BREAKING NEWS: Media

More on Program Delay 75 years ago

Fri, 27 Dec 2024 11:00:48 +0000

This is a companion to the article “A Brief History of Delayed Programming.”

Like many stations in the late 1940s and beyond, WTOP in Washington, D.C., was faced with the problem of delaying CBS network feeds. It was a CBS O&O until mid-1948 and likely assisted the network in providing regional delays.

Assuming that at least 10 hours of network program time-shifting was required for each day of the five month-long periods of Daylight Saving Time in the late 1940s, this probably amounted to some 1,500 hours of recordings. (ABC reported their time-shifting operation ran 16.5 hours per day on average and that more programming was fed out on a delayed basis than went live.)

Expensive proposition

As disc recording gear was in universal use at radio stations then, WTOP certainly could have used this technology for delaying programs.

However, in examining the cost of such an undertaking, it would have been very expensive. One source, the Allied Radio Corp., advertised 16-inch “Audiodisc” professional recording blanks at $3.40 each, or $31 in today’s money. Purchased in quantity they cost some $2.04, about $26 now.

Each disc was good for about 15 minutes of recording time, with four sides needed for a one-hour show. Assuming that a backup copy was also made and both sides of the discs used, the cost of the four blanks would amount to more than $100 when adjusted for 75 years of inflation.

This cost-per-hour figure does not include the salary of the technician who made, labeled and played out the recording, nor does it include the cost of another consumable, the recording stylus. A “high-end” sapphire stylus was good for perhaps 10 hours, and came with a price tag of nearly $5 when purchased in quantity — more than $60 today. Using disc recording technology for program delay was not cheap.

WTOP wisely elected to handle program delay with six Brush Soundmirror tape recorders. When introduced in 1947, the machines sold for $250 (about $3,200 now), and were a real bargain when compared to the cost of acquiring Ampex’s first production machine, the 200A; it initially carried a price tag of $5,000 (nearly $7Kk now), with a later reduction to $3,000 ($38K). A 1/2-hour tape (1,200 ft.) could be purchased for about $2.50 ($32), driving the cost of delaying an hour-long show (with protection copy) to around $125 in 2024 currency.

The WTOP engineering staff modified these Brush “Soundmirror” consumer audiotape recorders to withstand the rigors of nearly constant use in delaying network programs in periods of Daylight Saving Time. This photo, probably taken around 1948–49, illustrates how the heat-producing electronics assemblies were removed from the tape transports and relocated to the upper shelf. The fan presumably aided in heat removal. A schedule for recording and playback is on the wall behind the transports.
Credit: Granville Klink Jr. collection

While it might appear that tape was more expensive than ETs, it actually was far, far cheaper, as it could be erased and reused many times — something not possible with discs.

Recorder/space heater

The downside of using Brush machines for delay was that they were designed as a consumer product and intended only for occasional use, certainly not for operation hours on end.

The big problem was Brush’s cramming of nine heat-producing vacuum tubes (some models used 10) and three motors into slightly more than 1.2-cubic feet of cabinet space. Exacerbating things even more was the heat buildup in the take-up reel motor due to its being slowed down in pulling the relatively slow-moving tape. The machine ran so hot that it could double as a space heater!

A close-up of the Brush BK-401 “Soundmirror” transport. The machine did not employ the conventional capstan and pinch roller for regulating tape speed, relying instead on frictional contact between the tape and a rubber-coated roller coupled to the flywheel for maintaining a constant linear velocity. The recorder also ran extremely hot!
Credit: James O’Neal. Brush Soundmirror is from Gary Alley collection

Brush recognized the heat issue in its service manual, and the Scotch (3M) recording tape manufacturer went a step further, warning against the use of plastic tape reels in all Soundmirror applications.

As the WTOP machines had to run continuously throughout the broadcast day, the heat problem was resolved by relocating the chassis units containing recorder DC power supply and power tubes to an overhead shelf. A wall-mounted fan supplied additional cooling for the “hot chassis” units.

[Read Another “Roots of Radio” Article by James O’Neal]

The post More on Program Delay 75 years ago appeared first on Radio World.

Richard Parsons, Serial Fixer of Media and Finance Giants, Dies at 76

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 23:25:51 +0000

Mr. Parsons’s lengthy résumé is a catalog of corporate emergencies at Time Warner, Citigroup and the Los Angeles Clippers.

CNN hopes its paywall can offset some of the losses from its TV business, after seeing a 45% drop in prime-time viewership since the November 5 election (Jeremy Barr/Washington Post)

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 22:45:02 +0000

Jeremy Barr / Washington Post:
CNN hopes its paywall can offset some of the losses from its TV business, after seeing a 45% drop in prime-time viewership since the November 5 election — With traditional viewership on a decline, the cable news network leans into its strong digital presence as it heads into uncertain times covering the second Trump administration.

AI Agents For Advertisers 'Some Years Out' Could Monitor Privacy Settings In Real-Time

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 21:47:44 +0000

The technology would support real-time ad bidding, personalize messages and budget allocations while monitoring in real time privacy settings based on the state or country where the ad targets the consumer.

Bluesky Stokes Competition With Trending Topics Integration

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 21:39:50 +0000

By including trending topics, Bluesky looks to tap into what became X's superpower: stoking mass adoption around unfolding of current trends and news via user-based discussion.

