TWiRT - This Week in Radio Tech - Podcast

There’s something special about breathing new life into classic analog audio gear, and Jordan Tuck has turned that passion into beautiful and functional results. In this episode of This Week in Radio Tech, Jordan takes us inside his meticulous process of reviving vintage broadcast audio equipment—especially the legendary Pacific Recorders & Engineering RadioMixer console. From initial triage and circuit restoration to lamp replacement and detailed cleaning, Jordan shares how he transforms “retired” gear into studio showpieces. He’s even installed a fully refurbished PR&E RadioMixer in his brand-new home studio and gives us a first-hand look at the results. Join us for this delightful conversation celebrating craftsmanship, classic design, and the timeless sound of analog radio consoles. Guest:Jordan Tuck - Broadcast Engineer at Bristol Broadcasting Company, Inc.   Show Notes:Brochure (PDF) for PR&E ProductionMixer and RadioMixerJordan likes Scotch Super 77 Spray Adhesive for applying fabric to sound absorption panels.YouTube tutorial by “Uncle Doug”: Capacitors in Audio Circuits: Part 1 Host:Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai BroadcastingFollow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube.TWiRT is brought to you by:Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc.  Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.Angry Audio and the new 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.  Subscribe to Audio:iTunesRSSStitcherTuneInSubscribe to Video:iTunesRSSYouTube  

Scott Cason is a seasoned radio contract engineer and Director of Engineering for the Kentucky Broadcasters Association. Scott shares his insights as the ABIP (Alternative Broadcast Inspection Program) inspector for both Kentucky and Indiana, highlighting the most common violations and how stations can easily correct them. He also discusses his pivotal role in modernizing Kentucky’s newly approved EAS Plan, bringing the state’s emergency alert system up to current standards. Scott takes us behind the scenes of the University of Louisville Sports Radio Network, explaining the equipment and processes that make home and away broadcasts possible. Packed with practical advice, industry insights, and real-world examples, this episode is a must-watch for broadcast engineers and radio professionals. Tune in to learn from one of the field’s most knowledgeable - and friendly - engineers. Guest:Scott Cason - Director of Engineering & Technology, Kentucky Broadcasters Association Show Notes:Scott’s engineering services firm is LaGrange Communications, LLC.An article by Scott Cason: Contract Engineering: How to be a Contract Engineering StarKentucky State EAS Plan (PDF) Host:Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai BroadcastingFollow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube.TWiRT is brought to you by:Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc.  Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.Angry Audio and the new 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.  Subscribe to Audio:iTunesRSSStitcherTuneInSubscribe to Video:iTunesRSSYouTube  

We’re coming to you live from the Western Association of Broadcast Engineers Convention (WABE 2025) in Calgary, Alberta, Canada! This episode of This Week in Radio Tech takes you right to the heart of one of Canada’s premier broadcast engineering events. Kirk Harnack talks with a range of broadcast industry professionals — from seasoned engineers to manufacturer representatives and even a broadcast student — capturing the pulse of our ever-evolving industry. Featured guests include Jeff Welton of Nautel, Cameron Thompson with Alberta South, Michael Peterson from Stingray Digital, Randy Opperman of Rogers Communications, and Grant Bebrick of PTS. Join us for candid conversations, fresh perspectives, and valuable insights straight from the WABE show floor. Guests:Jeff Welton, CBRE - Regional Sales Manager, Eastern U.S at NautelCameron Thomson - Manager Media Engineering Alberta SouthMichael Peterson - Stingray DigitalPhil Bignell - Broadcast Systems Architect at Broadcast BionicsRandy Opperman - Senior Broadcast Technician at Rogers CommunicationsAdam Robinson - Director of Sales, Marketing, and Business Development at MaxxKonnectGrant Biebrick - Sales & Marketing Specialist at PTSBen Barber - President / CEO of Inovonics Inc.Phoenix Mantel - Broadcasting Student at SAIT Host:Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai BroadcastingFollow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube.TWiRT is brought to you by:Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc.  Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.Angry Audio and the new 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.  Subscribe to Audio:iTunesRSSStitcherTuneInSubscribe to Video:iTunesRSSYouTube  

