Internet Radio

By Thomas R. Ray, III CPBE, AMD, DRB Tom Ray Consulting President    RadioInfo Technical Editor First the Crud NEW YORK — So I was working on this transmitter today.  Seriously – I know this starts off like a joke.  Problem was actually a bad air switch.  All transmitters have a way to sense air flow.  If there is no air flow in the transmitter, if, for example, the blower motor quits, it will shut down.  In the case of a tube transmitter, this is to prevent the final amplifier deck from melting down and starting a fire.  In a solid state transmitter (which also uses temperature sensing in the final amplifier), it prevents the transistors from self destructing causing a fire and/or other severe damage to the amplifier. Anyway, this isn’t related to the air switch, but it could be (the air switch in this case was 33 years old – it simply had enough).  The air filters on the transmitter were caked with crud. The air filters are there to keep crud out of the transmitter (obviously, in this case, they did their job).  In a tube transmitter, crud can cause an arc over in the high voltage areas.  In solid state transmitters that do not have high voltage inside, the crud acts like a blanket holding heat into the transistors.  Heat is an electronic device’s worst enemy. If the filters are caked with crud, the transmitter has trouble breathing.  Pinch your nose.  Inhale.  Now you know how your transmitter feels. Caked up air filters can cause a lack of air flow – if this occurs, the transmitter will shut down.   This lack of air flow can also cause the temperature inside the box to increase.  This can also shut down the transmitter. It’s an easy fix, and one that you could do yourself.  Some transmitters use a foam filter over the air intake (usually located on the back door).  I hate these, because as the foam ages and dries out, it starts to disintegrate and generates its own crud that gets pulled into the transmitter.  But, if the foam is in good shape, remove the filter temporarily, put it in a sink, and give it a good bath.  Let it dry out thoroughly, then put it back on the transmitter. You can also measure the filter space with a tape measure, and go to your favorite home or hardware store.  Go to the filter aisle and grab a couple of air conditioning/furnace filters.  Not the fiberglass kind – those won’t filter out the dirt particles well enough.  Grab the pleated paper types.  They range in price from a couple of bucks per to $20 each.  You don’t need the $20 ones, and you don’t need  one that’s super thick, which can affect air flow.  Grab several and change them once a month or so.  Your transmitter will thank you.  It’s cheap insurance to staying on the air. Now the Other Stuff Changing topics – while the slate has not come out yet, I am running for Board of Directors for the Society of Broadcast Engineers.  I have already spent 6 years on the board previously – and I’m not asking for votes here (though I hope if you’re an SBE member, you would be so inclined). A questionnaire goes out to each candidate with a series of questions so members know who you are.  The first question is: What goals should be set for the Society this coming year that you will support and work for? My response is:  “I think the Society is and has been on the right track with its education initiatives.  That being said, there needs to be more emphasis on IT for Broadcast Engineers.  Everything at NAB this year was IT based.  I would fully support furthering the IT education of our members.  No IT?  You’ll be left behind.” None of us in Broadcast Engineering can deny that our jobs and our job duties have changed drastically in the past 5-10 years.  The IT train has left the station and it’s not slowing down. First, encourage your station engineer to either join and/or attend SBE meetings.  SBE is dedicated to the education of the engineer.  It’s no longer about RF, audio and video.  It’s about all these, plus IT. Encourage your engineer to

