HD Radio on AM – Not worth it
One of the supposed advantages of HD Radio is improved fidelity over analog. As I observed in my listening test of HD on FM, there’s almost no real improvement for HD over the analog signal. The advantage for HD on FM, then, is the addition of one or two more channels of audio. However, due […]
Lots of interesting non-comm and pirate radio in Western Washington State
Jose Fritz of the great Arcane Radio Trivia has been traveling around and writing about what he hears on different regional radio dials. He just posted from the Seattle-Tacoma area and it’s interesting that he picks up a very diverse set of noncommercial stations featuring indie rock, NPR news, jazz and even dance music. He […]
Hitler outraged by possible KTRU sale (parody alert)
We’ve been reporting for a week or so about the controversy over Rice University’s plan to sell their FM signal, KTRU. Well, looks like even Die Fuhrer is opposed to this deal. We expect the situation to change fast now that old Schicklgruber is on the case. Great that he’s taking time for this issue, […]
KTRU Continues to Fight Rice University's Plan to Sell of Their FM Signal
Last week I reported the news that Rice University was planning to sell the FM signal and broadcast tower for its college radio station KTRU to University of Houston. Since then I’ve spoken with KTRU’s Student Manager, who shared with me the fact that this news was released during Rice University’s summer break, making it […]
KPFA, the case against an all-volunteer station
Pacifica radio is running its semi-regular Local Station Board elections. If you subscribe to a Pacifica station, you should be getting a ballot soon for listener or staff candidates for your signal’s respective board. Here at Pacifica outlet KPFA-FM in Berkeley, to which I donate money, there are two big slates running: SaveKPFA and Independents […]
Live365, now with prizes
Live365 radio is celebrating its 11th year of operation by offering a “prize-a-day” sweepstakes to listeners through September. The top prizes will include an iPad, Canon PowerShot digital camera, Flip Camcorder, C. Crane WiFi Internet Radio, Michael Jackson’s CD Box Set, Apple/iTunes/Amazon gift cards, and other stuff. I’m trying to decide whether this prize business […]
More car makers offer HD Radio, but can you actually buy it?
On Monday the trade publication Automotive News reported that the number of car makers offering HD Radio is up, mostly relying on stats provided by iBiquity, which owns the technology. According to the article pricey brands Volvo, BMW and Rolls-Royce now offer HD Radio as standard, while twelve other brands offer it as an option. […]
CMJ College Radio Awards Nominations Now Open
Even though I complain a lot about bogus radio station accolades, it’s still nice to see awesome stations getting recognition from their peers and the powers that be. For the past few years college radio trade publication CMJ has been hosting a College Day during its annual CMJ Music Marathon in late October. As part […]
International Radio Festival Hits Zurich in September
With webcasting we all have the opportunity to sample radio stations from all over the globe, but it isn’t every day that there’s a chance to listen to a curated selection of international stations. The organizers of the International Radio Festival hand-picked more than 30 radio stations for inclusion in their festival taking place September […]
Wireless industry blasts FM receiver mandate for mobiles
Six wireless industry related trade associations sent Congress a letter on Monday that goes ballistic on the idea of mandating FM receivers in mobile handsets. The groups wrote in opposition to a reported deal between the National Association of Broadcasters and the Recording Industry Association of America in which the former would agree to the […]