Artificial intelligence isn’t here to replace radio — but it is coming for the audience’s attention, and it’s doing so on radio’s most important turf: deep personal connection. Dan McQuillin, Managing Director at Broadcast Bionics, joins Kirk to explore how AI and large language models can augment radio production rather than compete with it. Dan shares the fascinating “DanGPT” experiment — an AI version of himself so convincing it won over his wife of 34 years — as proof that AI can be just as personal and engaging as traditional radio. Together, they discuss how radio’s greatest strengths — shared experience, belonging, and community — remain central, and how embracing AI as “Augmented Intelligence” can amplify those qualities. With a growth mindset, AI becomes more than a cost-cutting tool; it’s a creative partner that makes the once-impossible possible. As Dan puts it, we used to have more ideas than time — now, thanks to AI, ideas are the only limit. Guest:Dan McQuillin - Managing Director at Broadcast Bionics Host:Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai BroadcastingFollow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube.TWiRT is brought to you by:Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc.  Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.Angry Audio and the new 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.  Subscribe to Audio:iTunesRSSStitcherTuneInSubscribe to Video:iTunesRSSYouTube  

The Midwest Regional Broadcasters Clinic is where broadcast engineers and technologists gather each year to learn, share, and connect. Hosted in Wisconsin, this premier event features deep-dive sessions on both cutting-edge and legacy technologies, a vibrant trade show floor, and plenty of opportunities to network with peers from across the Midwest and beyond. Jointly organized by the Wisconsin and Minnesota Broadcasters Associations along with SBE chapters from both states, it’s a true collaboration for the industry. This year, TWiRT is once again going live from the trade show floor—right in the middle of the action—bringing you the latest insights, innovations, and conversations from one of the broadcast community’s most valuable gatherings. Guests:Jim Armstrong - Senior Director of Sales US/Canada at Telos AllianceWilliam Kerkhof - Director of Engineering RTVF at University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Paul Kriegler - US Manager Omnia Sales at Telos AlliancePaul Stewart - President at Summit Technology GroupBrad Young - Sales Manager at WideOrbit Keith Paglia - Sales and Marketing at Sprite Media, Inc.Seth Stevenson - Broadcast Engineer Intern at Northwestern MediaEarl Sondreal - Director of Sales & Marketing, Americas at InovonicsBob Goff - General Manager at Heart of Wisconsin Media LLC Host:Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai BroadcastingFollow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube.TWiRT is brought to you by:Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc.  Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.Angry Audio and the new 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.  Subscribe to Audio:iTunesRSSStitcherTuneInSubscribe to Video:iTunesRSSYouTube  

On This Week in Radio Tech, we’re joined by veteran broadcast journalist Scott Fybush, publisher of NorthEast Radio Watch and Fybush.com, and the well-known Tower Site Calendar. Scott unpacks the FCC’s new deregulation initiative, popularly nicknamed “Delete, Delete, Delete”, which proposes removing a range of legacy rules. We also explore the sobering reality of declining radio station values, what’s driving the trend, and how it’s reshaping the broadcast landscape. On a lighter note, Scott shares details about a different kind of stage performance — a comedy act with his wife that will soon debut at Rochester’s Fringe Fest. It’s an episode that blends policy, economics, and a dash of humor — all through the eyes of one of radio’s most trusted observers. Show Notes:Scott’s article entitled, The FCC in Authoritarian TimesScott’s main website, Fybush.comFCC Deletes Outdated Broadcast Rules and Requirements - from FCC.govDelete, Delete, Delete; Removal of Obsolete Regulations - from the Federal RegisterFCC Deletes Outdated Broadcast Rules and Requirements - from FCC.gov Guest: Scott Fybush - Editor/Publisher at NorthEast Radio Watch/Fybush MediaHost:Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai BroadcastingFollow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube.TWiRT is brought to you by:Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc.  Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.Angry Audio and the new 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.  Subscribe to Audio:iTunesRSSStitcherTuneInSubscribe to Video:iTunesRSSYouTube  

We tend to live, work, and observe within the circles of friends and colleagues that we already know. The TWiRT podcast strives to introduce radio engineers and creators who bring new ideas, technologies, and techniques to our thinking. Juan Punyed and Caroline Delamarque are visiting and talking with Latin American broadcasters every day, and frequently visit radio stations with huge audiences in Mexico City, Buenos Aires, Santiago, Brasilia, Panama City, and Bogatá, among others. What are broadcasters doing technologically in these places? And how are engineers implementing and supporting these advances in broadcasting? Juan and Caroline give us a taste of what broadcasters are doing - and perhaps not doing - in Latin America. Show Notes:SET Expo - The Biggest Broadcast and New Media Event in Latin AmericaHD Radio Makes Headway in Latin America - RedTech News Guests:Juan Punyed - Broadcast Sales Director for Latin America at Telos AllianceCaroline Delamarque - Sales Specialist for Latin America at Telos AllianceHost:Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai BroadcastingFollow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube.TWiRT is brought to you by:Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc.  Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.Angry Audio and the new 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.  Subscribe to Audio:iTunesRSSStitcherTuneInSubscribe to Video:iTunesRSSYouTube  