Entercom’s WNTR, Indianapolis Flips to Hot AC as ‘107.9 The Mix.’  Entercom Indianapolis operations director J.R. Ammons says the new WNTR is “artist driven and more current than before” when it was an adult hits outlet.  The station is also targeting females more than before.  “Mix’s new hot AC format will play more music than competitors in the market and deliver more of what women want, the best of 2000s and today.”  Station VP and general manager Jennifer Skjodt states, “We are thrilled to bring this amazing mix of contemporary music to Indianapolis.  Due to the tremendous success of Entercom’s top 40 station, WZPL, there is a hole in the market for a station like ‘107.9 The Mix.’  We are building on the strength of nearly 300,000 weekly WNTR listeners to create a better mix.  Today’s launch is the perfect opportunity and timing for ‘1079 The Mix.’” Cumulus Media Brands Five Country Outlets “Nash FM.”  When Cumulus Media returned the country format to New York City on WNSH “Nash FM 94.7,” CEO Lew Dickey said the company planned to roll out the “Nash FM” brand across more of its stations.  So it begins as five country outlets begin using the “Nash FM” brand and “Powered by Nash” language.  New “Nash FM” stations include: former “The Wolf” simulcast WPKR, Appleton-Oshkosh and WPCK, Green Bay; KHKI, Des Moines “The Hawk”; WKAK, Albany, Georgia “K-Country 104”; KQFC, Boise “Idaho Country 98”; and WLXX, Lexington.  Dickey says in a statement, “Following our debut of the ‘Nash FM’ brand earlier this year, we’re excited about expanding Nash to more radio stations as well as bringing Nash content to other forms of media, including video and magazines.  Our listeners and advertisers will continue to benefit from the variety of on-air and off-air country lifestyle content opportunities associated with the Nash brand.” Journal Flips WNOX, Knoxville to Classic Hits.  With the move of country WCYQ to the 100.3 frequency of former news/talk WNOX that Journal Broadcast Group acquired from Oak Ridge FM, Journal flips WCYQ’s former 93.1 frequency to classic hits as “93.1 WNOX Classic Hits.” Mark Devine Moves to Morning Drive on Adult Hits KPKX, Phoenix.  Bonneville’s Phoenix operations bring Mark Devine aboard full time as co-host of the morning drive show on its adult hits KPKX “98.7 The Peak.”  Devine partners with Monica Nelson beginning Wednesday, May 29.  Bonneville Phoenix VP of content and operations Ryan Hatch says, “Mark is the perfect partner for Monica.  ‘The Peak’ audience will love his intelligence, quick wit and connection to our local community.”  Devine worked in the market as half of the Tim and Mark show on Sandusky Radio’s rock KDKB for 16 years before exiting in 2005.  Most recently he’s been hosting a talk show on Bonneville’s KTAR-FM on the weekend.  Devine states, “I left radio and started a successful real estate business and wasn’t planning on coming back unless the perfect situation presented itself.  The opportunity to host mornings on ‘The Peak’ with someone as talented as Monica Nelson was just too much to pass up.  I’m absolutely ecstatic!” SummitMedia Names Kori White VP of Digital and New Technology.  With the recent closing on the acquisition of former Cox Media Group stations in five markets, SummitMedia announces Birmingham operations manager Kori White is promoted to vice president of digital and new technology for the new company.  SummitMedia acquired stations in Birmingham, Richmond, Louisville, Honolulu and Greenville, South Carolina.  The company states, “Mr. White will oversee digital operations in five markets and focusing on expanding the company’s digital footprint throughout the global market.  He’ll lead SummitMedia Corp’s digital strategy and execution and will also spearhead the company’s web engineering, products, services and e-commerce engineering, internet operations, quality assurance and program management teams.” Cakes of Crud and Other Stuff.  It is absolutely true.  On

Atlantic Flo Rida has released his new single 'Tell Me When You Ready.' The song features rapper Future and is the lead single from Flo Rida's upcoming fifth studio album. Flo Rida is no stranger to hit singles and his latest song will likely get fans pumped for his new record. His latest jam is a radio-friendly upbeat track that should be a good summer club-hit. Following a softer start, the song takes on club-banger status with its pulsating, hip-hop beats. Flo Rida's trademark fast vocals work well here on the cheery beat, as he drops plenty of party rhymes. He raps, "In the club all I see is sparklers like birthday candles, ten models on a regular night." Rapper Future brings his southern rap vocals to the song, changing the hit's pace in the chorus and proudly shouting "Turn up!" The forthcoming album is expected to be released later in 2013 and is a follow up to Flo Rida's highly successful 'Wild Ones.' Listen to 'Tell Me When You Ready' right now on AOL Radio's New Hip-Hop First. Listen to New Hip-Hop First on AOL Radio...(read more)

Memorial Day is the time we pay tribute to the men and women who have served to keep our rights secure and our country free. If you find yourself with ...Read Full Post

