The Digital Hub of Erik Anderson
Posts tagged College Radio
Internet Radio
Apr 27th
On Saturday, I sat in on a panel regarding the history of internet radio.
The panel discussed different methods of setting up your webstream. I learned that at WXOU our webstream is setup as most standard web stations are setup, through Shoutcast. I also was reminded like I am every year at BEA, that WXOU is also a lot better off than most stations. First because we are directly funded, Second, because we have an FM frequency, and Third because even though our frequency range might suck, we can still be heard in some areas.
The panel was great because there was a lot of interaction between panel members and audience members. One woman asked if other stations had as much problems working with IT departments. Everyone in the room laughed. I suggested that if you’re gonna work with the IT department at your university, make sure you are dealing with the person who can click the button on whatever settings you need verses a customer support person. I found that if you don’t have the final person, the tech support person might tell you something can’t be done when in actuality, it can.
Judging by this panel, radio is definitely getting more interactive and will definably have a future online.
Strange College Station Situations
Apr 26th
On April 15th, I along with Justin attended a panel entitled “Strange Station Situations.” The panel had to do with all of the quirky things that happen while working in college radio. Situations included staff members dating & hooking up with other staff members, DJs drinking in studio / on-air, firing of staff members for various reasons, hostile takeovers by protesters, and more!
The funny thing is, 95% of these events happened at WXOU within the past year. (I will not go into more detail about this, I’m saving it for my memoirs.)
We did explain to the panel, all of whom were from various college radio and TV stations, that we felt like we were right at home and among friends when it came to these situations. I walked away from the panel with this closing thought about college radio: “We’re all F’N CRAZY!.”
Day 3: Strange Days at WXOU
Apr 17th
Managing college radio can be difficult. A major issue that arises it that of Ownership vs. Entitlement. Working as a volunteers can create a sense of ownership in their shows and the station. When someone takes the show too far, it can be a sense of entitlement, where the person “deserves” a show or deserves something from the station. Playing into this is the stealing station promotions materials and CDs to sell to record stores. Being pro-active is key to DJ discipline, as well as having accountability agreements. Cause -> Offense Count -> Consequence.
Other than internal issues, external problems can arise when listeners are not satisfied with the content of the station. It may be necessary to defend the station based on both philosophical and legal rights. The first amendment, the type of license granted by the FCC and a professional “mission statement” of the radio station.
Among all the issues brought up, all the folks from WXOU and I couldn’t help but chuckle as each radio station brought up their bizarre circumstances and we have had just about all of them. A major exception (which I hope never happens) is that one radio station was taken over by anti-war protestors during the first gulf war who forced the DJ off air.
Also, college radio broke the SPIN DOCTORS. You’re welcome.
-Phantom