This Week in Radio Tech HD

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This Week in Radio Tech HD

“TWiRT” is your go to show if you want to get behind the scenes on what makes broadcasting possible. The show addresses common issues as well as explaining past experiences from a wide array of hosts who each come from a different background in radio technology. This show is a must for any tech geek or for anyone who is interested in what goes on behind the boards and wires.

  1. 11/28/2024 · VIDEO

    TWiRT Ep. 724 - Hall of Fame Engineers! with Mark & Paula Persons

    Engineers are usually the unsung heroes of Broadcasting. But Mark and Paula Persons have set a high bar for professionalism in our industry. They were both inducted into the Minnesota Broadcasters Hall of Fame and join us to talk about it. Did you know that Mark never wore blue jeans to work - not even at transmitter sites? And Paula’s keen accounting and PR skills made the most of Mark’s efforts both in the field and in the repair shop. We engineers can all learn from the Persons’ professionalism and teamwork. Show notes: The story of Mark & Paula’s induction into the Minnesota Broadcasters Hall of Fame“Where Have All the Broadcasters Gone?” - a book by Mark’s father, Charles B. PersonsAudio on MWPersons.com and on a YouTube playlist.Paula mentioned using D2 Biological Solution for restoring old headstones as part of her volunteer work with the Daughters of the American Revolution.Mark mentioned he’s written about 200 articles in Radio World magazine.Mark and Paula will visit the island municipality of Bonaire soon. While Paula goes SCUBA diving, Mark will visit PJB3, a powerful AM station on 800 kHz. Guests Mark & Paula Persons - Retired Broadcast Engineering Team, Now Busier Than Ever Hosts Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, & South Seas Broadcasting Follow Kirk on Twitter - @kharnackFollow TWiRT on Twitter - @TWiRTshow and Facebook Sponsored by Nautel and the HD Digital Radio Test DriveBroadcasters 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.Angry Audio and the new Rave analog audio ...

  2. 11/22/2024 · VIDEO

    TWiRT Ep. 723 - Hurricane, Flooding, and Disaster Recovery with Christian Vang and Dave Anderson

    In late September, 2024, hurricane Helene hit parts of Florida and caused wind damage and severe flooding in Georgia, South Carolina, and especially Western North Carolina. Hurricane Milton hit Florida in October, 2025, causing even more damage there. In both storms, electricity was knocked out, cell phone service disrupted, and Internet was down for many. In these disasters, local and regional radio largely remained on-the-air, alerting listeners to the storms’ arrivals and keeping them updated with news of emergency services, relief sites, and a lot more. Christian Vang and Dave Anderson are broadcast engineers in Northern Georgia and Tampa, Florida, respectively. Both are seasoned in planning for disasters and working those plans while being flexible in emergency response, all the while keeping studios and transmitters operational. Chris Tarr joins us as well with some additional notes on emergency preparedness for broadcast engineers. Show notes: We ran out of time, but Christian asked that we share with you this drone video from the Asheville, NC, City Government Guests Christian Vang - Broadcast Engineer/IT SpecialistDave Anderson - Chief Broadcast Engineer at WUSF Public Media Hosts Chris Tarr - Group Director of Engineering at Magnum.MediaKirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, & South Seas Broadcasting Follow Kirk on Twitter - @kharnackFollow TWiRT on Twitter - @TWiRTshow and Facebook Sponsored by Nautel and the HD Digital Radio Test DriveBroadcasters 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.Angry Audio and the new Rave analog audio mixing console.The new MaxxKonnect Broadcast U.192 MPX USB Soundcard - The first purpose-built broadcast-quality USB sound card with native MPX output.

  3. 11/15/2024 · VIDEO

    TWiRT Ep. 722 - Heartland Engineering with Aaron Cox

    Most broadcast engineers love a good project - especially when planning and resources overlap to enable a worthy outcome. But even solid “enablement” requires an engaged and knowledgeable engineer to guide the project’s moving parts, seeing the project through, and making sure the outcome fits the goal. That’s where Aaron Cox comes in. Aaron appreciates a good project - even a complex one - and he’s our guest, describing several compelling broadcast projects. From a couple of tower projects to new studios and upgrading an AM directional array, Aaron brings a “can-do” spirit to each job. Chris Tarr co-hosts this episode, adding his parallel expertise. Guest Aaron Cox - Regional Engineer at Relevant Radio and Owner at Omni-Phonix Engineering LLC Host Chris Tarr - Group Director of Engineering at Magnum.MediaKirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, & South Seas Broadcasting Follow Kirk on Twitter - @kharnackFollow TWiRT on Twitter - @TWiRTshow and Facebook Sponsored by Nautel and the HD Digital Radio Test DriveBroadcasters 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.Angry Audio and the new Rave analog audio mixing console.The new MaxxKonnect Broadcast U.192 MPX USB Soundcard - The first purpose-built broadcast-quality USB sound card with native MPX output.