By Holland Cooke Radio Consultant BLOCK ISLAND, RI — Remember that one thing you’d never make it to the driveway without? Your keys.  Now there are two things.  It’s tough to imagine a day without that everything-in-your-pocket thing we used to call “a cell phone.” Texting and Twitter have raised the bar on Email. When I first started consulting, client stations would mail me aircheck cassettes in padded envelopes.  No, Harry Truman was not in the White House.  That was first-term Clinton administration era technology.  Tick tock. Back to the future: As life got faster, short attention begat short-format messaging; and now email’s place in the communication tool box is for attaching documents or sending messages which themselves are documents. With enabling technology evolving so rapidly, technique is critical.  With new-tech comes a new etiquette; or, too often, a lack thereof.  You prove it every time you check your email.  I’ll bet you delete without reading more messages than you read. The Subject line is the email “envelope,” the most important line of the entire message. When your snailmail arrives today, you’ll sift through it over the wastebasket.  In just a glance, at the outside of the envelope, we decide whether to bother opening the envelope. Ditto subject lines, which provoke snap judgments. One technique I’ve found useful: Make the first word the recipient’s name, and the next few words JUST-enough-of-what-the-message-will-convey to make the recipient curious.  “Heidi: Just made plans to be there next week.  Lunch?” Got several issues?  Send several emails. Got three topics to broach with an associate?  Send three separate single-topic emails. Why: Your associate might want to bring someone else into the loop on topic A, but not topics B and C.  Emailing only about topic A spares the recipient the need to cut-and-paste…or, potentially, the embarrassment of not doing so. The recipient might be reading a mobile device and not scrolling past Topic A. When in doubt, don’t. Email is easy, instant, and free, and that can be real embarrassing. Email lacks the eye contact and body language you get in face-to-face conversation.  Or the tone of voice and other nuance you hear in a telephone conversation.  Email is just words…often few words.  We’re all smothering in spam, so we often reply in terse fashion that’s easy to misunderstand. Email doesn’t cost you a postage stamp, and lacks the deliberation time that’s built into a walk to the snailmail box.  So it’s easy to succumb to the “Oh YEAH???” stimulus-response trap. Unless you’re emailing AOL-to-AOL (rarer lately), there’s no Unsend. Never send a follow-up email asking “Did you get my Email?” If it didn’t bounce back undeliverable, it got where you sent it. Also avoid trans-media pestering, i.e., calling-to ask “Did you get my email?”  Or emailing to say, “I left you a voicemail.”  When tough staffing choices are being made, pests are the first to go. Puh-LEEZ: Don’t “Reply-to-All” when you can simply…Reply. Occasional emailers unintentionally torture those of us who work online (and feel like we live there), by replying to the entire list to whom the message was sent. Example: I was recently among 100-plus invited to a corporate reunion, always a warm affair.  And that’s the problem.  Enthusiasm for our upcoming get-together caused (too) many recipients to RSVP the organizer with a cheery reply to all, i.e., “I can’t wait!” Then, others piled on with a reply to all to THAT!  And THEN, the “I’m out of my office now” auto-responders joined in. When I begged the reunion organizer to ask — in his next alert to all funsters — that we be careful to reply, rather than reply to all, he didn’t know that these were separate options.  Hey, he’s retired.  This — and family messages and photos and other reply to all stuff — are probably the only email he does. So I did a reply to all, explaining the situa

Holy smokes! Jewel turns 39 today! Join us in wishing her a spectacular birthday!