Stereotypically speaking, broadcast engineers may not fit the “leadership” mold.  Many of us are perfectly comfortable dealing with equipment, and not with leading other people. While some engineers are naturally also fine leaders, many who aspire to a leadership role may need a mentor, or an example, or perhaps a “baptism by fire”.  Kevin Trueblood has leaned toward filling responsible positions throughout his career, and he brings his thoughts and advice on the topic in this episode  Moreover, Kevin was just elected by his peers as President of the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE). We discuss some SBE plans as well, and get some great advice on backup (or primary) Internet service for critical infrastructure sites. Show Notes:Kevin Trueblood Elected President of SBEAirwaves Battle Brews Over Upper C-Band - RadioWorldIs Starlink's $5 'Standby Mode' Actually a Great Bargain? - PCMag Guest:Kevin Trueblood - Associate GM, Technology & Operations at WGCU and President Elect at SBEHost:Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai BroadcastingFollow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube.TWiRT is brought to you by:Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc.  Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.Angry Audio and the new 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.  Subscribe to Audio:iTunesRSSStitcherTuneInSubscribe to Video:iTunesRSSYouTube  

Brett Gibson explores the topic of vertical real estate and tower leasing on this episode of TWiRT.  What are the structural concerns for adding antennas and feedlines to existing towers? How can a structural analysis set the course for seeking tower space clients? And what should renters be looking for in a tower situation, including the lease agreement?  Plus, Brett shares insights on IP connectivity among studios and transmitter sites. Show Notes:Brett’s Amateur Radio callsign is KT0VFT8—What Is It and How Can I Get Started?UniFi Site Magic Tutorial - EASIEST Site-to-Site VPN (YouTube video explainer)Embedded Works - low data IoT solutions Guest:Brett Gibson - Chief Engineer at Voice of the Master Host:Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai BroadcastingFollow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube.TWiRT is brought to you by:Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc.  Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.Angry Audio and the new 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.  Subscribe to Audio:iTunesRSSStitcherTuneInSubscribe to Video:iTunesRSSYouTube  

Explore the broad array of virtual processing platforms available for Radio broadcasters and hear the real-world experience of planning, installing and operating a cloud-based audio processing and distribution system from someone who’s already done it. Clay Walker is here to talk about what Audacy is doing now with cloud-based broadcast operations. Clay’s unique position at Audacy places him squarely between broadcast content and broadcast engineering and IT.  He and Chris Tarr compare notes and progress regarding virtualized broadcast operations, when it makes sense to implement it, and whether to go with public cloud services, local data centers, or on-premises deployments. Guest:Clay Walker - Vice President of Content Operations at AudacyHosts:Chris Tarr - Group Director of Engineering at Magnum Media, Inc.Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai BroadcastingFollow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube.TWiRT is brought to you by:Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc.  Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.Angry Audio and the new 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. Subscribe to Audio:iTunesRSSStitcherTuneInSubscribe to Video:iTunesRSSYouTube  

TWiRT is live at the Texas Association of Broadcasters (TAB) 2025 convention.  This year TAB chose the Kalahari Resort & Convention Center in Round Rock, TX, for their convention location. What a huge turnout of radio and TV broadcast engineers!  It’s a social event, learning event, BBQ eating event, and a time to meet with broadcast technology manufacturers.  Join us as we talk with nine broadcast engineering and tech professionals who are attending, speaking, and displaying the latest tech at this year’s TAB Convention. Show Notes:Texas Association of Broadcasters - TABTexas Association of Broadcasters 2025 Convention Guests:Bob Stroupe: Regional Engineering Manager at iHeartMedia (retired)Clay Walker - Vice President of Content OperationsGreg Siddons - Director of Sale - Telos AllianceChris Roth - VP of Business Development at The MaxxKonnect GroupHans van Zutphen - CEO at Thimeo Audio Technology B.V.Jim Armstrong - Director Of Eastern US SalesPaul Shulins - Co-owner Over the air RF Consulting LLCChase Daniels - Senior Support Specialist - Aiir / On Air - WALL Radio & Lake FMDavid Smedley - Senior Customer Support Specialist at Aiir.com Host:Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai BroadcastingFollow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube.TWiRT is brought to you by:Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc.  Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.Angry Audio and the new 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.  Subscribe to Audio:iTunesRSSStitcherTuneInSubscribe to Video:iTunesRSSYouTube  

