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Re: Do any of the posters here actually work in Radio?
- Thread starter thebroker
- Start date
M
Mike Walker
Guest
Re: Do any of the posters here actually work in Radio?
I work in radio...have for 33 years...since 1974. I own a production studio known as "The Production Room", which I operate from home. Four producers/voice talent work for me. I serve as production mgr. also for a 1000 watt AM country/100,000 watt fm hot a/c station here in NC. I've worked on air for decades, and served in programming/management/production and even some engineering since Watergate was news, not history. My most recent on-air gig was at WXRC "The Ride" in Charlotte NC.
I work in radio...have for 33 years...since 1974. I own a production studio known as "The Production Room", which I operate from home. Four producers/voice talent work for me. I serve as production mgr. also for a 1000 watt AM country/100,000 watt fm hot a/c station here in NC. I've worked on air for decades, and served in programming/management/production and even some engineering since Watergate was news, not history. My most recent on-air gig was at WXRC "The Ride" in Charlotte NC.
Re: Do any of the posters here actually work in Radio?
I have been in radio for 48 years, in the US and in a total of 17 countries. I've also, int he past, been the chief engineer of a group of stations as well as manager, programmer, general sales manager, national sales manager, announcer, board op and consultant... first job was janitor, though. I've spoken at the NAB, RAB, R&R, Billboard and other conventions, written in several publications...
Hillbillicus said:
I have been in radio for 48 years, in the US and in a total of 17 countries. I've also, int he past, been the chief engineer of a group of stations as well as manager, programmer, general sales manager, national sales manager, announcer, board op and consultant... first job was janitor, though. I've spoken at the NAB, RAB, R&R, Billboard and other conventions, written in several publications...
Re: Do any of the posters here actually work in Radio?
I didn't realize you were a North Carolinian, Mike. That's where my roots are. I can only think of one combo in all of NC that fits the description, and I bet it's great to work there. Talk about a rare situation. I remember you from your days at "The Ride" too. Small world.
I didn't realize you were a North Carolinian, Mike. That's where my roots are. I can only think of one combo in all of NC that fits the description, and I bet it's great to work there. Talk about a rare situation. I remember you from your days at "The Ride" too. Small world.
Re: Do any of the posters here actually work in Radio?
I've worked in radio for over 30 years. The last 30 at one of the major radio networks located in NYC as a master control supervisor and uplink engineer.
Hillbillicus said:
I've worked in radio for over 30 years. The last 30 at one of the major radio networks located in NYC as a master control supervisor and uplink engineer.
Re: Do any of the posters here actually work in Radio?
Yes, I have been in radio for 17 years, 11 of them in market #1 as an engineer and all 17 in market #18 as a jock, engineer and a little programming. I have written for a few trade publications and am proud of my contributions to the development of a few audio processors currently on the market. I take pride in my hearing.. it's the only thing I trust sometimes.
My first job at my first station was mowing the lawn out back by the tower when I was 15 and then doing part time on-air work. I found out about ground radials real fast. I then produced the afternoon drive show and later would produce weekend programming (block programming) which would allow me time to program my own music (at the time the station was oldies) during hours that weren't sold. Eventually some of the advertisers wanted to sponsor my show because they thought it was a good angle to have a younger voice presenting oldies.. and because the weekend programming was not part of the format Monday-Friday, I was allowed to program the show... it went from a one hour thing to four hours. It was very successful from late 1991 until the station was sold in June of 1994 and they never needed to block sell that time again. It was never even a question. I'm very proud of that, especially since it was born before I even left High School
Yes, I have been in radio for 17 years, 11 of them in market #1 as an engineer and all 17 in market #18 as a jock, engineer and a little programming. I have written for a few trade publications and am proud of my contributions to the development of a few audio processors currently on the market. I take pride in my hearing.. it's the only thing I trust sometimes.
