GFQ Network audio podcasts

GFQ Network
  • 4.4 (7)
  • Comedy
  • Updated Semiweekly

RSS feed for all GFQ Network audio podcasts

Episodes

  1. 2d ago

    TWiRT Ep. 818 - What's Next After C-Band Satellite?

    For more than 40 years, C-band satellite distribution has been a workhorse for radio and television broadcasters — but another big chunk of that spectrum is going away - leaving almost nothing for program distributors to use. On TWiRT Episode 818, Mark Johnson, President of LinkUp Communications, and Marcos O’Rourke, Engineering Manager at LinkUp, join Kirk Harnack to explain what FCC 26-46 means for broadcasters still depending on C-band delivery. Mark gives us some history, explains how the FCC’s latest plans would eventually leave broadcasters with only about 40 MHz of C-band downlink spectrum, and walks us through the proposed transition timeline. We also look at alternatives already being developed, including increased Ku-band satellite distribution and terrestrial IP delivery using capabilities built into XDS receivers. The transition won’t happen overnight, but the direction is becoming clear: broadcasters using C-band need to start thinking about what comes next. Join us for TWiRT Episode 818 as we sort through the FCC’s plans and what engineers should be watching in the months ahead.

  2. Sep 11

    TWiRT Ep. 817 - Early Access to IBC 2026 in Amsterdam

    This Week in Radio Tech comes to you from IBC 2026 in Amsterdam, where the broadcast world is gathering to show us what comes next. In Episode 817, we get early access to some of the industry’s technical innovators and discover how they’re responding to a broadcasting landscape that seems to change almost by the day. Adam Robinson of MaxxKonnect joins us alongside Hans van Zutphen of Thimeo Audio Technology B.V. and Jay Tyler of Sales Call. We’ll also hear from Dan McQuillin of Broadcast Bionics and Dan Martin of Derby ONE and Aiir. Together, they offer a revealing look at the technologies, business ideas, and practical solutions shaping the future of radio and broadcasting. Join us in Amsterdam for TWiRT Episode 817—This Week in Radio Tech!

  3. Sep 11

    Mat Men S15E02 - Lucha Libre Takes Center Stage

    This week, on the 25th anniversary of 9/11, the guys open the show by reminiscing for a few minutes about where they were and how things have changed since that event. They also talk about Andy Williams, also known as "The Butcher," who tragically passed away last weekend. AEW paid an emotional tribute to Rebel on this week's Dynamite, raising awareness for ALS, which she is battling. The guys praise them for doing that and discuss the highlights from Dynamite as well. They also discuss WWE’s big weekend in Mexico, featuring two nights of Triplemanía and Monday Night Raw in Mexico City. Plus, they cover Liv Morgan’s new movie role, WWE starting more Spanish content, and Andrew wanting to create a cult! All your questions and more!

  4. Sep 5

    Mat Men S15E01 - Prophecies Fulfilled At All In!

    The guys start out talking about The New Level's debut at AEW All In this weekend and how much WWE offered to pay them on a new contract. They also discuss Bayley's situation, as it looks like she's staying in WWE. NXT Heatwave did poor ratings going up against All In, and the guys question why WWE would run against that show. Finally, the guys give an in-depth review of All In, including one of the best main events of all time between Will Ospreay and Kenny Omega. Plus, speculation on locations of upcoming shows, Meltzer’s ratings, your questions, and more!

  5. Sep 5

    TWiRT Ep. 816 - Deciphering FCC EAS Cybersecurity Rules with Shane Toven

    The FCC has adopted new cybersecurity requirements for Emergency Alert System equipment—but turning the language of a Report and Order into practical procedures at a real broadcast facility isn’t always straightforward. What equipment is covered? What constitutes adequate protection? And how can broadcasters comply without making their systems needlessly difficult to operate and maintain? This week, Kirk Harnack welcomes Shane Toven, the new West Coast Regional Engineer for Cumulus Media. Together, they examine the FCC’s EAS cybersecurity rules and discuss what sensible, real-world compliance might look like inside today’s increasingly networked broadcast facilities. Shane’s new position also leads to a larger conversation about the changing role of the broadcast engineer. As companies consolidate technical responsibilities across more stations, markets, and transmitter sites, experienced engineers are being asked to oversee far more territory—and a much wider range of technologies—than ever before. Then we move from the equipment room to the sound console. Shane shares lessons from mixing live worship services, including some of the challenges a broadcast engineer may encounter when everyone assumes that knowing audio technology automatically means knowing how to mix a live performance. Add in a couple of excellent Tips of the Week, and you have a wide-ranging conversation covering cybersecurity, broadcast engineering’s evolving responsibilities, and the art of making live sound work. Guest Shane Toven - Regional Chief Engineer, West Coast at Cumulus Media Host Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai Broadcasting Follow TWiRT on X and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube. Sponsored 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-airThe new MaxxKonnect RMT416 Multi Tuner - 4 to 16 AM/FM/WB/HD web-connected tuners in 1 RU

  6. Aug 29

    TWiRT Ep. 815 - LDMOS Technology in FM Transmitters with Paul Barzizza

    ow can a modern FM transmitter produce 10,000 watts of RF power from such a surprisingly compact package? On episode 815 of This Week in Radio Tech, GatesAir’s Paul Barzizza joins Kirk Harnack for a close look inside the company’s new GX Series of FM transmitters. Paul draws on his extensive radio and television engineering background to explain the GX amplifier layout and the powerful LDMOS field-effect transistors at the heart of the design. Because these devices spread heat across a larger area, they can handle substantially more power than earlier generations of transistors—giving transmitter designers a way to produce impressive RF output from a comparatively small cabinet. This isn’t merely a discussion of specifications and theory. Paul and Kirk recently installed a GatesAir GX10K—a combined FM exciter and 10,000-watt RF amplifier—at WIQQ-FM in Leland, Mississippi. They share photos from the project, examine how the transmitter is assembled, and talk through the technology that makes it work.