  4. 10/04/2024 · VIDEO

    TWiRT Ep. 716 - Engineering for Jazz at WFSK with Rick Durham

    TWiRT is on location at a Nashville radio station - Jazzy 88, WFSK-FM. Rick Durham is a provider of managed IT services in Middle Tennessee. He’s also the engineer for WFSK-FM. WFSK is preparing for their annual fundraising event, where they broadcast live from the parking lot and take drive through donations while interviewing numerous Nashville dignitaries and music artists. We also spend a few minutes with Sharon Kay, WFSK’s General Manager, and Xuam (X-Man) Lawson, WFSK’s Program Director. We discuss some engineering and how WFSK is keeping up with an Audio over IP audio plant. We also discuss the engineer’s role in keeping the jazz playing and the public affairs programming on the air, too. Show Notes: * WFSK-FM - Jazzy 88 - Nashville’s Jazz Station at Fisk University * Jazzy 88’s annual radiothon fundraiser * WFSK-FM is at Fisk University, a private historically black liberal arts college in Nashville, Tennessee. * Headline: Sharon Kay to be Inducted into Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame * What’s the 411 with Sharon Kay Guests Rick Durham - Owner at Diversified Electronics Service and Engineer at WFSK-FMSharon Kay - General Manager at WFSK-FMXuam (X-Man) Lawson - Program Director at WFSK-FM Host Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, & South Seas Broadcasting Follow Kirk on Twitter - @kharnackFollow TWiRT on Twitter - @TWiRTshow and Facebook Sponsored by Nautel and the HD Digital Radio Test DriveBroadcasters 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.Angry Audio and the new a href="https:...

  5. 09/27/2024 · VIDEO

    TWiRT Ep. 715 - I Started at KFI and Worked My Way Down with Lee Melton

    Lee Melton is one of those semi-crazy radio guys that we know and love. And many of us wanted to BE that guy! Lee’s career started at KFI, Los Angeles, and he’s been at about 25 radio stations, even building a couple in Southeast Texas. Some have called him “The Kind of Radio Trade-Outs” while many others called him a friendly and fun voice on the radio. Lee’s radio recollections inspire plenty of banter with Chris Tarr and Kirk Harnack. And Chris reveals his encounter with Paul McCartney! It's an hour of radio stories and fun, with a little engineering talk sprinkled in. Show notes: * Lee’s Facebook page is a good place to connect. * Chris Tarr mentioned a new Valcom AM whip antenna for one of his radio stations. Guest Lee Melton - Legendary Radio Guy Host Chris Tarr - Group Director of Engineering at Magnum.MediaKirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, & South Seas Broadcasting Follow Kirk on Twitter - @kharnackFollow TWiRT on Twitter - @TWiRTshow and Facebook Sponsored by Nautel and the HD Digital Radio Test DriveBroadcasters 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.Angry Audio and the new Rave analog audio mixing console.The new MaxxKonnect Broadcast U.192 MPX USB Soundcard - The first purpose-built broadcast-quality USB sound card with native MPX output.

  6. 09/20/2024 · VIDEO

    TWiRT Ep. 714 - Building the Studios We Always Wanted! with Bill Jackson

    Sometimes we originate a TWiRT episode from a newly-built radio studio. Today, however, we’re visiting beautiful studios that are under construction. Bill Jackson works with K-Love, a nationwide Christian radio group. He’s in charge of the design and build-out of a couple dozen radio studios, podcast rooms, edit, and news booths. Bill is absolutely maximizing Audio over IP technology throughout. Let’s take a “cook’s tour” of a couple large studios, plus look at a data closet and the broadcast portion of the restricted-access data center. Show notes: * Cisco Media over IP - At–a-Glance - Explainer page from Cisco * K-Love studios use the Axia Quasar family of AoIP audio mixing consoles * Bill Jackson mentioned the Angry Audio Mic Tally Gadget and the Headphone Gizmo * Wikipedia article on Room Acoustics Guest Bill Jackson - Chief Microphone Plugger-inner K-LOVE & Air1 Media Networks Host Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, & South Seas Broadcasting Follow Kirk on Twitter - @kharnackFollow TWiRT on Twitter - @TWiRTshow and Facebook Sponsored by Nautel and the HD Digital Radio Test DriveBroadcasters 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.Angry Audio and the new Rave analog audio mixing console.The new MaxxKonnect Broadcast U.192 MPX USB Soundcard - The first purpose-built broadcast-quality USB sound card with native MPX output.

