Like many folks, I’m still shocked and saddened about the death of actor Philip Seymour Hoffman yesterday. He left us too soon. Writers across the web have been paying tribute by taking a look at some of his most iconic film roles. But as a long-time observer of the clandestine art of unlicensed radio, I […]
Archive | Pop Culture
Holiday Gift Guide for Radio-Lovin’ Fashion Mavens
Every year I love the challenge of tracking down unique radio-themed gifts. This time around, my first gift guide of the year has a fashion focus. Even if the people on your gift list aren’t radio diehards like you are, no doubt they’d appreciate the way that radio is incorporated into these stylish items. 1. […]
Ekko Radio Reception Stamp Hints at Early Days of Radio at Haverford College
I was doing a random search on Twitter this weekend when I ran across a photo of a radio reception stamp for the first Haverford College radio station WABQ. It turns out that some of the current radio station participants at Haverford College found this gem on eBay, just in time for this year’s 90th […]
Radio Collection on Display at San Francisco History Museum
Yesterday I spent the day playing tourist in my own town. On the top of my list was going to the San Francisco Wax Museum one last time before it transferred to new owners (it will be closed and the space will be remodeled by Madame Tussaud’s). As the day began, I had no idea […]
Radio Heroes on New TV Show “Under the Dome”
I’m always thrilled to see depictions of radio DJs in popular culture and have a soft spot for horror movie story lines involving DJs in peril. It was a happy surprise to me to spot heroic radio station personnel on the new Steven King-penned TV series “Under the Dome.” So far, two episodes have aired, […]
Friday radio news round-up: Ecuadorian ambulances override car radios; App is Pandora of podcasts
Here are more stories that we don’t want you to miss, especially some more lighthearted pieces about ambulances overriding car radios and comic book podcasts. So we we’re going to compile them in our end-of-the-week round-up. Last fall Microsoft launched the ad-supported Xbox Music streaming service on its Xbox 360 game console, Windows 8 and […]
2012 Radio Survivor Gift Guides
Happy Holidays! Over the past month we’ve been compiling gift suggestions for our radio-obsessed fans. Here’s the complete run-down of ideas for your end of year shopping. As a bonus, if you make purchases using the Amazon links on Radio Survivor, you’ll be helping to support our efforts as well. 1. Radio Gifts from Whimsical […]
2012 Holiday Gift Guide for Radio Fans
In honor of the official start of the holiday shopping season, it’s time for an update to my annual list of radio gift ideas. If you are making your purchases online, you can help support Radio Survivor by shopping through our Amazon links. Over the years we’ve compiled various lists of recommended radio gear, accessories […]
New film to tell the story of New Zealand’s own offshore radio pirate
I was unaware that New Zealand had a pirate radio scene in the 1960s. But upon further reflection it makes sense, since that country’s radio dial was similarly monopolized by state broadcasters just like the UK and continental Europe. This meant that insurgent rock n’ roll music was hard to find, making for a ready […]
Dr. Demento discusses censorship and going online-only with Nerdist
Dr. Demento is the veteran broadcaster who first exposed the listening public to Weird Al Yankovic when the parody musician was recording accordian-laden tapes in his dormatory bathroom. Demento’s eponymously titled radio program has brought silly songs and funny ditties to the radio for nearly four decades. The good Doctor (also known as Barret Eugene […]