A Trip Down Memory Lane: Part 2
Last week’s trip down memory lane was so popular, I thought I’d share some additional finds.
It used to be that if you wanted to be on the air, you needed a license from the Federal Communications Commission. There was no test. All you had to do was fill out a simple postcard application! This “restricted/radiotelephone operator permit” was what I got back in the mail. Note the official FCC seal.
The FCC eliminated this specific license requirement in 1995. The original thinking was that having a license would instill a sense of responsibility on the announcer. However, reason dictated if you weren’t responsible, the station would just fire you. Additionally, it became the radio station’s responsibility to make sure they were operating legally and hired technically competent people to run the equipment.
Several listeners commented on my daughter Nora’s drawing of a leprechaun wishing me “good luke”. She definitely has a knack for drawing as seen here in this self-portrait. The spelling of “to cute” is another story! I promise she’s in graduate school majoring in English!
Finally, last week I referenced my old cassette tapes – this has turned into quite a project. That’s because while the cassettes are labeled, I don’t know specifically what’s on some of the tapes or if the audio even takes up an entire side. I also have a bunch of tapes that are unlabeled and I have no idea what, if anything, is on those tapes. Here’s a larger more existential question – aside from me, would someone even want to listen to this audio?
Oh, and it seems to be getting rarer each day that you can buy a computer with a CD drive. After cassette tapes, I have a pile of CD’s staring me down in my office. Maybe I should get going on that sooner while I have options!
(Through “Programming Notes,” we hope to keep you connected to what is happening at WBHM both internally and on-air. Have feedback you’d like to share? Or a programming question? Let me know!)
Incoming Transmission! Pt. 2
You may remember earlier this year when WBHM held a special Transmitter Drive. With your support, we raised the final $50,000 to purchase and install a new transmitter. In total, this project cost $230,000. For this edition of Program Notes, I checked in with WBHM’s engineer Darrell McCalla who oversees this project for an update […]
Meeting You Where You Are
Last week, I attended the Public Radio Content Conference – the premier gathering for non-commercial programmers, content managers and leaders in the public media ecosystem. This was the first in-person conference in more than two years and, it was good to reconnect with my colleagues in person — not just because of the pandemic, but […]
Rise and Shine
I spent early August substitute hosting Morning Edition for Miranda Fulmore who was on a well-deserved vacation. And while everyone has their routine, I thought I’d share a little bit of what goes on behind the scenes in the very early hours of the day. I get up at 3 a.m. which also means I really try […]
There’s Lots of Moth’s in the Air
This week, I’m writing about The Moth – not the insect, the storytelling phenomenon! If you haven’t heard, The Moth is true stories told live, without notes. It’s personal storytelling that connects us as human beings. These stories are told in different ways to millions of people each year including right here in the Heart […]
Welcome Back to Program Notes!
I spent a (mostly) restful two weeks off visiting with extended family – most of us hadn’t seen each other since before the pandemic. But even on vacation, I still listen to public radio wherever I am. Sure, I could (and often do) listen online, but there’s a part of me that’s also a fan […]
Deliberate Indifference – Inside Alabama’s Prison Crisis
You’ve probably heard of our new narrative podcast, Deliberate Indifference. And, given all the heavy news the past few months alone, you may think this is the last thing you want to listen to. I urge to reconsider. As citizens, we have a right to know how more than 500 million of our tax dollars […]