  7. 09/13/2024 · VIDEO

    TWiRT Ep. 713 - APIB is a Radio Station’s Best Friend with Tom Ray

    The Alternative Broadcast Inspection Program (ABIP) was created around 1989 to aid the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in making sure all broadcast operations are in compliance and to help stations understand the rules in a one-on-one setting. In the beginning, the ABIP inspectors were retired FCC engineers. As the program began to expand around the country, other engineers were recruited and trained by regional FCC inspectors. ABIP inspectors have long used a basic Self Inspection Checklist that became woefully out of date. Tom Ray, working with other committee members at the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) has rewritten and greatly expanded these checklists for AM, FM, and TV stations. ABIP inspections are an excellent tool for broadcasters to assure compliance with FCC Rules, and do so in a friendly, non-adversarial encounter. Show notes * Society of Broadcast Engineers Releases Broadcast Station Self-Inspection Guides * SBE Self-Inspection Guides Download (must be an SBE member to download) * Description of the ABIP program from the Alabama Broadcasters Association (PDF) * Stay on the Good Side of the FCC - Radio World article Guest Tom Ray - President of Tom Ray Consulting Host Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, & South Seas Broadcasting Follow Kirk on Twitter - @kharnackFollow TWiRT on Twitter - @TWiRTshow and Facebook Sponsored by Nautel and the HD Digital Radio Test DriveBroadcasters 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.Angry Audio and the new Rave analog audio mixing console.The new MaxxKonnect Broadcast U.

  8. 09/06/2024 · VIDEO

    TWiRT Ep. 712 - Fun with AI Inspires Broadcast Engineers - Matt Aaron & Anthony Kuzub

    The rise of AI-generated lyrics and music is giving engineers something to chuckle about. But could this “easy creativity” inspire other engineering solutions? Kirk drew a comparison with photographer Jeremy Cowart and his use of an LED wall to produce 60 different portraits in 60 seconds. Anthony Kuzub, an engineer at CBC in Canada, pointed out the AI that’s involved with lighting a new studio, matching accent lights to the video monitor feeds. Matt Aaron is programming a fully-AI streaming station that’s playing “Broadcast Engineers Gangster Rap”. Are these just passing curiosities? Or are they signals of technologies and techniques to come for broadcasting and content creation? Show notes: * “The Legend of Chris Tarr” from suno.com * And another version of “The Legend of Chris Tarr” * Matt Aaron’s AI-music streaming station - https://broadcastengineeringgangsters.com/ * And if Kirk had a radio station, KIRK, this could be the theme song * Anthony mentioned ElevenLabs for text-to-speech and AI voice generation * Anthony noted the Roland VC-1-DMX video lighting converter Guests Matt Aaron - Broadcast Systems Integrator and Chief Penguin at Tux-SupportAnthony Kuzub - Senior Broadcast Systems Engineer at CBC Hosts Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, & South Seas Broadcasting Follow Kirk on Twitter - @kharnackFollow TWiRT on Twitter - @TWiRTshow and Facebook Sponsored by Nautel and the HD Digital Radio Test DriveBroadcasters 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.

  9. 08/30/2024 · VIDEO

    TWiRT Ep. 711 - Today's Summit of Technology with Paul Stewart

    Most every piece of equipment we use, or software we depend on began with an idea and a dream - a dream to help ourselves and others do their jobs better, faster, easier. Or perhaps to provide a service, or improve an existing one. Paul Stewart started Summit Technology Group with this motivation in mind as well. Paul and his company provide software and services with new features, conveniences, and efficiencies. Exactly what many broadcast engineers are looking for. Chris Tarr and I are talking with Paul about the software and services he’s bringing to broadcasters. Show notes * Paul mentioned “IRSC code lookup” in Tundracast - Here’s what an IRSC code is. * We discussed the SideCAR Media Logger, with AI transcription enabling search terms. * What does an AI-voiced weather forecast sound like?  ATMOS demos are here. * IT security can be overlooked in RDS encoder connections. PostMaster solves that. * Behind the scenes: SunKast uses VDO.ninja for guests to share their screen with TWiRT. Guest Paul Stewart - President at Summit Technology Group Hosts Chris Tarr - Group Director of Engineering at Magnum.MediaKirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, & South Seas Broadcasting Follow Kirk on Twitter - @kharnackFollow TWiRT on Twitter - @TWiRTshow and Facebook Sponsored by Nautel and the HD Digital Radio Test DriveBroadcasters 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.Angry Audio and the new Rave analog audio mixing console.The new a href="https://maxxkonnect.