Richard Parsons, who had a long career as chairman, CEO, and as a board member of media companies including CBS and Time Warner, died at 76 of bone cancer (Benjamin Mullin/New York Times)

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 21:25:03 +0000

Benjamin Mullin / New York Times:
Richard Parsons, who had a long career as chairman, CEO, and as a board member of media companies including CBS and Time Warner, died at 76 of bone cancer — Mr. Parsons's lengthy résumé is a catalog of corporate emergencies at Time Warner, Citigroup and the Los Angeles Clippers.

Politics Coverage? Americans Are Tuning Out

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 21:20:00 +0000

As a Democrat who immersed himself in political news during the presidential campaign, Ziad Aunallah has much in common with many Americans since the election: He's tuned out. "People are mentally exhausted," says Aunallah, 45, of San Diego. "Everyone is ... just taking some time off." Television ratings—and now a...

The 'Beyoncé Bowl' halftime show was a massive hit for Netflix. The football was too

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 21:13:45 +0000

'/>

Netflix says more than 200 countries tuned into the "Beyoncé Bowl" and its two NFL games. We may just be starting to learn what that ultimately means for the future of television and sports media.

(Image credit: Julian Dakdouk)

Introducing The New Cablecast C-Suite

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 20:50:03 +0000

GOLDEN VALLEY, MINN. — Cablecast Community Media, a division of Tightrope Media Systems, has formed a new executive team to lead the business following President Steve Israelsky’s retirement on December 31.

As previously announced, Tightrope co-founder and CEO JJ Parker will take on a more active role as CEO of Cablecast Community Media on January 1. He will continue in his capacity as Tightrope CEO, where he oversees the company’s Cablecast Community Media and Carousel Digital Signage businesses.

Dana Healy and Ray Tiley will also join the Cablecast Community Media leadership team on January 1, working closely with JJ to manage Cablecast’s business and technology functions as COO and CTO, respectively.

Dana was named Cablecast’s Vice President in January 2022, bringing 23 years of community media experience across multiple disciplines to the company. These experiences included leadership roles for community media operations in Massachusetts and Minnesota, serving as Executive Director for both organizations. Dana will continue to oversee all Cablecast sales and operations while bringing the Cablecast brand to a broader customer base, including an increased emphasis on serving local municipalities.

Ray transitions into the CTO role with 15 years of engineering experience at Cablecast, including seven years as Vice President of Engineering. Ray’s vision inspired the evolution of Cablecast’s product portfolio beyond cable playout automation and into new areas such as live streaming, video-on-demand and content delivery to Cablecast apps.

“Dana has introduced processes and strategies to Cablecast’s business operations that have created better outcomes for the customer experience, and as COO she will bring exceptional structure to the entire organization,” said Parker. “Ray has focused most of his efforts on the Cablecast product line since joining the company, and as CTO he will have the freedom to drive all product innovation for the division in ways that will help our customers more effectively reach their communities, grow their audiences and evolve their brands.”

JJ will closely collaborate with Dana and Ray on new initiatives that will take the Cablecast business into new areas, beginning with the launch of a new product brand that will surface in the weeks prior to NAB Show 2025. That show also marks the return of Cablecast to the NAB exhibition floor, where the company will exhibit in West Hall.

“Tightrope was formed in 1998 to provide flexible and affordable technology solutions for three underserved markets, including cable access television and digital signage,” said Parker. “My earliest responsibilities involved developing the Cablecast business and product line. I couldn’t be more proud to return to a leadership role of this business and working alongside Dana and Ray, both of whom have been strong contributors to the Cablecast business.”

— Reporting by Brian Galante

Axia StudioCore and StudioEdge Are Now Shipping

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 20:47:07 +0000

Telos Alliance, the Cleveland-based broadcast audio company, has confirmed that its new StudioCore and StudioEdge products are now shipping.

Availability of the AoIP studio consoles within its Axia line were formally introduced at the IBC 2024 show in Amsterdam, held in September.

StudioCore serves as a new console engine for Axia iQ, Radius, RAQ, and DESQ surfaces and is the successor to the long-running QOR.32 engine. It maintains the 24-channel mixing engine from QOR.32 and an internal power supply and 5-port Ethernet switch. However, it also adds an eight-channel monitor matrix system and offers a Livewire+ AES67 stream capacity of 32 inputs and 32 outputs, removing the stream count limitation of the QOR.32.

The optional Core Soft remote control solution provides HTML5 browser-based control of StudioCore, allowing it to function as a standalone mixer (with or without a hardware control surface), control a connected iQ surface, and serve as an in-browser monitor for the control room monitor output.

StudioEdge is a high-density I/O device designed to complement the Axia xNode2 family of products. It can be used as an all-in-one I/O solution in control rooms of any size, or as an ingest station or routing and monitoring solution in TOCs and machine rooms.

StudioCore and StudioEdge are built on a common 2RU fanless hardware platform that includes an integrated 5-port Ethernet switch with PoE and a 5” color IPS LCD touchscreen display for complete local control of routing, I/O, and audio levels.

I/O includes four selectable mic/line inputs, eight dedicated line inputs and outputs, and three digital inputs and outputs that are user-configurable as AES/EBU, S/PDIF, and USB Audio (which eliminates the need for an IP driver for stereo applications), two headphone outputs with independent DACs and built-in amplifiers, a built-in audio file player via USB data port, and four GPI/O ports. A second internal power supply is optionally available.