Cox Media Group Debuts Urban Gold-Formatted “Hot 106.5” in Jacksonville Market.  CMG Jacksonville flips the 106.5 FM frequency (most recently a simulcast of news/talk WOKV after the demise of longtime rock WFYV in March) to urban gold as WHJX “Hot 106.5 Duval’s Adult R&B.”  The company announces Clarence Natto will program the new outlet.  CMG says core artists for the new station will include: Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross, Earth, Wind & Fire, The Isley Brothers, The O’Jays, and Stevie Wonder.  CMG Jacksonville VP and market manager Bill Hendrich states, “This is a great opportunity to serve the Jacksonville community in an area that has been underserved with radio options for a number of years.  Our in-depth market research indicates a great need for classic R&B, and we expect this new format to be an unbelievable success with listeners, as well as a unique platform for our valued advertisers.”  Natto comes to Jacksonville from Cox Media Group’s Atlanta cluster where he was director of promotions for “Kiss 104.1 FM” WALR.  Hendrich adds, “Great talent resides in the stations owned by Cox Media Group and we have been able to tap into that talent bank once again with Clarence.  I had the pleasure of working with Clarence in Orlando when he was at ‘Star 94.5’ and have watched him grow his career over the past few years in Atlanta.  I really look forward to having Clarence on our team here in Jacksonville.” Mat Mitchell Named PD at ‘104.7 Kiss FM’ and ‘Eva 95.5’ in Phoenix.  Clear Channel Media and Entertainment announced Mat Mitchell has been named program director for CHR KZZP “Kiss FM” and rhythmic oldies KYOT “Eva 95.5” in Phoenix.  Mitchell comes to Clear Channel from Cumulus Media’s CHR KRBE, Houston.  CC Phoenix vice president of programming Steve Geoffries states, “KZZP is a heritage brand with a top-rated morning show in Johnjay and Rich. Hiring Mat gives us someone who understands how these two key pieces work together.  The sky’s the limit from here.  He has a passion for great radio and adds another key piece to our Phoenix team.”  In addition to programming the stations, Mitchell will host middays on “Kiss FM.”  He says, “I want to thank Leslie Whittle and the amazing family at KRBE for an incredible six years!  My time in Houston will always remain special to me.  I am so excited to lead the powerful brands in ‘104.7 Kiss FM’ and ‘Eva 95.5.’  My thanks to the Clear Channel programming team and I can’t wait to get started in Phoenix!” Slacker Names John Hayase Chief Product Officer.  Digital audio service Slacker announces John Hayase has been named chief product officer for the company.  The company says, “With nearly two decades of experience building interactive media and e-commerce platforms, Hayase will oversee the development of Slacker’s digital music service across the web, smartphones, tablets, cars and consumer electronics devices.”  Slacker CEO Jim Cady states, “Slacker is growing fast with millions of people listening every month.  John is here to guarantee these listeners have an amazing experience across every platform, whether they’re listening for free or are paying subscribers.  John’s career at the intersection of entertainment and e-commerce also supports Slacker’s commitment to provide artists and advertisers a highly engaging and efficient way to reach their fans and customers.”  Hayase comes to Slacker from his most recent post at ElasticPath, where he was vice president of client solutions. More RadioInfo Career Moves.  Binnie Media Group promotes program director AJ Dukette to operations manager for the company’s New Hampshire cluster that includes CHR WJYY, country WNHW “93.3 The Wolf,” AC WLNH, classic hits WNNH “99.1 Frank FM,” in the Concord market and news/talk WEMJ, Laconia and Lebanon, New Hampshire country simulcast WXLF and WZLF “The Wolf.”…..Former KNDD, Seattle “107.7 The End” personality Harms is doing weekend and fill-in work with Clear Channel’s alternative KYS

Jennifer Lopez has once again teamed up with Pitbull for her upcoming eight studio album. 'Live It Up' is the third time these two have collaborated, following 'On the Floor' and Dance Again.' RedOne, who also produced those tracks, took on the same role again for this summer jam. Like those two hits, these three artists have produced a song that is ready right now to become a dance-fueled summer anthem. Pitbull familiarly introduces the song over pulsating, powerful synth-beats by RedOne. The dance-pop tune will be perfect for the clubs, especially in the infectious and joyful chorus. Lopez is fierce in this track and entertainingly shares many inspirational lyrics in support of her message to 'live it up.' Yet, the song's main, repetitive hook will probably stand out this summer as a voice says, "Make love, don't fight. Let's f**k tonight." That is followed by a noisy, dub-step-like breakdown. 'Live It Up' may be the most successful song of the three that Lopez, Pitbull, and RedOne have produced together. It should be one of the biggest hits of the summer, combining Lopez' charm, Pitbull's signature club voice, and an unforgettable club beat. Lopez is expected to premier the song for the first time on the finale of Season 12 of 'American Idol,' where she served as a judge for the past two seasons. It is likely both Lopez and Pitbull will follow that performance with their own at the 2013 'Billboard Music Awards.' Lopez' eight studio album is expected to be released at some point this year. Get ready for summer right now and 'Live it Up' on AOL Radio's Fresh 40 station. Listen to Fresh 40 on AOL Radio...(read more)

Jason Derulo has released the first single from his upcoming third studio album. 'The Other Side' was reportedly written about his girlfriend Jordin Sparks. The 23-year-old pop star is well known for hits such as 'Whatcha Say' and 'Ridin Solo.' Like those songs, 'The Other Side' is upbeat and includes memorable, sing-along hooks. The song also has a dance and club vibe to it, helped out by the production of Ammo. Although the song can be adapted as a party song, 'The Other Side' was very personal to Derulo who was feeling thankful after a near-death experience. He told MTV, "I feel like I'm a different person. I'm a little more grown-up, and my music will always match that. So it's a Jason Derulo that is a little more sleek, a little more refined." The track received its joyful and energetic feel from the experience and was also inspired by Sparks. The lyrics specifically discuss a friendship that turns into a relationship, which resembles Derulo's and Sparks' real-life relationship. Derulo sings, "This could be perfect, but we won't know unless we try. I know you're nervous, so just sit back and let me drive." Derulo and Sparks have reportedly been collaborating on new material that may be on Derulo's upcoming record. The still-unitlted record is scheduled to be released sometime in the summer. Take a trip to 'The Other Side' with Jason Derulo right now on AOL Radio's Fresh 40 station. Listen to Fresh 40 on AOL Radio...(read more)