Dave Anderson, Chief Broadcast Engineer at WUSF, Tampa - brings us two tales of two fibers. One tale surrounds the fantastic utility, capability, and flexibility of using fiber to connect different radio studios to the central rack room. The other tale describes the dangers of having diverse IP connection services that all use the exact same cross-country or last-mile fiber bundle. Either way a fault in the fiber can take out multiple services that were thought to be “diverse”.  Dave shares his recent experience and advice for using fiber’s clear advantages while avoiding service pitfalls. Show Notes:Introduction to Livewire+ is a guide to installing AoIP, including using fiber to transport it. Guest:Dave Anderson - Chief Broadcast Engineer at WUSF Public Media Host:Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai BroadcastingFollow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube.TWiRT is brought to you by:Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc.  Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.Angry Audio and the new 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.  Subscribe to Audio:iTunesRSSStitcherTuneInSubscribe to Video:iTunesRSSYouTube  

Chris Tarr is one of the busiest broadcast engineers you’ll ever meet. He loves radio engineering, and he’s highly motivated to work hard and keep learning more about his profession. Chris has assembled some recent experiences into some lessons for all of us on this episode.  From guiding some new broadcasters into legal and effective operations to modifying an older FM transmitter for additional years of reliable service, Chris has a lot to share this week.   Show Notes:Chris likes the Necto wireless monitor for temperature, humidity, and power. It’s promoted as a monitor for your unattended pet’s environment, but works great to unattended broadcast sites, too. Guest:Chris Tarr - Group Director of Engineering at Magnum Media, Inc. Host:Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai BroadcastingFollow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube.TWiRT is brought to you by:Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc.  Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.Angry Audio and the new 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.  Subscribe to Audio:iTunesRSSStitcherTuneInSubscribe to Video:iTunesRSSYouTube  

This Week in Radio Tech dives into how broadcasters can build rock-solid, multi-layered broadcast plants that keep them on the air and their audiences happy, even when equipment fails. Chuck Bullett, Director of Technology at Audacy San Francisco, shares his modular “backup B and C” philosophy—designing independent, mutually exclusive systems that can stand in when a mic arm snaps or a transmitter tower goes down. This episode discusses practical strategies like retaining reliable legacy gear as a parallel safety net while integrating new technology investments. Listeners walk away with a “what-if” mindset and concrete steps to harden their facilities against catastrophic, revenue-draining outages. Show Notes:Create a Weekly Report for Your Stakeholders - Contribution by Chuck Bullett to John Bisset’s Workbench column in Radio World Guest:Chuck Bullett, CPBE - Director of Technology | Engineering at Audacy, San FranciscoHost:Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai BroadcastingFollow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube.TWiRT is brought to you by:Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc.  Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.Angry Audio and the new 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.  Subscribe to Audio:iTunesRSSStitcherTuneInSubscribe to Video:iTunesRSSYouTube  

As we celebrate the 4th of July - Independence Day - in the United States, we’re reminded of the relative freedoms we enjoy here in the realm of broadcasting. In our case we’re speaking of radio broadcasting.  Dr. Andy Gladding teaches broadcasting at Hofstra University, plus he’s the Market DoE for the Salem radio stations in New York City. Additionally, Andy is the new owner of WKZE-FM in Saulsbury, Connecticut. His work (and working vacations) have taken Andy to several other countries where he gets to know and understand the radio broadcasting landscape.  Who better to compare and contrast broadcasting rules and practices with those in the USA?  Join us for a fascinating look at radio broadcasting in a few other countries as we celebrate Independence Day in the USA. Guest:Dr. Andy Gladding, EdD, CBT - Salem Media, Hofstra Univ., & WKZE-FMHosts:Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai BroadcastingFollow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube.TWiRT is brought to you by:Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc.  Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.Angry Audio and the new 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.  Subscribe to Audio:iTunesRSSStitcherTuneInSubscribe to Video:iTunesRSSYouTube  

The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh is launching a rare program to train students in broadcast engineering. The emphasis followed years of planning and consultation within the RTF department and the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association. William Kerkhof and Andrew Smock join Chris Tarr and Kirk Harnack to reveal the motivations and planning going into this new program. And we get an introduction to some of the courses and emphases available through this degree program.  Show Notes:University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh - Radio TV Film with Broadcast Engineering Emphasis Guests:William Kerkhof - Operations Director at RTVF at University of Wisconsin OshkoshAndrew Smock - Associate Professor, Department of RTVF at University of Wisconsin OshkoshHosts:Chris Tarr - Group Director of Engineering at Magnum Media, Inc.Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai BroadcastingFollow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube.TWiRT is brought to you by:Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc.  Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.Angry Audio and the new 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.  Subscribe to Audio:iTunesRSSStitcherTuneInSubscribe to Video:iTunesRSSYouTube  