How Radio Can Capitalize On Listener’s New Year Resolutions

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 20:45:48 +0000

Do you have a New Year resolution? If not, think about your listeners. Many do, and even if they don’t hold to their promises, radio is still empowered to profit from them.

How? Here’s some food for thought from the RBR+TVBR archives that could still help a few years later … unless, of course, dieting and exercise are your New Year resolution.

A study conducted Nov. 9-18, 2018 among 377 respondents by Maru/Vision Critical suggests radio listeners have a lot to say about their New Year resolution.

And, as Westwood One elaborated, much of it plays out by age, format and gender.

In particular, “radio listeners are hot to get healthy and not hot to make resolutions after a certain age.”

The most popular resolutions for 2019 were:

exercise more/improve fitness (42%)

save more money (41%)

eat healthier (38%)

Nearly all of the New Year’s resolutions skew toward Millennials, Adults aged 18-34. “Maybe as consumers get older the mystique behind making New Year’s resolutions starts to fade,” Westwood One opines.

Men are two times less likely to choose a New Year’s resolution for 2019 versus women. Still, the top resolution for both demographics is to exercise more/improve fitness.

Improving fitness and health, along with saving money, also rose to the top among most frequent format listeners.

As such, are your GSMs, AEs and digital sales and marketing pros engaged in live reads, air talent endorsements, live remotes, on-air and on-streaming advertising and in social media promotion for a fitness center in your market?

What about WW — formerly known as Weight Watchers?

That, of course, is low-hanging fruit, even in the age of Ozempic.

Are their local mom-and-pop shops offering yoga classes, healthy meal prep and dining-in choices, or athletic wear one will need if getting fit is it in 2024?

Your radio station’s digital and social realm is a perfect home for these businesses — not local digital, which has limited success and isn’t as local as your station.

The study also showed that listeners of R&B, Hip Hop, and Soft Rock were more likely to make resolutions over listeners of Alternative Rock, Classic Rock, Rock, Country, News/Talk, Sports, and Top 40.

This suggests ethnic audiences were eager to make changes, positive ones, in 2019. Two years on, with a pandemic, could these desires be even more pronounced?

Radio can help them reach their goals — not a personality-free stream of music on Spotify or Pandora.

The clock is ticking … are your sales pros dialing and making personal visits to your future clients today?

Note: This is an update to a Media Information Bureau column that originally appeared December 28, 2018 at RBR.com.

Red Bee Media Partners with Ranker

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 20:40:56 +0000

Red Bee Media, the broadcasting and media services company, is teaming with Ranker to bring improved data-driven content discovery products to its global network of clients, which range from pay TV operators and research firms to streaming platforms and OEMs.

Ranker is the leading site for crowdsourced rankings, with over 1.4 billion consumer votes on a wide range of entertainment topics.

Starting today, three new data products powered by Ranker will be available to Red Bee customers looking to streamline the content discovery process for their users:

1) Collections – Nuanced movie and TV lists thoughtfully curated by Ranker’s entertainment experts will help Red Bee clients surface unique content carousels, reducing the strain on their own editorial teams. Thanks to Ranker’s voting data, the lists in these collections (such as The Best TV Shows That Are Underrated, Great Underdog Movies That Have Nothing To Do With Sports, or The Most Rewatchable Movies) are dynamic and will continuously update based on viewer opinions, ensuring that the most popular content is always highlighted.

2) Fans Also Like – Ranker’s taste graph introduces a human element to recommendations that goes beyond metadata-based solutions. Using 1.4 billion votes from over 90 million consumers, Ranker’s post-consumption opinion data delivers unique insight into viewer preferences beyond genres and themes.

3) Fan-based Rankings – Unlike static audience scores, Ranker’s movie and TV rankings offer a multi-dimensional view of consumer sentiment that is both qualitative and quantitative (for example, The Bear: #1 Best TV Show Set in Chicago; Shrinking: #2 Best Shows about Therapy.) This approach gives users a better understanding of why they might enjoy a piece of content and how it compares to other similar viewing options.

“We are thrilled to announce our strategic partnership with Ranker, integrating their exceptional data insights into our suite of recommendation products,” said Shaun Stark, Head of North America and Global Content Discovery at Red Bee Media. “This collaboration highlights our commitment to providing industry leaders with essential tools needed to reduce processing times in today’s oversaturated media landscape.”

“We are honoured to partner with Red Bee Media to provide Ranker’s fan-powered discovery solutions to its impressive network of clients,” added David Yon, SVP and GM of Ranker Insights. “The combination of Red Bee’s metadata services and Ranker’s taste-based correlation data will allow us to deliver solutions on a global scale that are innovative, differentiated and tailored to viewers’ preferences.”

‘A Major Achievement’ For iHeartMedia Coming Soon?

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 20:30:51 +0000

An influential Wall Street blog has decided to shine some light on the nation’s biggest audio content creation and distribution company, as it believes iHeartMedia “is possibly approaching a major achievement in its business.”

Please Login to view this premium content. (Not a member? Join Today!)

The InFOCUS Podcast: Caroline Beasley

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 20:25:19 +0000

“I’m really interested in seeing the latest and greatest with AI, and it’s across the entire operation — not just content, but in the back office, where we can streamline our operation and become more efficient.”

