TWiRT - This Week in Radio Tech - Podcast

TWiRT
  • 4.7 (19)
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  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Technology Podcast for Radio Engineers

Episodes

  1. 5D AGO

    TWiRT 800 - An Engineered Alternative to Satellite Delivery with Adrian Berkovits

    For the 800th episode of This Week in Radio Tech, we’re joined by Adrian Berkovits of Adventure33 to take a deeper technical look at the Prism audio program distribution platform. Adrian explains how Prism can serve both as a one-to-many program delivery system for radio networks and as a reliable studio-to-transmitter link solution for individual broadcasters. The discussion covers redundancy strategies, transport concepts, endpoint deployment, and practical implementation considerations for broadcast engineers. Adrian also shares the development philosophy behind Prism and details many of the technical nuances engineers will want to understand before deploying a modern IP-based program distribution system. Join us for Episode 800 of TWiRT for an informative engineering-focused conversation about modern audio distribution for radio broadcasting. Show Notes: Streaming Protocols: Everything You Need to Know (Update) Basic info about HLS streaming The history of streaming told through protocols Prism website Guest: Adrian Berkovits - Chief Problem Solver at Adventure33 Host: Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai Broadcasting Follow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube. TWiRT is brought to you by: Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc.  Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio. Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement. Angry Audio and the new USB Phone Gizmo - Put VoIP callers on-the-air The new MaxxKonnect RMT416 Multi Tuner - 4 to 16 AM/FM/WB/HD web-connected tuners in 1 RU Subscribe to Audio: iTunes RSS Stitcher TuneIn Subscribe to Video: iTunes RSS YouTube

  2. MAY 8

    TWiRT 799 - Engineering After the Temple of Five 9's with Tracy Teagarden

    On this episode of This Week in Radio Tech, we talk with Tracy Teagarden, Chief Engineer for Audacy in Las Vegas, Nevada. Tracy shares the story of building an extraordinarily reliable transmitter site that was eventually sold off due to changing business priorities—but this conversation is really about what engineers do next. He explains how that same drive for reliability has led to major improvements in his remaining facilities and to proactive cooperation with chief engineers from competing broadcasters in the Las Vegas market. Tracy also gives us an inside look at his studio and STL infrastructure, including both point-to-point IP links and traditional 950 MHz STL systems, along with his philosophy of designing broadcast systems for maximum reliability. Finally, Tracy talks about hiring and mentoring new engineers and what it takes to prepare the next generation for success in broadcast engineering. Don’t miss episode 799 of This Week in Radio Tech. Guest: Tracy Teagarden - Chief Engineer at Audacy Las Vegas Host: Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai Broadcasting Follow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube. TWiRT is brought to you by: Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc.  Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio. Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement. Angry Audio and the new StereoToolBox - delivering FM and HD audio processing, plus streaming, RDS, and microMPX - all for less than half of the other boxes. The new MaxxKonnect RMT416 Multi Tuner - 4 to 16 AM/FM/WB/HD web-connected tuners in 1 RU   Subscribe to Audio: iTunes RSS Stitcher TuneIn Subscribe to Video: iTunes RSS YouTube

  3. MAY 2

    TWiRT 798 - Engineering in Market #4 with Shane Toven

    Ever wonder what it takes to keep major-market radio on the air from transmitter sites built at the San Francisco Bay—and studios where space is at a premium? On Episode 798 of This Week in Radio Tech, we’re joined by Shane Toven, Chief Engineer for Cumulus Media in San Francisco, who shares hard-earned insights from some truly unique installations around the Bay. From towers rising out of the bay itself to high-demand remote broadcasts at sporting events, concerts, and local businesses, Shane walks through modern, practical techniques for getting reliable audio back to the studio. He also reveals how Cumulus is rethinking the Technical Operations Center (TOC) with an unconventional design and workflow that maximizes efficiency in tight quarters. It’s a fast-moving, engineer-to-engineer conversation packed with real-world experience—don’t miss Episode 798 of This Week in Radio Tech. Guest: Shane Toven - Chief Engineer at Cumulus Media, San Francisco Host: Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai Broadcasting Follow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube. TWiRT is brought to you by: Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc.  Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio. Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement. Angry Audio and the new StereoToolBox - delivering FM and HD audio processing, plus streaming, RDS, and microMPX - all for less than half of the other boxes. The new MaxxKonnect RMT416 Multi Tuner - 4 to 16 AM/FM/WB/HD web-connected tuners in 1 RU   Subscribe to Audio: iTunes RSS Stitcher TuneIn Subscribe to Video: iTunes RSS YouTube