My first job at my first station was mowing the lawn out back by the tower when I was 15 and then doing part time on-air work. I found out about ground radials real fast. I then produced the afternoon drive show and later would produce weekend programming (block programming) which would allow me time to program my own music (at the time the station was oldies) during hours that weren't sold. Eventually some of the advertisers wanted to sponsor my show because they thought it was a good angle to have a younger voice presenting oldies.. and because the weekend programming was not part of the format Monday-Friday, I was allowed to program the show... it went from a one hour thing to four hours. It was very successful from late 1991 until the station was sold in June of 1994 and they never needed to block sell that time again. It was never even a question. I'm very proud of that, especially since it was born before I even left High School
Re: Do any of the posters here actually work in Radio?
As my friend Clouseau has pointed out, I'm GM of an LPFM. I will humbly say it is one of the more successful LPFM's there is, but that said, there are quite a few that have reached or exceeded our success. It is not a total wasteland.
Despite a 30+ year hiatus into the world of professional audio and touring sound, I grew up around radio, and had a variety of jobs in the industry before my stint as a live sound engineer. All through that career, I kept up with my radio friends and many times our paths crossed. We even worked together on many occasions. Some of those old friends even contribute to our little station. There are still some really nice people who are involved in radio.
As my friend Clouseau has pointed out, I'm GM of an LPFM. I will humbly say it is one of the more successful LPFM's there is, but that said, there are quite a few that have reached or exceeded our success. It is not a total wasteland.
Despite a 30+ year hiatus into the world of professional audio and touring sound, I grew up around radio, and had a variety of jobs in the industry before my stint as a live sound engineer. All through that career, I kept up with my radio friends and many times our paths crossed. We even worked together on many occasions. Some of those old friends even contribute to our little station. There are still some really nice people who are involved in radio.
M
Mike Walker
Guest
Re: Do any of the posters here actually work in Radio?
I'd be interested in any technical details you could provide about your LPFM, Chuck. There's one near me in Lenoir NC, and another in Hudson. Their coverage is cb-like (think the worst coverage of any 250 watt Class IV AM at night in the "good ole' days"), and sound quality is horrendous. How far does your signal REALLY travel? Tell me about your operation!
I'd be interested in any technical details you could provide about your LPFM, Chuck. There's one near me in Lenoir NC, and another in Hudson. Their coverage is cb-like (think the worst coverage of any 250 watt Class IV AM at night in the "good ole' days"), and sound quality is horrendous. How far does your signal REALLY travel? Tell me about your operation!
Re: Do any of the posters here actually work in Radio?
I've been in radio for almost 40 years. I've been a board op, producer, dj, news reporter, news anchor, news director, programmer, ops manager, account exec, sales manager and floor sweeper. I work in the #2 population market, #1 in billing. Some of my stuff has aired in most major markets. I also own a new media business. My first job in radio paid $1.75 an hour. The station had no cart machines. we played all our spots on reel-to-reel machines. I have been blessed to have worked with more than a few of the greats in the radio business.
It's an honor to agree or disagree with all of you here, no matter how much or how little experience you have in radio. All of us are richer because of our interaction here. I learn something every day.
I've been in radio for almost 40 years. I've been a board op, producer, dj, news reporter, news anchor, news director, programmer, ops manager, account exec, sales manager and floor sweeper. I work in the #2 population market, #1 in billing. Some of my stuff has aired in most major markets. I also own a new media business. My first job in radio paid $1.75 an hour. The station had no cart machines. we played all our spots on reel-to-reel machines. I have been blessed to have worked with more than a few of the greats in the radio business.
It's an honor to agree or disagree with all of you here, no matter how much or how little experience you have in radio. All of us are richer because of our interaction here. I learn something every day.
Re: Do any of the posters here actually work in Radio?
Since you ask:
I have been around broadcasting all my life. My mother was an account exec. at Grey and Rogers & and worked with L, G & K, among many others.
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B0DE4DC103DF93BA35755C0A961948260
I sometimes sat in with her in the sponsor's booth, as guests watching early TV and radio shows being produced.