That’s what excites Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley the most about her attendance at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show, CES 2025, in Las Vegas.

What else is top-of-mind for the leader of a radio station ownership group with properties in markets such as Detroit, Boston, Tampa-St. Petersburg, and Boston?

“It would also be irresponsible if I were to go all the way out to CES, with all of the Auto out there, and not look at the latest trends since Auto is one of our largest platforms that we distribute content on,” she shares in this InFOCUS Podcast, presented by dot.FM, in a fresh conversation with RBR+TVBR Editor-in-Chief Adam R Jacobson.

Listen to “The InFOCUS Podcast: Caroline Beasley” on Spreaker.

Citing Surveillance Fears, Women's Group Praises FTC Location Privacy Settlements

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 20:15:10 +0000

"Data brokers' continued collection and sale of people's personal information, such as location data showing visits to medical facilities that provide reproductive care, harmfully undermine consumer privacy and reproductive freedom," the National Partnership for Women & Families tells the FTC.

SBS Confirms Long-Awaited Houston Deal Completion

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 19:59:47 +0000

Some 90 weeks ago, the publicly traded Hispanic media company founded in 1983 by Raúl Alarcón Jr. agreed to reenter the Houston market. Rather than operate a TV station, however, Spanish Broadcasting System struck a deal to acquire a 40kw Class C1 facility serving Houston from the southern metro city of Seabrook, Tex.

It wouldn’t be until the end of 2024 that a closing date would come. But, the delay has little to do with the structure of this deal with Urban One.

Please Login to view this premium content. (Not a member? Join Today!)

WKZE Finds A New Owner At Hofstra U

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 19:59:27 +0000

On June 22, 2021, the founder and operator of an eclectic Americana-focused Adult Alternative FM with a Class A signal blanketing Northern Dutchess County and parts of northeastern Connecticut died. With the passing of Will Stanley, his widow Barbara assumed control of this station and its FM translator at 105.9 MHz.

Now, Barbara Stanley has decided to sell WKZE-FM. The buyer has been associated with the Hofstra University radio station for some two decades.

Please Login to view this premium content. (Not a member? Join Today!)

Apple Uses AI To Help Quitters Stop Quitting New Year's Resolutions

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 19:46:51 +0000

An Apple ad shows how the technology can help people quit Quitters Day, when many people quit their New Year's resolutions.

FCC Warns a Pirate Radio Station To Shut Down

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 19:35:55 +0000

The FCC has sent a warning to the purported operators of a pirate radio station to cease operations. Where this buccaneer is may surprise some.

Please Login to view this premium content. (Not a member? Join Today!)

Help Colleagues in Need With a BFOA Donation

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 19:25:27 +0000

There Is Still Time To Support Your Broadcasters Foundation of America

As we come to the end of the year, the Broadcasters Foundation of America is taking a moment to both thank its dedicated supporters for their continued generosity and reach out to those who have yet to join its mission this year.

The BFOA is the ONLY charity dedicated to supporting broadcast professionals who face challenging hardships from illness or disaster. Its mission is solely supported by colleagues within the broadcasting industry and relies on their benevolence each year to continue its monthly and emergency grant programs.

“Whether you are on the air, in the marketing or sales departments, or working in operations, the BFOA is YOUR foundation. We are here to offer a hand-up to our colleagues facing life’s toughest challenges.”

DONATE

To apply for aid or to get more information please visit www.broadcastersfoundation.org or contact us at 212-373-8250 or info@thebfoa.org. Happy New Year from all of us at the BFOA!

The Broadcasters Foundation of America is a 501(c)3 Public Charity and has received four stars from Charity Navigator, its highest rating, and a Gold Seal of Transparency from Candid/GuideStar. www.broadcastersfoundation.org

iHeart reduces its total debt by over $440M and extends most of its debt maturities by three years, by using debt exchange transactions (Inside Radio)

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 19:25:03 +0000

Inside Radio:
iHeart reduces its total debt by over $440M and extends most of its debt maturities by three years, by using debt exchange transactions — The year is ending with a vote of confidence in where iHeartMedia is heading in 2025 and beyond from the financial community.

Five Palestinian journalists killed in Gaza as Israel also strikes Yemen

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 19:19:52 +0000

Head of the World Health Organization and other UN staff reportedly safe after strikes on Sana’a airport in Yemen

Five Palestinian journalists were killed in an Israeli airstrike on their vehicle in central Gaza, their employer has said, while Israel has also struck several areas in Houthi rebel-controlled Yemen in air raids.

Faisal Abu al-Qumsan, Ayman al-Jadi, Ibrahim al-Sheikh Khalil, Fadi Hassouna and Mohammed al-Lada’a were sleeping in their broadcasting truck, marked as press, when it was targeted in a direct strike by the Israeli military, witnesses told Palestinian media. Another 32 people were killed in other Israeli pre-dawn strikes across the territory, the local health ministry said.

An Incoming FCC Chair’s ABCs Of TV Affiliation Deals

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 18:59:14 +0000

He’ll be the Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission in just 3 1/2 weeks. And, he’s wasted no time in sharing his thoughts on how he’ll lead the agency that regulates broadcast radio and TV stations in the U.S. From interviews on cable news networks to post-Open Meeting press conferences at the Commission, Brendan Carr has already been putting a stamp on how he intends to modernize rules — something media organizations are already excited about.

