This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)

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  • UPDATED WEEKLY
This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)

“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.

Episodes

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    TWiRT Ep. 720 - 720 kHz with Pierre Lonewolf and Bill Murdoch

    Amazing that this worked out, but thanks to Pierre Lonewolf’s topic idea and Bill Murdoch’s eagerness to join us, we have a fun and informative TWiRT episode! Two chiefs who engineer at two different high-power AM radio stations - each broadcasting at 720 kHz on the AM dial. And we’re having this conversation on episode 720 of “This Week in Radio Tech!” It had to be fate! Between Pierre and Bill, we find plenty of similarities and some big differences in their transmitter operations. Pierre’s station is KOTZ in Kotzebue, Alaska. Bill’s station is WGN in Chicago, Illinois. The towers are about 3,200 miles apart from each other, so neither station gets interference from the other, but each station has interesting and individual challenges. You’ve got to check out Pierre’s and Bill’s Tips of the Week at the end of the show. Great wisdom there! Show notes: * A folder containing photos of WGN’s transmitter site from today’s show. * Daytime coverage maps for KOTZ and for WGN * Austin Ring Transformers - Wikipedia Article * Austin Ring Transformers - Critical installation information from Hatfield & Dawson * History of WGN Radio * KOTZ’s website is packed with info and photos Guests Pierre Lonewolf - Broadcast Engineer at Lonewolf CommunicationsBill Murdoch - Chief Engineer at WGN Radio Chicago 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.

    1h 9m

  2. OCT 25

    TWiRT Ep. 719 - Reliable Conditional Access with Ty Magnum

    Conditional Access systems for building security have always seemed like a “per building” or “per campus” proposition. But with today’s ubiquitous Internet access, and somewhat autonomous operation, conditional access systems can be deployed in remote locations. They can provide not only conditional access security, but also inform site owners of who is opening doors and gates, and exactly when they’re doing it. It’s convenience for those requiring access, and verification for those who need to monitor such access. Ty Magnum has assembled the right ‘best of breed” security systems and is installing these systems at transmitter sites and broadcast studio facilities. Chris Tarr joins us to apply his perspective on rolling out this technology and the equipment that makes it work. Show notes: * Joda Media - Physical Security for Broadcast Transmitter Sites * Joda Media - Broadcast over IP - Data Center Solutions for Broadcast Infrastructure * Make Your Tower Site More Secure - Radio World article by Ty Magnum Guest Ed Glab - Studio Supervisory Engineer at WLS, Retired 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.

    1h 9m

  3. OCT 18

    TWiRT Ep. 718 - Windy City Studio Engineering with Ed Glab

    We radio engineers who aspire to be fondly remembered in our careers should take a few notes from Ed Glab. Ed engineered the studios and the remote broadcasters for WLS, Chicago, for over 40 years. His career and his positive ingenuity are fondly remembered by the DJs and radio hosts who worked with him. On this episode of TWiRT, we get to talk with Ed and hear his perspective and stories about engineering at “Music Radio - WLS”. Show notes: * YouTube playlist of WLS air checks * Ed Glab engineering a remote with Don and Roma on WLS * Radio World - Ed Glab Calls It a Day at WLS * Instagram - Ed “The Professor” Glab on location at Marriott’s Great America in 1977 Guest Ed Glab - Studio Supervisory Engineer at WLS, Retired 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.

    1h 9m

  4. OCT 11

    TWiRT Ep. 717 - Home Studio Tech Update with George Whittam

    Listen fast, because George Whittam reveals a LOT of gold nuggets of useful audio capture and production information in this episode of TWiRT. Just look at the long list of Show Notes below! George is the engineer to the Voice Over stars, and the rest of the voice talent world, too. We engineers can learn a lot from George’s tireless efforts to help voice talent get the most from their equipment and studios, and modify or build new spaces when needed. Check out George’s advice, then follow him on other podcasts and his website to dig into solid audio engineering advice. Show notes: * Centrance PASport - Voiceover Actor's Audio Interface with dual USB interfaces * George highly recommends the Apollo Twin family of audio interfaces * George is a fan of the very solid Earthworks Audio ETHOS mic * The R0DE NT1 mic is also popular among George’s clients * The Austrian Audio OC818 mic boasts an impressive lineage and design heritage * Source-Connect is a longtime favorite remote audio connection software among VO artists * ipDTL is another favorite software service for remote audio connections * And Cleanfeed.net is an industry standard for remote audio production * George highly recommends Twisted Wave audio editor, now for Windows, too - and even offers a free training seminar on Twisted Wave setup and use. Guest George Whittam - Owner a GeorgeThe.Tech - Consultant at Tri-Booth, Co-host VOBS.TV and Pro Audio Suite Podcast Host Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, & South Seas Broadcasting Follow Kirk on Twitter - @kharnackFollow TWiRT on Twitter - @TWiRTshow and Facebook Sponsored by a href="https://www.nautel.com/products/innovations/hd-radio/hd-digital-radio-test-drive/" target="_bl...

    1h 8m

  5. OCT 4

    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:...

    1h 11m

  6. SEP 27

    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.

    1h 10m

  7. SEP 20

    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.

    1h 3m

  8. SEP 13

    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.

    1h 13m

  9. SEP 6

    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.

    1h 11m

  10. AUG 30

    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.

    1h 8m

  11. AUG 25

    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

  12. AUG 16

    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.

    1h 5m
  • 12 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 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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