My first, major market, full time air shift was in 1963. On-air, engineering, programming, consulting, news, production, promotion, etc.
I am retired, and occasionally dabble in production, consulting, and engineering.
Since you ask:
I have been around broadcasting all my life. My mother was an account exec. at Grey and Rogers & and worked with L, G & K, among many others.
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B0DE4DC103DF93BA35755C0A961948260
I sometimes sat in with her in the sponsor's booth, as guests watching early TV and radio shows being produced.
My first, major market, full time air shift was in 1963. On-air, engineering, programming, consulting, news, production, promotion, etc.
I am retired, and occasionally dabble in production, consulting, and engineering.
Re: Do any of the posters here actually work in Radio?
How often am I found to be a day late and a dollar short? Heh heh.
I was a little tentative with the old toe in the water thing at the beginning and now I'm at the end of the line of those who actually confess.
. My Bad. I am humbled while reading some of the nobel stuff here. (Is "Nobel Stuff" an oxymoron)?
My current situation is in a top 140 market (Don't you love that stuff). Basically running a standalone ESPN Sports AM. And babysitting an out of market FM. I also have a licensed FM "D" and a few permits pending, personally. I'm even getting ready to do an auction in LPTV.... But that's my side stuff.. At my day job...
I do this for my boss of ten years and my friend for about 5 who is about 1000 miles out of market and I routinely cuss out every day. I'd feel bad, but he cuss's me out at least as much. We basically take turn throwing buckets of icewater on each other. I'd killl him, but he's become close to my best friend. Besides, I can give him a hard time and he pays the long distance. Along with my cellphone and wireless Broadband...
Life has been pretty good to me. A few good investments and I have not had to really WORRY about the future. Suffice it to say that my major reason for working is health insurance.
I have seen a lot of noble words here and I must confess, I am addicted to this site. TheBroker pointed out to everyone that we had lost our humanity and were off the chart in terms of civility. I gotta tell you.... I felt REALLY bad.
And I still do.
I too am better for each day I review the posts here. And comtemplete what they mean. For it is like a busy streetcorner. In fact a couple of days ago there was a colorful person who was proclaiming how "He and Jesus would save the world" on the traffic island on the way home.
As a guy who drives a convertible.... at a stop sign... he scared the...
Well let's just say I didn't need Dulcolax...
Jokes aside. 10% of us are radical Pro Digital people. And another 10% of us are on the radical anti side. It's up to the other 80% of us to keep this place from being a cesspool.
I WILL do that. Or leave. And when I get out of line, CALL ME OUT. I've called "Time Out" on myself before, and I might have to again.
There's a lot of us who are passionate... And that no excuse for any of us to be (As my AOPA Instructor said) "Low Class"
Clouseau
How often am I found to be a day late and a dollar short? Heh heh.
I was a little tentative with the old toe in the water thing at the beginning and now I'm at the end of the line of those who actually confess.
. My Bad. I am humbled while reading some of the nobel stuff here. (Is "Nobel Stuff" an oxymoron)? My current situation is in a top 140 market (Don't you love that stuff). Basically running a standalone ESPN Sports AM. And babysitting an out of market FM. I also have a licensed FM "D" and a few permits pending, personally. I'm even getting ready to do an auction in LPTV.... But that's my side stuff.. At my day job...
I do this for my boss of ten years and my friend for about 5 who is about 1000 miles out of market and I routinely cuss out every day. I'd feel bad, but he cuss's me out at least as much. We basically take turn throwing buckets of icewater on each other. I'd killl him, but he's become close to my best friend. Besides, I can give him a hard time and he pays the long distance. Along with my cellphone and wireless Broadband...
Life has been pretty good to me. A few good investments and I have not had to really WORRY about the future. Suffice it to say that my major reason for working is health insurance.
I have seen a lot of noble words here and I must confess, I am addicted to this site. TheBroker pointed out to everyone that we had lost our humanity and were off the chart in terms of civility. I gotta tell you.... I felt REALLY bad.
And I still do.
