Uppercase Magazine celebrates broadcasting, broadly considered
I was in a local independent book and magazine shop this weekend when a nicely designed magazine on a display table immediately drew my attention. I had never seen Uppercase Magazine before. But the sleek cover art mixing up a radio with knitting needles as the antenna and a stylized ball of yarn as the […]
Podcast Survivor: ‘Earbuds’ – Documenting the connection between fans and podcasters
One of the recurring topics of discussion around podcasts is the fact that it seems like a relatively small number of people actually listen to them, especially compared to the audience for videos of cats playing the theremin. Comedian and podcaster Graham Elwood told me, “I feel like podcasting (now) is kind of like Rock […]
Pirate Radio Round-Up: Welsh nationalists were pirate pioneers; protest broadcasts in MN; more
It’s been a while since I’ve reviewed what’s news in pirate radio. Here’s what’s up, including: 22 year-old N. London pirate stays true to drum & bass; Welsh nationalists were pirate radio pioneers in 1959; protest broadcasts in Minnesota, and more. Quietus writer John Doran pays a visit to long-running North London pirate station Rude […]
Radio Search Engine exits beta, doubles its inventory of stations
Michael Robertson’s DAR.fm announced version 1.0 of RadioSearchEngine.com on Friday. I reviewed the beta version of the service back in November and found it both interesting and occasionally frustrating. To recap: RSE lets you search for songs, radio shows or genres across thousands of stations that stream online, delivering you results for what’s playing right […]
Need a music automation program? StationPlaylist gets high fives
We’ve got an interesting discussion going on our reader forum about the best automation/music library software for Low Power FM and indie radio stations. The winner, so far, is Station Playlist, a software package that comes out of New Zealand. “We’ve been using StationPlaylist Studio, Creator and Streamer for almost 4 years at Crescent Hill […]
8tracks: the kitchen sink playlist app
Paul Riismandel suggested that I take 8tracks.com for a spin. I am enjoying it—a versatile playlist application that interfaces with at least half a dozen other social networking systems, including YouTube, SoundCloud, and Wikipedia. I get an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink feeling with 8tracks, which exemplifies the direction that many social networking music apps are moving towards—maximizing connectivity […]
Meow! Get ready for Low Power FM radio for cats and dogs
At last, felines and canines are getting into broadcasting. The Federal Communications Commission has approved Low Power FM licenses to two animal advocacy groups: Flash Cats Animal Advocacy of Iuka, Mississippi and Cause 4 Paws of Bedford, Indiana. From Flash Cats’ application statement: “Individuals are advised of the importance of neutering their pets to minimize […]
College Radio Survivor: Revealing History of St. Joseph’s Pioneering College Radio Station
College radio history is largely undocumented, with much lore locked away in the memories of its participants. Glimpses of the past can be found by digging into the archives of student publications, particularly yearbooks and newspapers, where radio activities were often chronicled. Luckily for college radio history buffs like myself, it’s getting easier and easier […]
LPFM Watch: With over 200 apps granted the sustainability discussion starts now
The FCC started issuing low-power station authorizations last week. This week, after a day off for Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday and a snowday on Tuesday, the FCC got busy issuing more LPFM construction permits on Wednesday. As of this afternoon more than 200 applications have been granted. Any way you look at […]
NPR: there are still almost 80 public AM radio stations
NPR has added its voice to the Federal Communication Commission’s proceeding on revitalizing AM radio. Although the filing supports the FCC’s general recommendations for improving the service, it also functions as a vehicle for promoting one of NPR’s favorite causes: getting the Commission to license more translators for Non-commercial Educational (NCE) FM radio stations. Still, […]