Now, Carr has gained attention for a letter sent December 21 to the CEO of The Walt Disney Company that addresses one of the more understated concerns of local TV station owners across the U.S.: affiliation agreements and the dollars paid to ensure network programming remains on these over-the-air homes.

Please Login to view this premium content. (Not a member? Join Today!)

Meta Recklessly Published Fake CBD Endorsement, Huckabee Claims

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 18:49:45 +0000

"For more than four years now, Meta has known that public figures, such as the governor, have had their names, images, and likenesses used to promote CBD products without their knowledge and consent," Huckabee says.

The Guardian view on digital media: the case for better regulation must be made | Editorial

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 18:30:47 +0000

Over the holidays, this column will explore next year’s urgent issues. Today we look at the crisis in western democracy, Donald Trump’s victory and the role played by digital media

In November 2020, shortly after Donald Trump’s defeat in the US presidential election, Barack Obama observed that America risked entering “an epistemological crisis”. The prospect of Mr Trump’s return to the White House in January validates his predecessor’s premonition.

Mr Obama was talking about media fragmentation and polarisation: different segments of society existing in discrete information spaces; arguments no longer drawn from a common reservoir of facts; no shared reality, no foundation of truth. “Then by definition the marketplace of ideas doesn’t work,” he said. “And by definition our democracy doesn’t work.”

Palestinian sources say an Israeli airstrike killed five journalists from Al-Quds Today; the Israeli military called the five "operatives posing as journalists" (Reuters)

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 17:30:06 +0000

Reuters:
Palestinian sources say an Israeli airstrike killed five journalists from Al-Quds Today; the Israeli military called the five “operatives posing as journalists” — Gaza authorities said an Israeli airstrike killed five Palestinian journalists in a vehicle outside a hospital …

Police surveillance of journalists in Northern Ireland | Letters

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 17:26:05 +0000

Jenni Mills recalls being quizzed by police after interviewing a lucky skydiver in the 1990s

The surveillance you describe in the story about the Police Service of Northern Ireland targeting journalists (Journalists who were unlawfully spied on have ‘no doubt’ UK reporters are still targeted, 23 December) goes back years – and sometimes to absurd lengths. In the 1990s, I was a reporter/presenter for BBC Radio 4 working on a series called Famous For 15 Minutes – not exactly hard-nosed investigative journalism. We were interviewing a Northern Ireland skydiver who had survived a fall when his parachute failed to open. He didn’t want us coming to his home, so we booked a room in a hotel for the interview.

That evening, after he’d left, we were enjoying a drink in the hotel’s bar when two burly men began chatting us up. All seemed innocent, until their questions about what we were doing in Northern Ireland became more persistent, and it became obvious that they were police officers tasked with checking up on us. I suspect that by then they had already discovered that we were making an entirely inoffensive programme, and they were just going through the motions to enjoy a few drinks on expenses.
Jenni Mills
Milton Lilbourne, Wiltshire

Maoyan: China's Christmas Eve box office revenue hit its lowest point in at least 13 years at only $5.26M, less than 25% of 2023's $23.37M (Reuters)

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 16:15:00 +0000

Reuters:
Maoyan: China's Christmas Eve box office revenue hit its lowest point in at least 13 years at only $5.26M, less than 25% of 2023's $23.37M — China's box office revenues for Christmas Eve plummeted to the lowest in at least 13 years, data from ticket booking platform Maoyan (1896.HK) showed on Wednesday.

MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell says Gateway project linking NYC, NJ should be ‘Biden Tunnel’ — but Trump ‘will take credit’

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 15:37:11 +0000

O'Donnell made the remarks during an interview with outgoing Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on his "Last Word" prime time show on Tuesday.

Gaza Officials: 5 Journalists Killed in Israeli Strike

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 14:18:00 +0000

An Israeli strike killed five Palestinian journalists outside a hospital in the Gaza Strip overnight, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said early Thursday. The strike hit a car outside the Al-Awda Hospital in the built-up Nuseirat refugee camp in the central part of the territory, per the AP . The journalists were...

Best of 2024: when are shock jocks too shocking? - podcast

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 14:00:44 +0000

Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O Henderson have dominated the breakfast slot in Sydney for almost two decades.

But their show’s recent expansion into the Melbourne market has tanked.

And while they have a reputation for crude language and stunts, the conversations that are broadcast continue to raise questions about how the show skirts decency standards.

Senior correspondent Sarah Martin and reporter Kate Lyons tell Nour Haydar how Australia’s highest-rating radio program gets around broadcast regulations

You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

You can subscribe for free to Guardian Australia’s daily news podcast Full Story on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Read more:

Gavin and Stacey finale tops Christmas television ratings

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 13:54:38 +0000

An average of 12.3 million viewers tuned in live to last episode of long-running BBC sitcom

Gavin and Stacey has won the festive TV ratings battle, with the show’s final farewell becoming the most watched Christmas Day programme in 16 years.

The final episode of the long-running BBC sitcom drew in an average of 12.3 million viewers on Wednesday, according to overnight viewing figures. These figures do not include views racked up on catch-up services during the rest of the festive period.

