turning in your audio.
AINC recommends you use the recording app, Voice Record Pro. We do not provide support or training for any other software on mobile. Click the steps below to see step-by-step guides and videos.
Export with a 192 kbps bit-rate. This can be done in the recording settings before you begin recording.
Breakdown of Steps in Voice Record Pro:
Click the video for instructions and demonstration.
A critical step is actually turning in your audio.
You can alter these in the options settings of your recording program, or in the export settings.
You can use any recording software you prefer as long as you submit it in .mp3 format.
Programs we can provide training and support on:
We will no longer support these previously supported programs:
Remember, recording is just 1 step of the process. It is critical you submit your completed file to us via the portal!
Most newspapers and magazines have a e-edition (online version). Typically, AINC has an account with your publication and you must contact Kat for the log-in information. These are 3RD PARTY COMPANIES – we have no control over their ads, pop-ups, or other problems with their website.
You don’t need a fancy microphone unless you are setting up a permanent studio. A gaming mic or simple USB microphone will be adequate. Here are some microphones we have worked with or have been suggested. You can find these at your local Best Buy or on Amazon.
Yes, please read the script as written. The intro at the beginning, and the outro at the end. We will always have the most up-to-date on available on the Volunteer Portal.
You may need 2 screens. If you are tech savvy, you can do split screen on your PC, record from one and read from the other at the same time. Or, use your mobile device to read from and your computer to record on.
If you are using another recording software, you can usually have it recording behind the scenes as you navigate your articles online. Be sure to test this before recording a long file.
If, for example, you are going out of town next week so you wish to submit 2 weeks worth of your program, you must name your files accordingly. The one you wish to play next will be your normal naming convention – that is, with no numbers.
The one you wish to play soonest will be went.mp3
The one you wish to play next week you will need to name went2.mp3
The one you wish to play the week after next week you will need to name went3.mp3
It is important to only include numbers if you are stacking programs. If you frequently stack and you are not sure what we have in the queue, reach out to Alex (aflynn@aincolorado.org) and we will tell you how many you have left and what number you should put at the end of your file name. Just remember that the system will shift all numbers down around midnight of your “first air” day, and will always grab the lowest number first.
If you submit or anticipate you will submit your file after the “first air” day and time, it is critical you contact aflynn@aincolorado.org. Not doing so can confuse the system and your weekly cycle could be off, meaning, the system won’t automatically air it until another 7 day cycle passes.
All of AINC’s publishing platforms (podcast, broadcast, stream, and telephone access) run on very specific weekly schedules. Each program has a “first air” day and then will repeat the same episode for a 7 day cycle. When you submit your program does not affect when it is published as long as it is before the “first air” day and time. Contact aflynn@aincolorado.org to inquire about what this time is for your program. If you are still concerned that it is publishing the wrong episode, please contact aflynn@aincolorado.org
Our Volunteer Portal is optimized to make uploading your audio file as fast as possible, but depending on your home environment (Such as your internet speed, Wi-Fi, or device capabilities) the upload speed can sometimes be inconveniently slow or time-out before the upload completes. You should expect uploads to take anywhere between 1 and 20 minutes. If uploading takes longer than that, here are some tips to increasing your upload speed:
Please double check the email sent from AINC to ensure you are entering your correct username. If you do this and it still doesn’t work, contact aflynn@aincolorado.org.
Please double check the email sent from AINC to ensure you are entering your correct password. If you do this and it still doesn’t work, contact aflynn@aincolorado.org.
Use this checklist to ensure you are following AINC protocol. This is just a general guide – there may be more protocols in addition to this list that are provided in your training materials. Not following protocol will likely lead to your program not airing correctly, or even at all.
✔ Name your file correctly and consistently as your program code. DO NOT include dates, capital letters, or spaces in the file name. Only include numbers if you are stacking programs to air for a future date (not common).
✔ Submit your file by the deadline. Your file MUST be turned in by the time indicated to you by the volunteer coordinator. Aim for earlier incase you run into any issues upon upload. If you upload a file late, you MUST contact an AINC staff person ASAP.
✔Read the intro and outro scripts as-is on every audio file.
✔ Bit-rate MUST be 192 kbps or higher.
✔ Audio MUST be in .mp3 format.
✔ Audio MUST be the correct duration.
✔ Submit your volunteer hours regularly.
✔ Always verbally credit the authors of articles.