  10. 08/25/2024 · VIDEO

    TWiRT Ep. 710 - Live from the CCBE in Toronto, Canada

    The CCBE conference encompasses two days of professional broadcast engineering career development. This includes carefully-chosen paper presentations, an expo hall, and an awards dinner and ceremony honoring leaders in the broadcast engineering profession. We got to meet with and converse with leaders in the Central Canadian Broadcast Engineers group, plus Canadian engineers and leading equipment manufacturers. Show Notes: * Central Canada Broadcast Engineers, Technologists & Technicians * SUNO.com - Make a song about anything Guests Sean T. Craig Sr. - Broadcast Engineer at Bell Media and President of CCBEJim Miniely - Television Operations Manager at Dougall Media and Papers Chair at CCBECharlie Toner - Broadcast Engineer, IT Support at Durham Radio Inc.Corey Edwards - Sales Manager at Dielectric LLCTyler Everitt - President/CEO, Pippin Technical Service LtdAnthony Kuzub - Multi-faceted Broadcast & Audio EngineerLarry Schindel - Sr. Product Manager at Linear AcousticAndrew Scaglione - Account Director at Radio.CloudMike Ridley - Engineer at GIANT FM / Country 89 Host Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, & South Seas Broadcasting Follow Kirk on Twitter - @kharnackFollow TWiRT on Twitter - @TWiRTshow and Facebook Sponsored by Nautel and the HD Digital Radio Test DriveBroadcasters 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.a href="https://angryaudio.

    1h 9m
  11. 08/16/2024 · VIDEO

    TWiRT Ep. 709 - Satellite Network Operations with Marcos O'Rourke

    Have you wondered what goes on at the Network Operations Center of a satellite distribution network? We sure have, and our good friend, Marcos O’Rourke, joins us to talk about it. Marcos is now the Engineering Manager at Linkup Communications. We’ve followed Linkup’s rising star in the satellite communications business and watched as this company has grown to serve a lot of the broadcast industry. Marcos gives a brief history of the NOC in Denver, Colorado, and shares pictures of their operations and IT center. Show Notes: The Broadcast Engineer YouTube channel * LinkUp Communications - satellite distribution services * Aim your satellite dish using DishPointer.com * Basics of Satellite Receive Antenna optimization from ESPN Radio Guest Marcos O’Rourke - Engineering Manager at Linkup Communications Corporation Host Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, & South Seas Broadcasting Follow Kirk on Twitter - @kharnackFollow TWiRT on Twitter - @TWiRTshow and Facebook Sponsored by Nautel and the HD Digital Radio Test DriveBroadcasters 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.Angry Audio and the new Rave analog audio mixing console.The new MaxxKonnect Broadcast U.192 MPX USB Soundcard - The first purpose-built broadcast-quality USB sound card with native MPX output.

  12. 08/09/2024 · VIDEO

    TWiRT Ep. 708 - Engineers Live at the ABA in Birmingham

    It’s Radio Convention season and we’re bringing some of the Alabama Broadcasters Convention to you. Live from the Renaissance Ross Bridge Resort, we’re meeting with engineers and radio equipment reps as this ABA Convention draws to a close. One of our highlights is visiting with Steven Westbrook from the Alabama Historical Radio Society. We also get cameo appearances from Bob Mayben, Jeff Welton, and Jim Armstrong. Join us for some fun conversation while we learn a few things about both new and old technologies and some personalities that shaped - and are now shaping - radio tech. Show notes: * Alabama Historical Radio Society * Alabama Broadcasters Association * Bob Mayben’s Good Time Gold * Summit Technology Group Guests Bob Mayben - Broadcast Engineer, Sales at SCMS, Inc, and Host of Good Time GoldJim Armstrong - Director of Eastern US Sales at Telos AllianceHugh Price - Sales at Broadcasters General StoreMicah Dempsey - Wireless Manager at MaxxKonnect WirelessJeff Welton, CBRE - Regional Sales Manager, Eastern U.S.Paul Stewart - President at Summit Technology GroupSteven Westbrook - Alabama Historical Radio Society Host Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, & South Seas Broadcasting Follow Kirk on Twitter - @kharnackFollow TWiRT on Twitter - @TWiRTshow and Facebook Sponsored by Nautel and the HD Digital Radio Test DriveBroadcasters 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 a href="http://bionic.

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

“TWiRT” is your go to show if you want to get behind the scenes on what makes broadcasting possible. The show addresses common issues as well as explaining past experiences from a wide array of hosts who each come from a different background in radio technology. This show is a must for any tech geek or for anyone who is interested in what goes on behind the boards and wires.

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