  4. APR 24

    TWiRT 797 - Live at NAB 2026

    We’re live from the Central Hall at NAB 2026 in Las Vegas. It’s one of our biggest shows of the year—and we’re especially glad to welcome back our co-host Chris Tarr, joining us on-site for the conversations and insights that matter to working engineers. This episode is packed with voices from across the broadcast technology landscape—covering AI-driven tools, AoIP infrastructure, remote broadcast solutions, and the business and connectivity strategies that keep stations on the air. We’ve gathered an outstanding lineup of guests from companies like Comrex, AudioScience, Logitek, and MaxxKonnect—all bringing practical, real-world perspectives from the show floor. If you couldn’t make it to NAB this year, this episode brings it to you—with meaningful conversations, fresh ideas, and the technology engineers need right now. Tune in for this special live edition of This Week in Radio Tech. Guests: Lee Price - AI Product Specialist at Audio.co Chase Daniels - Senior Support Specialist at Aiir.com Jeff Schick - Chief Technology Officer at Sprite Media, Inc. Keith Paglia - Sales & Marketing at Sprite Media, Inc. Tom Hartnett - Technical Director at Comrex Chris Crump - Sr. Director of Sales at Comrex Adam Robinson - Director of Sales, Marketing, and Business Development at MaxxKonnect Stephen Turner - Vice President at AudioScience Richard Gross - President at AudioScience Tag Borland - President at Logitek Heather Jeffcoat - Vice President of Finance at MaxxKonnect Josh Bohn - President/CEO at MaxxKonnect Hosts: Chris Tarr - Field Engineer at KLOVE / Air1 Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai Broadcasting Follow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube. TWiRT is brought to you by: Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc.  Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio. Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement. Angry Audio and the new USB Phone Gizmo - Put VoIP callers on-the-air The new MaxxKonnect RMT416 Multi Tuner - 4 to 16 AM/FM/WB/HD web-connected tuners in 1 RU   Subscribe to Audio: iTunes RSS Stitcher TuneIn Subscribe to Video: iTunes RSS YouTube

  5. APR 17

    TWiRT 796 - What's Next, Live at PREC

    This week on This Week in Radio Tech, we’re coming to you live from the Public Radio Engineering Conference (PREC) at the Tuscany Hotel in Las Vegas, just ahead of NAB. We’re talking with leading technology suppliers about practical solutions for terrestrial distribution of both long-form and short-form programming—tools that are already making their way into public radio operations. We’ll also explore emerging captioning technologies designed to help stations meet upcoming regulatory requirements for captioning of both live broadcasts and on-demand content like podcasts. Plus, we sit down with the president of the Association of Public Radio Engineers for insight into where the industry is headed. Join us for a fast-moving, on-the-ground look at the ideas and innovations shaping public radio’s future. Guests: Bill Bennett - Product Design & Solutions Manager at ENCO Systems Mike Pilone - Senior Software Architect at NPR Scott Fybush - All-Purpose Broadcast Consultant Scott Hanley - President, Association of Public Radio Engineers Alex Hartman - Broadcast Equipment Designer and Partner at OMG Dan Merwin - Owner at Broadcast Telecom Michael Chase - SVP, Technology at Spectroteld Host: Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai Broadcasting Follow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube. TWiRT is brought to you by: Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc.  Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio. Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement. Angry Audio and the new USB Phone Gizmo - Put VoIP callers on-the-air The new MaxxKonnect RMT416 Multi Tuner - 4 to 16 AM/FM/WB/HD web-connected tuners in 1 RU   Subscribe to Audio: iTunes RSS Stitcher TuneIn Subscribe to Video: iTunes RSS YouTube

  6. APR 10

    TWiRT 795 - You Might Need a Data Center with Chris Tarr

    Episode 795 of This Week in Radio Tech—“You Might Need a Data Center”—features Chris Tarr explaining how a smart infrastructure decision transformed operations across an entire station group. As VP of Engineering at Magnum Media, Chris made the case to centralize automation, file servers, and metadata systems into a purpose-built data center with robust backup power and redundant connectivity. The result? Greater efficiency, fewer site visits, and a more resilient, well-controlled technical environment. In this episode, Chris walks us through what a private data center can do for broadcasters—capabilities that often go beyond what cloud solutions can offer—and gives a live tour of the racks, systems, and network design. Join us to see how centralization, done right, can streamline your entire operation. Guest: Chris Tarr - Field Engineer at KLOVE / Air1 Host: Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai Broadcasting Follow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube. TWiRT is brought to you by: Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc.  Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio. Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement. Angry Audio and the new USB Phone Gizmo - Put VoIP callers on-the-air The new MaxxKonnect RMT416 Multi Tuner - 4 to 16 AM/FM/WB/HD web-connected tuners in 1 RU   Subscribe to Audio: iTunes RSS Stitcher TuneIn Subscribe to Video: iTunes RSS YouTube

  7. APR 3

    TWiRT 794 - Embrace Podcasting Now with Mike McVay and Craig Bowman

    Radio broadcasters can’t ignore the shift to on-demand listening—and podcasting is a key part of that evolution. On this episode of This Week in Radio Tech, we hear compelling insights from Mike McVay on why embracing podcasting is no longer optional for stations that want to stay relevant. Craig Bowman from Futuri Media joins us to explain how technology is making it easier than ever to turn broadcast content into compelling digital assets. Together, they outline both the strategic importance and the practical pathways for getting started. If you’re thinking about extending your station’s reach beyond the airwaves, this episode is a must-listen. Show Notes: Why Radio Needs to Embrace Podcasting - by Mike McVay Craig talked about POST, an appliance and workflow to turn broadcasts into podcasts. A Futuri article emphasizing time as being a broadcaster’s most valuable resource. Guests: Mike McVay - President at McVay Media Consulting Craig Bowman - Senior Vice President at Futuri Host: Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai Broadcasting Follow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube. TWiRT is brought to you by: Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc.  Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio. Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement. Angry Audio and the new USB Phone Gizmo - Put VoIP callers on-the-air The new MaxxKonnect RMT416 Multi Tuner - 4 to 16 AM/FM/WB/HD web-connected tuners in 1 RU   Subscribe to Audio: iTunes RSS Stitcher TuneIn Subscribe to Video: iTunes RSS YouTube

