The Aesthetics of AM Radio
When was the last time that you tuned in to AM radio to listen to music? Although I’m a huge evangelist for the ongoing importance of terrestrial radio (especially non-commercial radio), the AM slice of the radio band is a place that I only turn when I’m in my car looking for news, weather, and […]
Top radio device maker backs net neutrality
A gaggle of major Internet content companies say they support the Federal Communications Commission’s proposed new net neutrality rules, and the signers of their letter include Sony Electronics. “This framework will ensure that consumers have access to an open Internet, one that would preserve a level playing field for all participants,” they write. “And it […]
WFMU's Free Music Archive Receives MacArthur Grant
If it’s possible to have a crush on a radio station, then I have a crush on WFMU. The eclectic, freeform non-commercial New Jersey community radio station was an innovator in online streaming, offering on-demand show archives years before the word podcast was ever coined. In 2007 the station initiated the Free Music Archive as […]
Randy Michaels Solidifies the Clear Channelization of Tribune
With ace-consolidator Randy Michaels at the helm of Tribune Company it looks like he’s having a jolly good time installing his old Clear Channel pals into top positions at the bankrupt newspaper and broadcast company. On Monday Tribune announced that ex-Clear Channel CFO Jerry Kersting is now president of Tribune’s broadcasting division. This was followed […]
Catholic Radio blasts tribal preferences for radio licenses
The Catholic Radio Association has a serious problem with the Federal Communications Commission helping Native American tribes get more radio stations. That’s putting it mildly. As we’ve reported, in Febuary the FCC ruled that Federally recognized Native American Tribes and Alaska Native Villages who apply for AM or FM radio stations will get ‘Tribal Priority’ (here’s the […]
Slacker Radio: A rising alternative to Last.fm and Pandora
Getting bored with Last.fm or Pandora? Interested in exploring other internet radio options? Check out Slacker Radio. Recently featured in several commercials for Verizon’s Droid, Slacker Radio serves as another fantastic means for discovering new music and enjoying radio. For example, I was pleasantly surprised to have Ril0 Kiley and Rogue Wave pop up in […]
Radio Addiction: A DJ's Perspective
Amazon.com Widgets On Radio Survivor we tend to talk more about what it means to be a radio listener than what it’s like to be behind the scenes as a radio DJ. I’m one of those serial DJs who hasn’t been able to shake off the lure of hitting the airwaves year after year in […]
SF's Pirate Cat Radio Goes Legit in Deal with KPDO in Pescadero
In an interesting turn of events, San Francisco’s Pirate Cat Radio (PCR) will be providing programming for a new full power FM community radio station down the coast in Pescadero that is launching tomorrow. Fined by the FCC for broadcasting over FM without a license, Pirate Cat Radio has been operating as a web-only station […]
In search of better scrobbling: Some recent improvements to Last.fm
After announcing some changes to their “scrobbler API” last week, the developers at Last.fm have decided to pay closer attention to user feedback on their blog, various discussion forums, and “elsewhere.” As a result, Last.fm recently announced a series of improvements to their website in an article titled “The artist feedback loop” on the blog […]
College Radio Again Takes a Backseat in FCC's Latest Batch of FM Licenses
As Paul reported earlier today, the FCC just announced the names of 26 groups to be awarded new full power non-commercial educational FM radio licenses. As was the case back in February, when 57 licenses were awarded, college radio is poorly represented amongst all of the applicants and winners (PDF). Not having the funding of […]