Netflix says it will provide on-demand access to Beyoncé's full NFL Halftime Show as a standalone special "later this week" (Lynette Rice/Deadline)

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 13:45:00 +0000

Lynette Rice / Deadline:
Netflix says it will provide on-demand access to Beyoncé's full NFL Halftime Show as a standalone special “later this week” — Don't fret if you missed Beyoncé's halftime performance during Netflix's first-ever NFL Christmas Gameday.

Ulta, Nvidia Team For Hair Style App

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 13:18:04 +0000

The try-on technology lets users experiment with both styles and colors.

Generations Of TV: The Legends We Lost In 2024

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 13:00:00 +0000

Bob Newhart, a multigenerational comedy star whose fame spanned 60 years, tops our annual salute to the TV Legends We Lost in the past year.

The BBC says Gavin & Stacey: The Finale topped UK Christmas Day overnight ratings with 12.3M viewers, and its shows were the top 10 most-watched of the day (BBC)

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 12:20:04 +0000

BBC:
The BBC says Gavin & Stacey: The Finale topped UK Christmas Day overnight ratings with 12.3M viewers, and its shows were the top 10 most-watched of the day — The BBC's cracking line-up dominated the ratings with ten out of ten of the most watched shows of the day

Israeli strike kills 5 Palestinian journalists in Gaza, officials say

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 11:06:01 +0000

An Israeli strike killed five Palestinian journalists outside a hospital in the Gaza Strip overnight, according to the Health Ministry. The Israeli military said it had targeted a group of militants.

(Image credit: Abdel Kareem Hana)

Brighten Your Studio With LEDs

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 11:00:22 +0000

Readers have commented that many stations seem to be upgrading or freshening their studios in the waning days of 2024. For many, this means clearing out everything, including old ceiling fluorescent or track lighting.

General contractors are specifying modern-looking LED arrays that are low in profile yet brighten a studio. Two such examples are seen here. The first photo is from WOW Radio in Connecticut, the second is at iHeart studios in Miami. An LED array bathes the studio in light, which is pleasing and also useful for visual radio applications.

LED light ceiling array in the WOW studio.

LED lighting array in the iHeartMedia studios in Miami.

If you haven’t made the conversion in your studios, consider it. Even converting to LED incandescent replacement bulbs will amaze you and save you money in electric costs. The bulbs also reduce the amount of fixture heat. If you’ve made the switch, send me an email to tell me about it, and include a picture.

Frank’s Ticking Stick

Consultant Frank Hertel, principal at Newman-Kees RF Measurement & Engineering, writes that broadcast engineers often are required to “fit” material into odd-shaped spaces, as when installing tile or carpet in the studio or filling an odd-shaped hole with ceiling tile.

Rather than “estimate” your cut, visit YouTube to learn how to use a Ticking Stick to improve accuracy.

This old carpenter’s trick apparently originated with shipbuilders, who had to deal with many unusual angles. You don’t buy a Ticking Stick, you make one. Search YouTube for “Ticking Stick” or “Tick Stick” to find videos about how this tool can be adapted for replacing an odd-shaped piece of tile, soundproofing foam or carpet. (The YouTube channel called See Jane Drill has one, for example.)

Frank also shared a useful site for engineers restoring old cassette or reel-to-reel machines that need new drive belts.

Recently, he was repairing a Tascam 22-2 two-track stereo machine. When he got it open, he found that the drive belt had turned to a black rubbery goo. Frank warns that if you encounter this, make sure you wear rubber gloves because the gunky paste will stain your hands. Isopropyl alcohol is the best solvent for cleaning up such messes.

For the replacement drive belts, try www.westcoastbelts.com. The company has thousands of belts in stock from $14 to $30. A small price to pay to restore a machine. They even have a 30-day return policy.

Frank Hertel recommends westcoastbelts.com for replacement drive belts to aid restoration of old cassette or reel-to-reel machines

Perusing the list, we find belts for many types of equipment — including a Magnavox 8-track tape player as well as various brands of meat slicers! The company can also manufacture custom belts if needed.

This is a good site to bookmark if you maintain legacy consumer or broadcast devices that use drive belts.

Worldwide resource

Broadcast equipment distributor Broadcast Supply Worldwide has released its annual equipment catalog. It describes pretty much everything used in a radio or television broadcast facility and is available at no charge. Request your copy by sending an email with your station information and mailing address to sales@bswusa.com. Please let them know you heard about the catalog from Radio World’s Workbench.

Wireless mic for your phone

Frequent Radio World contributor Dan Slentz points out that although cameras in most smartphones are amazing, their built-in microphones often are not.

Røde has introduced the Wireless Micro to help. You simply clip the mic onto your lapel and insert the Micro receiver into your phone. The system consists of two mic transmitters and a dual receiver, so you can record two people at one time — great for interviews.

There are two versions, one with a Lightning connector for earlier iPhones, and a USB-C version for newer iPhones and Android devices. A Gain Assist feature keeps levels in check, and it comes with a built-in windscreen.

The transmitters will run for seven hours on a charge; that’s a lot of recording for under $150.

They’re available from Røde dealers.

