Why is Micro Radio Controversial?

December 31, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The idea of a local broadcast on radio is antithetical to current trends. Most broadcasters, whether it is radio, television, or internet, are looking for a larger audience. These audiences tend to be global and have a specific interest in common. Micro radio is a loose collection of groups working to move radio back in the opposite direction.

Micro radio enthusiasts want to move to low-power frequencies, requiring only 100 watts of power. The FCC, or Federal Communications Commission, grants permits to radio stations. The low-power FM permit requires at least 6,000 watts for a low-power station, which eliminates most micro radio stations. Currently the FCC is not granting any low-power permits.

People who want to start micro radio broadcasts, then, are out of luck if they wish to do so legally. These stations typically provide information about neighborhoods or small towns and have information only of interest to a small number of people. Being forced to operate at higher wattages means most of these stations will go under. Similar to a neighborhood newsletter, there is no commercial interest in micro radio stations. Instead the local people who are interested in the station contribute financially to make it work. If these station owners have to have permits and operate at the same level as a full radio station, then they will be forced to be commercial to support the costs associated with running the station. That change means the entire purpose is altered.

Currently people who are opposed to this idea of only higher-watt stations are working to have the FCC change the laws to make it more viable for micro radio to exist. These folks argue that they are not causing any interference or other problems for the FCC. The only problem is that they conflict with the concept of corporate, syndicated radio since these stations tend not to be purposed to turn a profit.

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Alternatives to Micro Radio

December 28, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Running a micro radio station can be a pretty daunting task. For starters, the FCC essentially bans micro radio stations unless the station owners, who are usually volunteers with a specific interest, get major permits to broadcast. Even if it is financially feasible to get the profit, these people often find that they need to spend thousands of dollars on equipment.

There are alternatives to running a micro radio station, however, and these options tend to be less expensive. The first option is to go old-fashioned and have a local newsletter. Micro radio broadcasts typically are about a small topic, such as regional chess players and tournaments, or are specific to a small town or even neighborhood. Sometimes having a newsletter with a nominal subscription fee is a better, less expensive option.

If you feel that hearing interviews and calling in are important, however, you can look at going the podcast route. Podcasts are basically radio shows streamed online. With the introduction of streaming audio, the internet made it capable to hear or see people on the internet without significant expense or difficulty.

The biggest expenses to producing a podcast are a computer, which many people already have, and a good microphone, which can be had for $50. Then all you need is software and the ability to create an engaging show. Various software options are available for free online, which makes the ongoing costs for running a podcast negligible.

Getting people to a podcast is a bit more complicated, but with a marketing blitz, it is possible to get people to tune in when you are airing your show. The best part about a podcast compared to a micro radio show is that listeners can hear your show later if they are unable to be there at the time you are airing.

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Who is Mbanna Kantako?

December 26, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Mbanna Kantako is the unlikely leader of the “micro radio movement,” a loose collection of people who are interested in free radio. While living in a housing project in Illinois, Kantako purchased a small radio transmitter kit and put it together. He used the kit to begin to use airwaves for a nightly show in which he gave information to others in his housing project about local happenings.

Kantako’s work was pretty quiet, and he faced no opposition from the FCC for a few years. Eventually, though, other micro radio enthusiasts started to get bolder. They began to broadcast to larger areas and stay on the air for longer, and the FCC stepped in. The FCC demanded that many of these broadcasters, including Kantako, shut down and stop using open radio signals. Kantako refused to comply, received a fine, and continued his station.

Eventually the FCC began to point to Kantako as an example of someone who was causing problems for other radio stations, though Kantako himself claims that he has not created any identifiable problems. The FCC’s efforts against Kantako, who is a blind African immigrant, inspired others to start “free radio” stations in other cities, including Detroit, Berkely, California, and San Francisco.

As of now, there is no resolution to the micro radio, also called pirate radio, problem. People like Kantako continue to broadcast, and the FCC continues to demand that they cease and desist. Because the FCC is a regulatory body only, however, they have to resort to using courts if they want to stop low-power radio broadcasting.

While they have been able to levy fines, there is little else they can do to stop low-power broadcasting. As for Kantako, he continues to claim that his station causes no problems and that using “free space” for radio should be permissible.

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Ideas for Micro Radio Stations

December 22, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Micro radio stations are low-frequency and low-power broadcasting channels that speak to specific audiences and communities. They typically are nonprofit and don’t have commercials. Here are a few of the topics that you may want to cover on a micro radio station.

Neighborhood News

One of the biggest uses for micro radio broadcasts is to share information with others about a certain community. This information may consist of interviews with community leaders or may include news about events going on. These stations can gather volunteers for work in the community or call for support of people in the neighborhood.