I too am better for each day I review the posts here. And comtemplete what they mean. For it is like a busy streetcorner. In fact a couple of days ago there was a colorful person who was proclaiming how "He and Jesus would save the world" on the traffic island on the way home.
As a guy who drives a convertible.... at a stop sign... he scared the...
Well let's just say I didn't need Dulcolax...
Jokes aside. 10% of us are radical Pro Digital people. And another 10% of us are on the radical anti side. It's up to the other 80% of us to keep this place from being a cesspool.
I WILL do that. Or leave. And when I get out of line, CALL ME OUT. I've called "Time Out" on myself before, and I might have to again.
There's a lot of us who are passionate... And that no excuse for any of us to be (As my AOPA Instructor said) "Low Class"
Clouseau
M
Mike Walker
Guest
Re: Do any of the posters here actually work in Radio?
OOOOH VSA you brought back memories with the "no cart, we used reel to reel" comment. When I started at WIFM in Elkin NC in 1974, we didn't have enough carts for all the sponsors (the station was sold out around the clock!) So we put lots of spots on those tiny little 3" reels. Once in a while, a spot would have a "false start"...the spot would begin, the jock screw up, then the "real spot" began. Lots of fun!
By the way, you "win" VSA. My first job paid what was minimum wage at the time, 2.35 an hour. Actually the first few months, I was paid NOTHING for doing Sunday afternoons on the AM station. Prior to my volunteering, one jock ran religious shows on FM, and pop music on AM AT THE SAME TIME! I convinced the GM that he should let me do the music show. I'd learn "the ropes", and the FM jock would retain his sanity. Later when the station started using me for fill-in work, they began paying me for Sunday afternoons as well. The good ole' days!
OOOOH VSA you brought back memories with the "no cart, we used reel to reel" comment. When I started at WIFM in Elkin NC in 1974, we didn't have enough carts for all the sponsors (the station was sold out around the clock!) So we put lots of spots on those tiny little 3" reels. Once in a while, a spot would have a "false start"...the spot would begin, the jock screw up, then the "real spot" began. Lots of fun!
By the way, you "win" VSA. My first job paid what was minimum wage at the time, 2.35 an hour. Actually the first few months, I was paid NOTHING for doing Sunday afternoons on the AM station. Prior to my volunteering, one jock ran religious shows on FM, and pop music on AM AT THE SAME TIME! I convinced the GM that he should let me do the music show. I'd learn "the ropes", and the FM jock would retain his sanity. Later when the station started using me for fill-in work, they began paying me for Sunday afternoons as well. The good ole' days!
Re: Do any of the posters here actually work in Radio?
39 years in radio for me...having done every single job there is to do, except sales, from sweeping the floor and answering the phones to PD and GM. Most of that time was spent in engineering.
39 years in radio for me...having done every single job there is to do, except sales, from sweeping the floor and answering the phones to PD and GM. Most of that time was spent in engineering.
M
Mike Walker
Guest
Re: Do any of the posters here actually work in Radio?
Unusual for someone to make GM without having done sales. But I suppose any REAL radio person is kind of in sales, even if not "officially". What the hell else is production, or live spots and/or sponsorship tie-ins when you're on the air? I guess it's all really sales! Even in non-commercial radio, you're selling the concept of your station, and the music or other programming.
Unusual for someone to make GM without having done sales. But I suppose any REAL radio person is kind of in sales, even if not "officially". What the hell else is production, or live spots and/or sponsorship tie-ins when you're on the air? I guess it's all really sales! Even in non-commercial radio, you're selling the concept of your station, and the music or other programming.
Re: Do any of the posters here actually work in Radio?
I'm sorry to hear that your local LPFM is a turkey. Sadly, most are, but there are also some very good ones.. We have pretty good coverage, considering the low power level (74 watts at 125 feet HAAT). A properly engineered LPFM should be fairly usable for about 10 miles, at least in cars. Using the $9.95 clock radio from WalMart, 3-4 miles is about it. Some go further if they are blessed with no co-channel interference and a flat terrain. I've tracked some for a little over 20 miles.