  7. Aug 21

    Mat Men S14E29 - The Road to All In Heats Up!

    Ilja Dragunov is done with WWE, and the guys talk about why it didn't work out and where he might end up. Do pure wrestlers still appeal to a mainstream audience? They discuss ROH Death Before Dishonor and talk about what ROH should be within the AEW landscape. A report came out this week stating that AEW took a massive financial hit on their video game Fight Forever. Will we see another AEW video game in the future, or is that it? Also, the guys share their thoughts on CM Punk vs. Kevin Owens on SmackDown and discuss whether that is the most appealing story in WWE right now. Plus, Batista’s new role, ALL IN ticket sales, Babyface Solo Sikoa, your questions and more!

  8. Aug 21

    TWiRT Ep. 814 - Amanda Hopp - Chief Engineer

    Broadcast engineering is a family affair for Amanda Hopp and her father, Cris Alexander. Amanda is Chief Engineer for Crawford Broadcasting’s Denver stations, while Cris serves as Director of Engineering for the entire company. On this episode of TWiRT, they share Amanda’s path into engineering—and what her experience might teach others considering a career in the field. We also explore cybersecurity, IT and networking, the challenges of maintaining multiple transmitter sites, and Amanda’s inventive use of Raspberry Pis and other small computers for monitoring, control and automation. Along the way, we hear how Amanda draws on programming expertise from elsewhere within Crawford to create practical engineering solutions. Join us for an engaging conversation with two highly accomplished engineers who just happen to be father and daughter.

  9. Aug 14

    Mat Men Ep. S14E28 - You’ve Just Been Swerved!

    The guys give their take on the Avery Styles situation after an indie wrestler expressed frustration that Styles didn't help tear down the ring after a GCW show. Was the wrestler justified, or does Styles' name sell enough tickets to excuse him from post-show ring work? They also discuss CM Punk being added to NXT house shows and how his early career parallels what talent is doing on these smaller events. Plus, there is a new Uce as Zilla Fatu debuts on NXT this week. How long will it be before he becomes involved with The Bloodline? As AEW All In approaches and attendance continues to grow, the hosts run down the full card. They also cover Swerve Strickland's return on Dynamite and speculate on whether it could lead to The New Day appearing at All In. Finally, they touch on a potential Vince McMahon return, Bayley's contract status, listener questions, and much more!

  10. Aug 14

    TWiRT Ep. 813 - What is a Broadcast Engineer in 2026?

    Today’s broadcast facilities depend on far more than transmitters, RF systems and studio audio. Engineers are now responsible for Ethernet networks, Windows and Linux computers, cybersecurity, virtualization, streaming, metadata, AoIP, remote access, cloud services—and countless devices that are essentially computers wearing broadcast-equipment clothing. In this episode Kirk Harnack explores how the broadcast engineer’s job has evolved with an outstanding panel: Kevin Trueblood of WGCU Media, Geary Morrill, Northern Region Director of Engineering for Connoisseur Media, and Jeff McGinley, Vice President of Engineering at SummitMedia. How much must one person know about RF, audio and IT? Where should a market engineer’s responsibility end? When hiring, is technical knowledge more important than natural troubleshooting ability? And can a skilled IT professional be developed into a great broadcast engineer? Our guests bring similar—but distinctly different—perspectives to these increasingly important questions. Check out this episode of This Week in Radio Tech and join us as we ask: What is a broadcast engineer in 2026?

  11. Aug 10

    TWiRT Ep. 812 - Texas Association of Broadcasters - 2026

    This Week in Radio Tech – Episode 812 takes us to Round Rock, Texas, for the 2026 Texas Association of Broadcasters convention! With two full days of engineering sessions, new technology, and plenty of conversations on the expo floor, TAB once again brought together some of our favorite broadcast engineers and industry friends. We caught up with Michael Patton, Dustin Tatro, David Smedley, Chase Daniels, Fred Morton, and Dave Kerstin for their perspectives on radio engineering, technology, and the industry we all enjoy being part of. It’s a great collection of conversations with the people who keep broadcasting working—and moving forward. Join us for TWiRT 812, recorded at the Texas Association of Broadcasters convention in Round Rock!

  12. Aug 7

    Mat Men S14E27 - The Mat Men Are Back And They’re Gonna Wrestle All Over You

    The guys start by talking about what made them love professional wrestling in the first place and why wacky gimmicks in wrestling will never get old. They also try to pitch new gimmicks in AEW, including “Detective Lucasaurus.” They also preview All In and talk about highlights from SummerSlam, including Lesnar’s retirement and more. Plus, RIP Dory Funk Jr., Mike Santana’s new name, your questions, and more!

  • 12 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

4.4
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

RSS feed for all GFQ Network audio podcasts

Information

  • Creator
    GFQ Network
  • Years Active
    2010 - 2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © GFQ Network 2014
  • Show Website
    GFQ Network audio podcasts

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