Local Sports

There is a place on regular, commercial broadcasts for local sports information, but those stations still need to make decisions based on their commercial interests, which means that less popular teams will fail to get much coverage. If you have a micro radio station devoted to local sports broadcasting, you can share information about all teams from Little League to local high schools.

Community Service

One of the problems that people in charity work face is that there are few inexpensive ways to get out the word about the work they do. That means that small nonprofits often are faced with needing a tremendous number of volunteers but being unable to reach those people. An excellent idea for a radio broadcast is one that promotes the volunteer needs of local organizations for free. You also could include interviews with group leaders and information about the work these groups do.

City Commission

Focusing on local politics will allow you to keep your broadcast area small but still reach the people who will be affected by the information. Cover local commission meetings and discuss controversial upcoming measures.
These are only a few of the ways that you can use micro radio broadcasts to provide quality information to your community.

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Potential Benefits of Permitting Micro Radio Stations

December 20, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The FCC, or Federal Communications Commission, is reluctant to permit low-power radio broadcasts. These broadcasts, called either micro radio or pirate radio, requires very little wattage to work, and they typically can reach only a small audience. Still the FCC’s argument is that these broadcasts could interfere with larger stations that have paid for space on the airwaves.

So why should the FCC budge and allow micro radio stations? Here are a few of the
reasons.

Micro radio is not commercially driven. That means that the information will tend to be very local and specific. These stations are usually run by volunteers and do not have any corporate sponsorship.

Pirated radio appeals only to a small segment of society. Much like a newsletter is for people with a very specific interest, micro radio is the same. Requiring massive permits” at a great cost ” would destroy these stations because they cannot appeal to a large enough group of people to afford the permits and equipment.

The information that these stations put out is important! While few people may care about the policies of the local animal shelter, those people who do care tend to be passionately interested. Micro radio allows for these small groups to connect with each other and to make a difference. That would not be possible if it were not for micro radio broadcasting.

The concept of  ”owning”  radio space, which is essentially places on a spectrum of airwaves, is a bit complicated to understand. These stations are simply using basic tools to practice their hobby. They are not, in fact, “stealing” anything or using anything that anyone else could use. They are simply finding small “open” spots to use.

Micro radio is an interesting concept that deserves more study by the FCC, but until then these stations will remain illegal.

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Ways Radio Can Be a Family Event

December 16, 2010 By Leave a Comment

While the radio seems in many ways antiquated, there are some excellent ways that parents can use the radio as a promoter of quality family time. Here are just a few ideas to try.

Broadcast radio still has some storytellers who read their information online. Garrison Keillor is the most well-known of current radio storytellers, but there are plenty of local and regional talents as well. Look up the talk radio station closest to you and tune in to any storytelling they have. One of the joys of using the radio to hear stories is that you aren’t bound by your children’s reading abilities but you still get to imagine the characters and how they look and act. Talk about these stories with your children and compare everyone’s perception.

News-based talk radio still is in abundance in most parts of the United States. There are precious few places where National Public Radio cannot be found, and Christian and conservative talk radio are virtual everywhere as well. Find some shows with content you think your children would understand and use some of the stories as jumping off points for family discussions. Perhaps a story of a missionary in Ecuador will persuade you to donate to a local mission project or lead you to research about the country to learn more.

Commercials on radio cannot rest on visual cues. Listen to a few radio commercials and talk about them. What are they trying to sell? How? Do you think they will be successful? Because radio commercials require you to listen closely to them, you are more able to focus on the product and pitch than on television. If you are at all interested in discussing marketing with your children, using the radio can be a wonderful way to do so in an effective way.

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Get Started in Micro Radio

December 14, 2010 By Leave a Comment
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Want to broadcast your own views to a local community of listeners? Does what you have to say offer a diversity of ideas; ideas not normally found within standard local radio stations? Then you might be interested in micro radio.

Formally known as micro power radio, and less informally as free casting, or sandbox radio, micro radio is seen by many as a way of “pirating” views across the airwaves without so much as a thought to a federal license.

Still, some radio personalities do just that-piece together a micro speaker box, a DC Motor, and other important and readily available parts, and start up their own micro-radio station, keeping the big money from leaving their already empty pockets. They can say what they want to say, and share views representative of their position, without so much as a how do you do.

Many like the idea of assembling parts to their satisfaction, and being able to broadcast from their very own room or private shelter. You may be interested in building your own transmitter or antenna and gathering together items from around the yard that would make for great sound effects.

To get started in the field of macro media, get your hands on the following:
-Learn more about the Media Activism Movement by perusing “Micro Radio and the FCC: media activism and struggle over broadcast policy,” by Andy Opel.
- Discover the history and strategies of survival of the micro power radio movement from the book, “Microradio & Democracy: (Low) power to the people” by Greg Ruggeriero.