One thing that helps is we use good quality equipment, modern processing and try to run a tight ship. We are also broadcast on two translators which greatly improves our coverage area. According to the US Census, a bit over 125,000 people can receive one of the signals. You are welcome to email me off line by going to our web site, www.kzqx.com. Just use the "contact us" link. I'll be happy to give you any specifications and info you'd like. There are also some pictures of our facility on the web site, which you might find interesting.
Mike Walker said:
I'm sorry to hear that your local LPFM is a turkey. Sadly, most are, but there are also some very good ones.. We have pretty good coverage, considering the low power level (74 watts at 125 feet HAAT). A properly engineered LPFM should be fairly usable for about 10 miles, at least in cars. Using the $9.95 clock radio from WalMart, 3-4 miles is about it. Some go further if they are blessed with no co-channel interference and a flat terrain. I've tracked some for a little over 20 miles.
One thing that helps is we use good quality equipment, modern processing and try to run a tight ship. We are also broadcast on two translators which greatly improves our coverage area. According to the US Census, a bit over 125,000 people can receive one of the signals. You are welcome to email me off line by going to our web site, www.kzqx.com. Just use the "contact us" link. I'll be happy to give you any specifications and info you'd like. There are also some pictures of our facility on the web site, which you might find interesting.
Re: Do any of the posters here actually work in Radio?
My first paid radio gig was for the princely sum of $1.25 an hour (Minimum Wage at the time) on weekends at a very small station. It didn't have cart machines either. We had three Magnecord PT-6 reel to reel machines which could turn a reel of Acetate tape into a flurry of confetti in a matter of seconds.
vsa said:
My first paid radio gig was for the princely sum of $1.25 an hour (Minimum Wage at the time) on weekends at a very small station. It didn't have cart machines either. We had three Magnecord PT-6 reel to reel machines which could turn a reel of Acetate tape into a flurry of confetti in a matter of seconds.
Re: Do any of the posters here actually work in Radio?
Sorry I missed this earlier, I was on travel after coming home for my son's Spring Orchestra concert... it was great, it's amazing how well kids at the ages from 14-16 can play, right up there with adult musicians!
Well... I must say I am humbled by all this talent and must bow to you guys who stuck it out in the radio business... My Kudos to each and everyone of you!
Me... other than working 3 years as a dj and engineering staff on the Florida State University Public Radio 88.9 FM during it's start up years back in 1975.. after graduation with a BSEE I went to work for Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Engines in West Palm Beach, Florida... after graduate school at Florida Atlantic Univ. I left for Boeing Aerospace in Seattle, I tried to get a small gig at one of the stations there but didn't luck out so after 1995 I fled Seattle and settled in Savannah, GA.
I started a Part15 station for the fun of it but merchants and business owners wanted to be on the air so... here I am still running it 3 years later, I don't need anything larger as the community I serve is quite small (my island and I think the signal goes out to other islands)... I would buy a turnkey station (incidently one got sold without anyone knowing it - WHGM for $300,000 - good buy), guess I'll try again for another shot when another station comes up for sale.
Radiopilot
Sorry I missed this earlier, I was on travel after coming home for my son's Spring Orchestra concert... it was great, it's amazing how well kids at the ages from 14-16 can play, right up there with adult musicians!
Well... I must say I am humbled by all this talent and must bow to you guys who stuck it out in the radio business... My Kudos to each and everyone of you!
Me... other than working 3 years as a dj and engineering staff on the Florida State University Public Radio 88.9 FM during it's start up years back in 1975.. after graduation with a BSEE I went to work for Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Engines in West Palm Beach, Florida... after graduate school at Florida Atlantic Univ. I left for Boeing Aerospace in Seattle, I tried to get a small gig at one of the stations there but didn't luck out so after 1995 I fled Seattle and settled in Savannah, GA.