Specialty tool

A screwdriver tip and multiple wrench sockets make the Lectrosonics StandWrench a nice addition to any toolbox

The StandWrench from Lectrosonics is a multi-tool for the performance industry. It can tighten loose music or copy stands, and the variety of wrench opening sizes make it useful for light-duty tightening. The tool is laser-cut from 14-gauge stainless steel, with a nearly flat profile. It has six hex sockets and a large flat-blade screwdriver tip. Its compact size makes it suitable for any toolbox.

Send your tips! Workbench submissions are encouraged and qualify for SBE recertification credit. Email johnpbisset@gmail.com.

The post Brighten Your Studio With LEDs appeared first on Radio World.

The InFOCUS Podcast: Joe D’Angelo

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 10:38:57 +0000

Xperi Corp. SVP/Broadcast Radio and Digital Audio Joe D’Angelo is readying for a big CES 2025, which officially opens on January 7 across a wide swath of Las Vegas.

In this exclusive conversation, D’Angelo shares in this InFOCUS Podcast, presented by dot.FM, what’s in store for the broadcast media industry at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show and offers hints that DTS AutoStage, HD Radio and TiVO are on track for a big year ahead.

Listen to “The InFOCUS Podcast: Joe D’Angelo” on Spreaker.

Staff Picks: Best of 2024 (Elle’s Edition)

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 10:00:13 +0000

As 2024 comes to a close, the Radio World editorial team is reflecting on their coverage from the past year, noting stories that were particularly news-worthy, meaningful or simply fun to write. The author is assistant editor and senior content producer.

As always, it has been quite the busy year here at Radio World. Professionally — having been promoted to assistant editor a year ago — it was wonderful stepping into new duties, spending more time writing and engaging with even more members of our radio family (of which there are numerous!).

Personally, I also experienced some rather big (and wonderful) changes — getting engaged to my fiancé Matt in July and moving across the country to Denver, Colo., in November.

Matt and Elle at the Denver Botanic Gardens post-proposal.

The biggest adventure of all was probably taking our cat Lionel on his first plane ride … which I wouldn’t necessarily recommend.

Lionel learning about the “pillar to pillar” trend in cars in July.

As we reflect on radio happenings in 2024, it might take a little effort to clear our minds and dig past the abundance of stories about the rise and prevalence of artificial intelligence in broadcast applications, or the ongoing effort to keep AM radio in vehicles (which sadly didn’t find resolution this session of Congress).

However, if we dig a little deeper, we will find some feature stories that highlight the tradition, resilience and history of this amazing industry.

I am pleased to share my selection of top stories below.

Baseball, Radio and Generations of Tuning In

Some of my favorite stories from the year arose from the opportunity to mix news with personal commentary. If you’re reading this, you’re probably well-aware of the storied history between baseball and radio, with our beloved sportscasters often spending decades of their lives calling games. Having attended a Dodgers v. Braves matchup in September, I used the experience to share some of my family’s own history.

When the Dodgers won the World Series in late October, I wrote a follow-up about Dodgers Radio after learning that the iconic station’s coverage was disrupted in the lead-up to the big game. The “technical difficulties” experienced involved a curious break-in at the station’s transmitter site; and a collective effort to restore the station to full-power after all the antenna’s phasor controls were tampered with.

Read the full story here.

Radio’s Resilience During Hurricane Helene Is Nothing New

On a more subdued note, it was a tough year for many following extensive damage from natural disasters. In early October, my heart was heavy as I reported on the hard-hit communities in western North Carolina, sharing my personal ties to the state. In general, I was very proud of Radio World’s ongoing coverage of disaster recovery efforts and radio stations’ steadfast commitment to being a lifeline for their communities in times of crisis.

In this column, I drew parallels between Helene and Hurricane Ian, which wreaked havoc in Florida in 2022, and recalled my time on Guam surviving various typhoons.

Read the full story here.

FCC Approves “Missing and Endangered” Alert Code

In August, the FCC approved the creation of a new emergency alert code for radio, television and wireless phones to help find missing and endangered persons who aren’t covered by AMBER Alerts. FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said the new, three-character code MEP will be particularly important in helping locate missing Native and indigenous women.

“While only one-third of those who go missing are adults, they account for 70 percent of people who are never found,” said Rosenworcel.

This was a story I found particularly impactful.

Read the full story here.

Ham Radio Operators Assemble Ahead of Hurricane Milton

As large radio broadcasters like Beasley Media Group united with local television stations to provide round-the-clock storm coverage, they were not the only ones. Amateur radio operators across the country signed on to assist with emergency communications. It was niche stories like this that really captured our readers’ attention.

Read the full story here.

Women in Engineering: Maria Laing of Mr. Master

In March, I kicked off my “Women in Engineering” series which features women in broadcast engineering roles and other technical positions (and highlights their work and growing careers in a male-dominated field).

This is a feature that we’ve long wanted to do at Radio World, and I’m glad I was able to get it off the ground this year. I am keenly aware of what it feels like to be the sole woman in my professional life, and it has been wonderful to connect with other women who share my love for radio.

I particularly enjoyed writing this feature on Maria, whom I had the chance to interview while attending the NAB Show in April.

Be on the lookout for a special Women in Engineering feature in our print publication in 2025!

Read the full story here.

My Radio Collection Stands the Test of Time

In 2024, I was pleased by how many of our readers sent in comments, thought pieces, letters to the editor or other kind little notes just to say hi. I enjoyed fostering reader engagement and sharing your thoughts with fellow engineers and radio fans.