You may also want to check out what micro radio stations are already out there. Radio4all.org is a website focused on getting the word out about radio stations, both large and small-FCC approved and otherwise. Key into the “Radio Station Organizations and Resources,” page for the “pirate” in you and learn about the FCC as well as various micro radio stations currently sharing the airwaves.

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Where you’re Degree in Broadcast Radio will take you

December 11, 2010 By Leave a Comment
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You’ve always loved the sound of a good broadcaster; one who knows her stuff and can challenge the views of the most discretionary listener. You enjoy good music as well as opportunities to interview others about topics of most concern to you. You like it straightforward. Honest. The music smooth and the words direct, to the point.

- Good news. Breaking into radio broadcasting begins with obtaining your Radio Broadcasting Associates Degree. This degree allows for study and experience in voice and interviewing skills, broadcasting the news, working as a disc jockey, and more.
-While you are attending school and before you finish, get some letters of recommendation ready “at least two” from instructors within the field of radio broadcasting or communication. Be prepared to share them when you interview for your internship.
• Following your degree, get some experience in a broadcasting studio through an internship. Get the word out to as many radio stations locally about your degree and make some visits. A one-on-one visit is usually preferred over a phone call or email. Internships are powerful, learning opportunities. You may not always get to do what you want, but what you will do, will prepare you for a career in broadcast radio later on.
- When applying for a position within a company, be open to leaving the state if necessary. Broadcast radio jobs are few and far between, and you may have to travel to get the job you want.
- Consider starting your own radio station. Options are only as wide as your desires: Stream or podcast; Helix, Quicktime, Peercast, Icecast, Andromeda, SHOUTcast, and more. Google your desire. Get the answers.

In the long run, using your degree in Broadcast Radio is up to you; not only in showing others the skills you have, but in following through with plan B when the occasion merits.

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Best Jobs in Broadcast Radio

December 8, 2010 By Leave a Comment

We all know what broadcast radio is, what may be more fuzzy in our minds is what broadcast radio entails. What jobs are out there for the Broadcast Radio specialist? And how do you know where you fit in?

Here’s a list of the most common career options.

- On-air positions. Be a DJ, run the sports news, or interview the newest health specialist.
- Radio programmer. Schedule the radio content. Make the heavy decisions on what will work for your particular station.
- Radio producer. Be in charge of producing the entire enchilada, from sports to music.
- Voice over. Run all that is required for successful production of commercials and radio programs.
- Radio sales. Sell radio advertising on a local and national level.
- Bookkeeper. Handle all of the accounting needs of the radio station including, billing, payroll and advertisements.
- Account executive. Take care of media sales and keep relationships positive both online and through advertising.
- Digital Technology Director. You are the lead programmer. Take care of web applications and other programming duties.
- Promotion. Get the word out about the station through various means of connecting with the public. Help with contests, on-site radio events and other opportunities to increase the radio station’s “listening” ship.
- Director of New Media. Gathers content and new technology for use within the radio station.
-Reporter. Report and produce content for use online and on the radio. This may include online audio shows, blog posts and slideshows.
- Station manager. Manages all of the departments and assure that goals are being met and procedures and regulations are being followed by employees.

Knowing where you fit in the broadcasting field really isn’t all that complicated. If you’re studying in the field; what takes the most courage is to go for what interests you the most, your lifetime dream even, despite your fear of say, speaking into the microphone.

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The best finds in old time radios

December 4, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Hunkering for a vintage radio? The sort of radio that’s classic in style as well as in sound? Wondering where to find it?

Look no further. These classic styles may not fit the funds within every modern day pocketbook, but their classic look sure stands out from the proverbial, everyday crowd.

-Try an online catalog. You may want to try stonevintageradio.com or the radioattic.com.
- Amazon.com always has a great selection of great vintage radios.
- Phil’s old radios.org has a beginner’s area for new collectors as well as information on restoration.
-Learn more about collecting old time radios from vintage radio blogs and websites. Just plug in the correct terms into your search engine.
- Visit a vintage radio gallery or museum. If you live in Connecticut, Nevada, Dublin, the UK, or Ireland, you’re halfway there. If you’re not sure if your state offers an old time radio museum, do a bit of Googling or check out the list at: radiomagonline.com.
- Check out your local library, and check out some books on the subject. Find out more before you spend the money on your”dream” find.
- Collect radio postcards or other memorabilia. The next best thing to “almost” being there.
- Join a radio club. A good list of clubs can be found at: antiqueradio.org.
- Subscribe to a vintage radio magazine.
- Do some garage sale, auction or consignment shopping.
- Talk to the old timers in your neighborhood. Who knows what they are getting rid of or what sources they can share with you that you’ve never considered.
- Let antique shops know what you are searching for. Ask them to give you a call when the item comes in.

Be patient. The best finds come from research, time, and being at the right place at the right time. It may be all you can do to hold off” but do your best” getting the best find should be your ultimate goal.

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