I started a Part15 station for the fun of it but merchants and business owners wanted to be on the air so... here I am still running it 3 years later, I don't need anything larger as the community I serve is quite small (my island and I think the signal goes out to other islands)... I would buy a turnkey station (incidently one got sold without anyone knowing it - WHGM for $300,000 - good buy), guess I'll try again for another shot when another station comes up for sale.
Radiopilot
M
Mike Walker
Guest
Re: Do any of the posters here actually work in Radio?
If your signal "goes out to the other islands"...here's a news flash. You're not a "Part 15" operator, you're what we radio professionals refer to as, er, what's that word? Oh yeah...a PIRATE! Part 15 stations can LEGALLY go perhaps (optimistically) a mile with the wind at their back. Usually they go FAR less.
If your signal "goes out to the other islands"...here's a news flash. You're not a "Part 15" operator, you're what we radio professionals refer to as, er, what's that word? Oh yeah...a PIRATE! Part 15 stations can LEGALLY go perhaps (optimistically) a mile with the wind at their back. Usually they go FAR less.
Re: Do any of the posters here actually work in Radio?
I didn't think this was the topic of discussion and doing so might once again derail this topic to the TIO board... So in essence this topic was only for radio professionals? Suffice it to say that I'll say my ground conductance is top notch, my elevation is great and the FCC Field Agent in Atlanta has already approved my setup, so what else is there to tell you? EasyPeezy did a good job of trying to do the same... Seems like this is all some of you are capable of... Tom Wells and others know exactly what a well engineered Part 15 transmitter can do... Here care to read this topic:
http://www.radio-info.com/smf/index.php?topic=70238.0
Sorry Mike... but stick to what you really know...
Radiopilot
Mike Walker said:
I didn't think this was the topic of discussion and doing so might once again derail this topic to the TIO board... So in essence this topic was only for radio professionals? Suffice it to say that I'll say my ground conductance is top notch, my elevation is great and the FCC Field Agent in Atlanta has already approved my setup, so what else is there to tell you? EasyPeezy did a good job of trying to do the same... Seems like this is all some of you are capable of... Tom Wells and others know exactly what a well engineered Part 15 transmitter can do... Here care to read this topic:
http://www.radio-info.com/smf/index.php?topic=70238.0
Sorry Mike... but stick to what you really know...
Radiopilot
M
Mike Walker
Guest
Re: Do any of the posters here actually work in Radio?
"What I really know" is radio. It has been my life, my career, and my passion my entire life. You say this is for "professionals". I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED A PAYCHECK NOT RELATED TO RADIO, IN MY ENTIRE LIFE. I think that should qualify me as a "professional"...someone who has spent his entire adult, and much of his adolescent life working with REAL radio stations...those who measure their output in thousands, tens of thousands, or hundreds of thousands of watts, not hundreds or dozens of milliwatts.
The FCC a few months ago, at the urging of a particularly powerful member of congress, ignored it's own rules and not only allowed a pirate to continue operating, but...again in opposition to it's own rules...allowed him to apply for LEGAL status as an LPFM operator, despite the fact that no "window" was open. Just because the FCC, or a representative thereof, does it, doesn't make it right. The institutions of government are only as legitimate and honest as those in power who choose them.
"What I really know" is radio. It has been my life, my career, and my passion my entire life. You say this is for "professionals". I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED A PAYCHECK NOT RELATED TO RADIO, IN MY ENTIRE LIFE. I think that should qualify me as a "professional"...someone who has spent his entire adult, and much of his adolescent life working with REAL radio stations...those who measure their output in thousands, tens of thousands, or hundreds of thousands of watts, not hundreds or dozens of milliwatts.
The FCC a few months ago, at the urging of a particularly powerful member of congress, ignored it's own rules and not only allowed a pirate to continue operating, but...again in opposition to it's own rules...allowed him to apply for LEGAL status as an LPFM operator, despite the fact that no "window" was open. Just because the FCC, or a representative thereof, does it, doesn't make it right. The institutions of government are only as legitimate and honest as those in power who choose them.
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