Join us for a special on-location episode of This Week in Radio Tech, recorded at the historic Armstrong Tower in Alpine, New Jersey—the birthplace of wideband FM broadcasting. We’re joined by electronics designer and radio historian Steve Hemphill, along with Chuck Sackermann, who owns and oversees this iconic site. Together, we explore the groundbreaking legacy of Edwin H. Armstrong and the enduring impact of his tower and technology. Tim Braddock also joins us with comments about the famous Alford Antenna, in service for over 50 years on the Empire State Building.Don’t miss this fascinating journey through radio history, innovation, and preservation! Show Notes:Wikipedia article about the Armstrong TowerHistory Above the Treetops: The Alpine Tower - from Radio WorldThe Birthplace of FM Broadcasting, Alpine, N.J. - by Scott Fybush Guests:Charles Sackermann - President at K2 CommunicationsSteve Hemphill - Owner of Solid Electronics LaboratoriesTim Braddock - Broadcast Technology ConsultantTom Lawler - Field Technical Services at RCSHost:Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai BroadcastingFollow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube.TWiRT is brought to you by:Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc.  Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.Angry Audio and the new 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.  Subscribe to Audio:iTunesRSSStitcherTuneInSubscribe to Video:iTunesRSSYouTube  

The spark, motivation, and process for invention is absolutely fascinating! This week we got lucky and found two gentlemen who epitomize the spirit of invention. They often do this by asking, “What is it that we’re really trying to do here?”  Sometimes the answer results in new approaches to the problem or task.  Mike “Catfish” Dosch and Cornelius Gould are working on some projects at Angry Audio. This provided a perfect opportunity to interview them together and discuss the inventor’s process.  Show Notes:More about Cornelius Gould is at his personal website, CGould.comDeane Jensen - from WikipediaFrom TheBDR.net, A History of Audio Processing Part 8 – New Guys Come to Town Guests:Michael Dosch - Owner at Angry AudioCornelius Gould - Audio Processing Architect at Angry Audio Host:Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai BroadcastingFollow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube.TWiRT is brought to you by:Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc.  Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.Angry Audio and the new 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.  Subscribe to Audio:iTunesRSSStitcherTuneInSubscribe to Video:iTunesRSSYouTube  

On this episode of This Week in Radio Tech, we welcome a true legend of the newsroom—Bob Hardt. From his early days at WXYZ to anchoring at WABC and ultimately rising to the top at ABC Radio News in New York City, Bob shares a career shaped by storytelling, breaking news, and the evolving tools of the trade. Host Kirk Harnack dives into how technology changed the game—from cart machines to digital editors—and how those shifts made newsgathering faster, sharper, and more agile. If you’ve ever wondered how great radio news gets made, or how the newsroom adapted from analog chaos to digital speed, this conversation with Bob Hardt is one you won’t want to miss. Show Notes:WABC News: Bob Hardt - January 22 1979 - Air CheckBob Hardt's Wild Ride: From ABC News to Palm Springs Paradise - Big Conversations, Little Bar Guest:Bob Hardt - ABC Radio News Anchor / Reporter (Retired)Host:Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai BroadcastingFollow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube.TWiRT is brought to you by:Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc.  Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.Angry Audio and the new 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.  Subscribe to Audio:iTunesRSSStitcherTuneInSubscribe to Video:iTunesRSSYouTube  

Seven hundred and fifty episodes of TWiRT!  Wow!  It’s my honor today to welcome two innovative broadcast engineers and businessmen - and business partners with Telos Alliance - Tyler Everitt and Grant Biebrick.  We’re learning about the practical equipment and systems that their company, Pippin Technical Service (PTS) brings to Canadian broadcasters. Tyler and Grant reveal the innovative networked devices and systems that PTS has developed and installed at hundreds of facilities in Canada.  Show Notes:PTSBeacon is essentially an IoT (Internet of Things) device for your Livewire network.PTSAurora controls complex lighting indications on modern mic arms - and more.Born of necessity and tradition, PTSPKR is perfect for broadcast audio monitoring.PTSxR1 is incredibly versatile, and exactly the compute platform that broadcasters need. Guests:Tyler Everitt - President/CEO at Pippin Technical ServiceGrant Biebrick - Sales & Marketing Specialist at Pippin Technical ServiceHost:Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai BroadcastingFollow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube.TWiRT is brought to you by:Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc.  Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.Angry Audio and the new 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.  Subscribe to Audio:iTunesRSSStitcherTuneInSubscribe to Video:iTunesRSSYouTube