Effective October 1st ACA WSO is reinstating a $3 fee for downloadable audio recordings and transitioning its audio library to a dedicated digital distribution platform.

This change was authorized by the ACA WSO Board of Trustees as part of a broader effort to improve financial sustainability and more responsibly manage ACA’s digital resources.

The change applies to downloadable convention presentations, workshops, speaker recordings, and other ACA WSO audio resources that are made available through WSO websites and digital platforms.

Why the fee is being reinstated

Before COVID, ACA WSO charged $3 for downloadable audio recordings. During COVID, newer recordings were made available without charge, while older recordings retained the existing fee.

Members clearly value these recordings, but producing, administering, hosting, preserving, and distributing a large digital audio archive requires ongoing resources. At a time when WSO is operating under significant financial pressure and reviewing expenses and reasonable sources of revenue across the organization, continuing to provide nearly the entire audio archive as free downloads is no longer sustainable.

Reinstating the $3 fee allows WSO to recover at least part of the cost of maintaining these resources while keeping individual recordings affordable.

Managing ACA’s digital resources responsibly

WSO is also transitioning recordings to an audio download management platform, or another approved controlled digital distribution platform, rather than continuing to distribute unrestricted MP3 files.

This will help WSO better manage how ACA audio content is distributed and reduce unauthorized copying and redistribution of digital recordings.

What will change

As the new system is implemented:

• Individual downloadable recordings will be priced at $3 each.
• Discounted bundles may be offered where appropriate.
• Unrestricted free MP3 downloads will be phased out as fee-based versions become available.
• Selected recordings may still be offered at no charge when doing so serves a legitimate ACA purpose, such as newcomer outreach, public information, event promotion, or fellowship service.
• WSO also intends to explore a low-cost subscription option for members who regularly listen to multiple recordings as that capability becomes available.

The subscription option is not part of the immediate change and will be developed separately as the audio library and distribution platform evolve.

Supporting long-term access

The goal of this change is not to create a barrier to recovery material. It is to move from a system in which nearly all recordings are routinely given away for free to one that places a modest value on the resource while still allowing selected no-cost access where it supports ACA’s service purpose.

WSO will continue working to make ACA audio resources accessible while also managing them responsibly and supporting the organization’s long-term financial sustainability.