  8. MAR 27

    TWiRT 793 - Deciding on New or Used Equipment

    We’re tackling a question every broadcast engineer faces: should you buy new equipment, or can used gear deliver the performance and value you need? We’re on location inside the MaxxKonnect used equipment warehouse in Birmingham, Alabama, where Josh Bohn gives us a firsthand tour of aisles packed with everything from mic preamps to full transmitters. We also hear from Adam Robinson on the financial tradeoffs, and Mike Hutchens on real-world engineering use cases where used equipment makes solid technical and operational sense. Whether you’re planning a new build, a backup system, or a budget-conscious upgrade, this episode offers practical insights you can apply immediately. Join us for a candid, informative look at how smart engineers balance cost, performance, and reliability. Show Notes: Many broadcast equipment dealers stock at least some used or “b-stock” broadcast equipment. Other companies specialize in pre-owned broadcast gear. MaxxKonnect publishes a list of their pre-owned equipment inventory here. Guests: Adam Robinson - Director of Sales, Marketing, and Business Development at MaxxKonnect Josh Bohn - President/CEO at MaxxKonnect Mike Hutchens - Director of Technical Services at MaxxKonnect Host: Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai Broadcasting Follow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube. TWiRT is brought to you by: Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc.  Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio. Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement. Angry Audio and the new USB Phone Gizmo - Put VoIP callers on-the-air The new MaxxKonnect RMT416 Multi Tuner - 4 to 16 AM/FM/WB/HD web-connected tuners in 1 RU   Subscribe to Audio: iTunes RSS Stitcher TuneIn Subscribe to Video: iTunes RSS YouTube

  9. MAR 20

    TWiRT 792 - SBE Self-Inspection Guides with Ched Keiler

    On this episode of This Week in Radio Tech, we dive into the practical side of regulatory readiness with Ched Keiler, who joins us to discuss the SBE Self-Inspection Guides. Developed by the Society of Broadcast Engineers in partnership with the NAB and industry experts, these guides are quickly becoming essential tools for ensuring FCC compliance across AM, FM, LPFM, and television facilities. Ched walks us through how to effectively use these guides, what a proper self-inspection process looks like, and how both engineers and station management can benefit from a structured approach to compliance. With strong early adoption and hundreds of downloads right out of the gate, these guides are already making an impact. Join us for a highly useful and timely conversation that can help your station stay inspection-ready. Show Notes: SBE Self-Inspection Guides for AM, FM, TV, and LPFM stations (Must be logged in as an SBE member for download) Guest: Ched Keiler - CPBE, 8-VSB, ATSC3, CBNE; Principal Engineer, E Three Services Host: Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai Broadcasting Follow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube. TWiRT is brought to you by: Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc.  Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio. Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement. Angry Audio and the new USB Phone Gizmo - Put VoIP callers on-the-air The new MaxxKonnect RMT416 Multi Tuner - 4 to 16 AM/FM/WB/HD web-connected tuners in 1 RU   Subscribe to Audio: iTunes RSS Stitcher TuneIn Subscribe to Video: iTunes RSS YouTube

  10. MAR 13

    TWiRT 791 - Growing a Radio Engineering Business with Matt Lightner

    Episode 791 of This Week in Radio Tech features broadcast engineer and entrepreneur Matt Lightner, President of Lightner Electronics, Inc. Matt shares practical insights from years of designing and building radio studios for individual stations, clusters, and network facilities, along with lessons learned from transmitter site installations in the field. We also explore how his company has expanded into corporate audio-visual system integration—an area where A-V and broadcast engineering practices often overlap. Finally, Matt talks about applying engineering discipline and business strategy to radio station ownership, now operating nine stations in Central Pennsylvania. It’s a wide-ranging conversation about engineering, integration, and entrepreneurship in modern broadcast. Show Notes: Lightner Electronics, Inc. Guest: Matt Lightner - President at Lightner Electronics, Inc. Host: Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai Broadcasting Follow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube. TWiRT is brought to you by: Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc.  Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio. Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement. Angry Audio and the new USB Phone Gizmo - Put VoIP callers on-the-air The new MaxxKonnect RMT416 Multi Tuner - 4 to 16 AM/FM/WB/HD web-connected tuners in 1 RU   Subscribe to Audio: iTunes RSS Stitcher TuneIn Subscribe to Video: iTunes RSS YouTube

  • 10 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
19 Ratings

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Technology Podcast for Radio Engineers

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