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I have a strong feeling that they will charge for it eventually. Maybe the app will ask them to donate as they use it?

I don't know if their funding/production model is flexible enough to allow them to do it, but it seems like some great opportunities for IAP here.

For example, if Planet Money produced a monthly bonus episode for, say, $5, I know I wouldn't think twice before tapping "Buy".

I could get behind some premium long form content from NPR, especially Planet Money.

I have a strong feeling that when your local station's pledge drive begins, the app will use your location data to generate notifications about donating, which you'll be able to do through the app.

At least, that's how I would do it. NPR is missing out on a big donation opportunity by not taking advantage of an app store's built-in in-app purchase/donation infrastructure.

It already includes a donation link under the station name. Right now it just sends you an email with donation info. Hopefully they can streamline that in the future.

Unfortunately Apple's ToS explicitly forbid charitable donations inside of apps, which is exactly what an IAP donation would be. Public radio's hands are tied unless Apple changes it's policies.

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