Here was one of my favorite letters to the editor … which was in response to my story “Hey Radio World, How Are You Tuning In?”

Read the full story here.

Jon Wolfert on 50 Years of JAM Jingles

I love a fun radio history feature (and I know our readers do too). In 1974 a young man named Jon Wolfert and his wife Mary Lyn started their own jingle company in the second bedroom of their Dallas apartment. Within a couple of years, JAM Creative Productions — named for Jon and Mary Lyn — would be producing jingles for powerhouse radio outlets like WABC(AM) New York, WLS(AM) Chicago and the BBC in the United Kingdom.

This story was a wonderful recollection of JAM’s history. If you haven’t already, I’d encourage you to read it!

Read the full story here.

Thank you for being an active member of our Radio World community. Happy holidays!

Matt, Santa, Elle and Lionel posing for their 2024 Xmas card in Colorado.

[Sign Up for Radio World’s SmartBrief Newsletter]

The post Staff Picks: Best of 2024 (Elle’s Edition) appeared first on Radio World.

How a small-town paper in New York state keeps printing locally

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 09:33:12 +0000

While many newspapers are outsourcing their printing, or going online-only, a small daily in Saranac Lake, New York, is still running its own presses and has no plans to change the tradition.

Predictions for the media industry in 2025 by 13 anonymous media executives: Comcast acquiring Charter, Trump bullying Bezos into selling the WaPo, and more (Alex Sherman/CNBC)

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 07:40:01 +0000

Alex Sherman / CNBC:
Predictions for the media industry in 2025 by 13 anonymous media executives: Comcast acquiring Charter, Trump bullying Bezos into selling the WaPo, and more — Ho, ho, ho! It's a holiday tradition: Anonymous media executives make their 2025 industry predictions.

‘Wild west’: experts concerned by illegal promotion of weight-loss jabs in UK

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 07:00:34 +0000

Guardian review finds many online pharmacies flouting strict advertising rules that govern prescription-only drugs

Weight-loss injections are being aggressively marketed to British consumers through often illegal promotions, in a practice experts have described as a “wild west” industry of drug selling.

The booming market for jabs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro has triggered a price battle among online pharmacies, with even high-street chains cashing in on the soaring demand.

Supermarkets are using loopholes in the rules by advertising discount deals for weight-loss “services” that include – and prominently feature – the injections.

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) is preparing to launch an investigation into the marketing of weight-loss injections.

The regulatory body responsible for drug advertising has upheld complaints against online ads for weight-loss drugs every month since April 2023.

Shrinking waistlines and growing profits: the weight-loss drug boom

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 07:00:33 +0000

Drugs such as Wegovy amd Mounjaro are an attractive prospect for online businesses and traditional pharmacies as well as the firms that make them

It is a trend rooted in profit-making. Adverts featuring prescription-only weight-loss medications are splashed across the internet – and it is causing concern among experts.

But the question remains: who is driving the boom?

NYT’s Ezra Klein says his podcast won’t be ‘resistance show’ in 2nd Trump term — rejects ‘normalizing MAGA’ concerns

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 02:24:03 +0000

New York Times journalist Ezra Klein said his podcast "The Ezra Klein Show," won't be a "resistance show" during the incoming Trump administration.

Bill Maher slams liberals cutting off family for the holidays over politics: ‘F— off’

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 01:40:07 +0000

Liberal comedian Bill Maher blasted his own side for cutting off members of their family during the holidays over politics.

Netflix's first livestream of NFL games avoided major buffering and freezing issues that plagued the Tyson-Paul fight for the most part, after early glitches (Richard Deitsch/New York Times)

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 01:40:05 +0000

Richard Deitsch / New York Times:
Netflix's first livestream of NFL games avoided major buffering and freezing issues that plagued the Tyson-Paul fight for the most part, after early glitches — If you believe in omens, Netflix appeared to be in for a very long day on Wednesday. As the streaming giant began …

Trump Case Against 'The Des Moines Register' Moved To Federal Court

Wed, 25 Dec 2024 22:47:24 +0000

The complaint had been served to owner Gannett, but not to the local defendants.

Newsweek says its "fairness meter", added in Oct. 2023 to let readers decide if an article is biased based on five potential choices, has gotten strong support (Hannah Miller/Bloomberg)

Wed, 25 Dec 2024 20:40:03 +0000

Hannah Miller / Bloomberg:
Newsweek says its “fairness meter”, added in Oct. 2023 to let readers decide if an article is biased based on five potential choices, has gotten strong support — - The LA Times is introducing a new bias tracker for editorials — Public support for the media has been hitting all-time lows

Surging Chiefs clinch AFC’s top seed as Beyoncé highlights Netflix’s NFL debut

Wed, 25 Dec 2024 19:54:25 +0000

Mahomes leads Kansas City to 29-10 win over Pittsburgh
Beyoncé steals show at half-time of Ravens-Texans game
Jackson breaks QB rushing mark as Baltimore win 31-2

Patrick Mahomes passed for 320 yards and three touchdowns and the Kansas City Chiefs locked up the top seed in the AFC for the fourth time in seven seasons with a 29-10 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday.

The two-time defending Super Bowl champions raced to an early 13-point lead and were never really threatened by the Steelers (10-6), who have dropped three straight as their chances of capturing the AFC North took another hit.