AES Bows ‘Sustainers’ Program to Subsidize Funding of Its Standards Operations

The Audio Engineering Society is launching a “standards sustainers” program to subsidize funding of its standards development operations by soliciting monetary contributions from outside companies, the group said in a Friday announcement. Sustainers may contribute at four different levels, ranging from a $1,000 “basic” contribution to a $10,000 “platinum” endowment, AES said. “Numerous standards in development are driving an expansion of the AES standards operation,” it said. “That necessitates an expanded base of funding. Unlike other technical societies with standards programs, AES does not charge participation fees.” AES believes “a completely open process ultimately produces better and more widely accepted standards,” it said. “Consequently, other sources of revenue are required.”