Radio World

09/28/2025

As public media shifts into a post-Corporation for Public Broadcasting environment, Rima Dael writes that audiences want something different.

That something, she says in her commentary, is a trustworthy, local voice that the "OG hyper-local hub" that is community radio can provide.

At a time when public broadcasters' financial futures are uncertain, NFCB CEO Rima Dael writes that listeners are seek coverage of their own neighborhoods.

09/28/2025

Tropospheric enhancement this time of year in North America is perhaps the most common of FM signal "oddities," Nick Langan writes.

But if you've ever been on the other end of a confused listener call on a humid summer morning, you likely know that tropo can wreak all sorts of havoc on "normal" reception.

"Tropo," as it's nicknamed, is the most common "unusual" FM radio propagation mode.

09/27/2025

We gave you generator maintenance tips last month — what about planning a purchase?

Our latest Workbench from John Bisset includes "Buc" Fitch's 10 factors to consider. It's particularly important, Buc says, to choose the proper power sizing for the task and character of the generator load.

Buc Fitch offers 10 factors to consider or help you ask intelligent questions of your generator supplier.

09/27/2025

Dielectric uses AI-based modeling for its physical antenna pattern studies.

Nicole Starrett, Dielectric's director of engineering, explains the process, in an excerpt from our free ebook on radio's uses of AI.

Dielectric uses AI-based modeling for its physical antenna pattern studies. Nicole Starrett, Dielectric's director of engineering, explains the process.

09/26/2025

Congratulations to Radio World contributor David Bialik on receiving the Educator of the Year Award from the Society of Broadcast Engineers.

He is shown at SBE's national meeting in Columbus, Ohio with new President Kevin Trueblood.

09/26/2025

Radio World's Elle Kehres recently asked readers to share their memories of the Electro-Voice 635A.

Here’s what Elle and some of our readers recall about these virtually-indestructible devices.

Radio World Assistant Editor Elle Kehres recently asked readers to share their memories of the Electro-Voice 635A.

09/26/2025

The array of audio delivery choices can feel overwhelming. MaxxKonnect CEO Josh Bohn encourages broadcasters to start by evaluating their needs.

“The flexibility of IP control and monitoring is something everyone’s implementing now,” he said. But legacy 950 MHz STLs, Bohn says, are still a well-built, reliable option.

For cloud-based operations, Josh Bohn recommends a reliable backup, such as an LTE or robust satellite connection.

09/25/2025

The Society of Broadcast Engineers has announced five scholarship awards for 2025 through its Ennes Educational Foundation Trust.

The Society of Broadcast Engineers has announced five scholarship awards for 2025 through its Ennes Educational Foundation Trust.

09/25/2025

The AM radio broadcast band has been attracting rather gloomy headlines of late, writes Frank Howell.

But Howell's analysis of data, including AM and FM license trends over time, Nielsen measured audience levels and advertising trends, concludes that proclamation's of the AM band's death are greatly exaggerated.

The gloomiest headlines about the medium are not justified, writes Frank M. Howell in this guest commentary.

09/25/2025

It wasn't always this way — but now, for residents in the San Francisco Bay Area, the very sight of the 977-foot tall Sutro Tower sparks delight.

Third-grade teacher Sheila Tenney at nearby Glen Park Elementary school has students draw Sutro Tower as a back-to-school activity each year. “When you see Sutro Tower, you’re home.”

In our full-length feature, hear from Bay Area engineering authority Bill Ruck on the years that led up to Sutro's construction.

We also talked to Raul Velez, Sutro Tower's operations manager, about his day to day as he ensures the 11 TV stations and three full-power FMs, among many other tenants, are happily served.

Plus, view beautiful photos of the iconic structure.

Sutro Tower has stood for 52 years in San Francisco. In this profile, we explore how the broadcast site became a symbol of Bay Area civic pride.

09/24/2025

The NRB is calling on the Federal Communications Commission to "safeguard diverse media voices."

The Christian communicators association says “disagreement can exist without coercion.”

This comes after controversy surrounding FCC Chairman Carr's criticisms of Jimmy Kimmel, which many observers took to be threatening retaliatory regulatory action.

The National Religious Broadcasters on Tuesday issued a statement “reaffirming freedom of speech as the cornerstone of American democracy.”

09/24/2025

For the first time since Jerry Del Colliano has been teaching music industry courses at New York University, no students raised their hands when he asked if they listen to radio.

But it's what they seek from their audio sources that he says is most revealing.

In his survey of college-aged students, Jerry Del Colliano says radio's last chance with the next generation is music discovery with fewer interruptions.