Cox Enterprises Announces $1 Million Donation to Oklahoma Tornado Relief.  The parent company of Cox Media Group – Cox Enterprises – announces that in partnership with the James L. Cox Foundation it is donating $1 million in support of relief and recovery efforts.  “Cox Enterprises is committed to supporting the victims of this terrible storm,” says Jim Kennedy, chairman of Cox Enterprises. “As a company that operates multiple businesses in Oklahoma, we are committed to helping our employees and the communities we serve recover from this disaster. In providing this assistance, we also encourage others to support the local relief and recovery efforts.”  Cox Enterprises operates multiple companies in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, including: Cox Communications, Total Resource Auctions – Oklahoma City, Total Resource Auctions – Tulsa, news/talk KRMG, Fox23, My41, country KWEN, Tulsa “K95,” hot AC KRAV, Tulsa “Mix 96” and rock KJSR, Tulsa “Rock 103.”  “In this difficult time of recovery and rebuilding, our hearts go out to the families affected by the tornadoes,” states Percy Kirk, senior vice president and general manager, Cox Communications Oklahoma. “This gift is a symbol of our commitment to our community and it is our hope that it will provide comfort and relief to many.”  In addition to the cash donation and in-kind public service announcements, Cox’s local media properties in Tulsa are hosting a series of community fundraisers. Clear Channel Announces Bid to Push Back Debt with Bond Exchange.  Clear Channel Communications announces it is seeking to push off some debt until 2021 via a $2.1 billion bond exchange.  The company is offering to swap $796.3 million of 10.75% notes due in 2016 and $1.28 billion of 11% payment-in-kind notes due in 2016 for the new debt that would come up in 2021.  The notes will pay 12% in cash and 2% through the issuance of payment-in-kind notes.   Bloomberg’s Mary Childs reports, “Free cash flow at the San Antonio-based broadcaster hasn’t exceeded $340.9 million in any year since its 2008 buyout by Bain Capital Partners LLC and Thomas H. Lee Partners LP.  Credit-default swaps tied to the bonds of the company, which owes about $20.8 billion total, are at about the lowest in two years, a sign investors are open to refinancing, Bloomberg data show.” SiriusXM Touts Soaring Free Cash Flow and ‘Superior Revenue Model.’  At the satellite radio company’s annual shareholder meeting yesterday, CEO Jim Meyer delivered a presentation highlighting the company’s strengths.  Meyer showed a slide boasting SiriusXM’s “superior revenue model” in which he reported the company earns $142.34 per subscriber and compared that figure to Clear Channel’s earning $12.91 per listener and Pandora’s $6.51 per active user.  Meyer also reported positive figures and about new car sales, the dramatic increase in SiriusXM-enabled vehicles in operation and touted the company’s place in the fight for the digital dashboard saying, “SiriusXM’s ability to deliver service via its satellite network and wireless networks cannot be matched by IP-only competitors.”  SiriusXM reported free cash flow of $142 million for the first quarter of 2013 and it believes it will crest the $900 million plateau for all of this year.  Meyer also stated the company believes it will top the 25-million-subscriber mark before the end of 2013. Brian Hatfield Named PM Drive Host at ‘Y-100’ San Antonio.  Cox Media Group announces Brian Hatfield is the new PM drive host at KCYY, San Antonio “Y-100.”  Operations manager Jeff Garrison says, “San Antonio, get ready for The Hat Man!  Brian’s passion and excitement for country music is unmatched.  He will deliver that every day to the ‘Y-100’ listeners, and we’re very excited to have Brian aboard ‘The Y-100’ team!”  During his career, Hatfield has had many accolades, including CMA Station of the Year 2009 and Country Radio Broadcasters/Country Aircheck Music Director of the Year 2010, 2011.  About this new posit