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Get into the spirit of the Christmas Season with “Sounds of the Season”. The included link will fill your computer speakers with holiday favorites, many of which you may not have heard in sometime, or maybe ever. Get your Christmas fireplace screen saver running and turn it up. Enjoy.

Audio Link: http://audiorealm.com/play/115602/Rhemaradio

Screen Saver: http://freescreensavers.com/downloads/

Here are wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous 2011.

Understanding Human Nature:
Posted on Nov 9, 2010 – by Marshall Johnson Sr
-on Linkedin “Broadcast Professional” blog

“Let me say first, I am not an expert on human nature. I am, however, a student of human kind. What Andrew Carnegie discovered and Napoleon Hill chronicled long ago, is that the human equation does not operate well or consistently with de-humanized organizations or technology. People relate to people who communicate their willingness to put, to some degree, their own interests behind others. People find it fruitless to talk to bricks. Bricks are useful, but its tough to relate to them on an emotional level.”

“When, we as broadcasters, forget the other humans involved in our business equation each day, we force our advertisers, supporters and listeners to make a choice; to vote yes or no with their brains and their hearts. Too many broadcast executives don’t clearly understand the human dynamic and appear as not caring. That misunderstanding is patent ignorance for the sake of organizational and financial efficiency. Farid Suleman, Lew Dickey and such, are not the future of broadcasting. That is because where they are taking the industry, there is only survival mode, not growth.

1) Broadcast content, or product, is the message we use to relate and connect to the brains and hearts of those who are our potential consumers and listeners. 2) Air talent are the messengers, not the message. 3) The technology is only the delivery systems for the message. Without the messenger to develop the “relate-able” message the whole process falls apart. As broadcasters, to be more effective, we must grow in the art of developing picture messages that relate to and engage people; humans. And, we must learn to more effectively use all three parts of the radio business system.

Without the help of humankind, can technology engage and relate to the hearts of listeners? The answer: no, not ever. That is precisely why the current “business” model of radio broadcasting is so broken. We have convinced ourselves, because of economics, it cannot be fixed.”

Editor’s note: As Part 15 hobby broadcasters, there is a lesson for all of us here. As we search for ways to keep our signal area as large as possible (and FCC compliant) with flea-powered transmitters, let’s not forget our target: Someone might be listening and they might have an opinion on “what” you are broadcasting. They can, and will, vote on whether they will return for more. Content (the message) is king. And at least one-third of our concern should be with our content and message. If not already, why not intentionally create local content that is unique and will bring the listener back for more? Yes, it will take extra time and effort and thought. We might have to actually meet face to face with our listener(s). Why not be accountable to your listener(s)? The targeted outcome will be one of the more exciting things you have ever done, guaranteed. -MJ

The recent decision by the federal government (FCC/OET) regarding Ken Cartright’s operation in Stayton, Oregon has put a chill on micro-broadcasting for all who participate. One could assume that this rules enforcement net will extend to other transmitter manufacturers and operators.

A recent offering on the web puts the real issue front and center in the discussion:

[LPAM] Re: KENC & The FCC‏
From: [email protected] on behalf of Jeffrey ([email protected])
Sent: Fri 7/09/10 7:45 PM
To: [email protected]
“From this development, it is becoming increasingly evident that the notion we all originally entertained – that it is possible to create a legal, license free, 100 milliwatt micro-service on AM that would be totally kosher with the FCC, and we would all be left alone – was unfortunately, a collective illusion ( ….with all due respect to pioneering sites like part15.us and hobbybroadcaster.org.)

I wish there was the time, money and means to lobby the FCC to FINALLY empower we individuals and create a “hobby class” of FCC license, perhaps 1 watt or a half watt on both bands, with no antenna/ground restrictions (for the sake of simplicity) and just leave it at that. It’s also time we finally make the term “pirate broadcaster” obsolete on the AM and FM bands in this country.

A few years ago, the FCC allowed a proposal for a 25 or 50 watt LPAM service to fall into limbo. The least they can do at this point is allow a 1 watt or half watt hobby service. But of course, I’m not holding my breath. As we all know, they take seriously corporate broadcasters, NPR, and even Prometheus and the “non-profit” groups and committees that outfit so reveres. But us? No way because we can’t be easily controlled.” [email protected]

Discussing and debating the correctness of the government and its agents decisions at this point is pointless. Every time a Part 15 “broadcast” station is turned off, we all lose regardless of the reasoning. If someone could explain how this makes us better at what we do and promotes the use of the public spectrum trust, you have found a willing listener. Please make your suggestions civil and truly useful, not the same old illusory opining.

Should the FCC continue on this track for the foreseeable future, how is ” the collective illusion” bringing us closer to acceptance and rule compliance? Will this result in the death knell of Part 15 community micro-broadcasting? I would suggest the end of such a service to many neighborhoods and communities does not enrich our lives or the lives of others.

Are there concrete assurances that operating some other kit transmitter or certified and manufactured unit won’t be the next government enforcement target? The Rangemaster is in the cross-hairs currently. And, I hope you would agree Keith Hamilton and Ken Cartright have made a good faith effort to move the ball toward the goal line of acceptance and compliance.

Yes we need a common voice that can take the message to the government that an AM micro-broadcasting service should be legal and have simple and consistent standards of operation. LPFM has just such a voice and it’s expanding…slowly. However, our independence has become our greatest foible. “-Because we can’t be easily controlled” is the exact reason we cannot gain the ears of law makers and agency wonks.

Over the past few years, I have read hundreds and thousands of opinions from folks in the U.S. and Canada regarding Part 15 and micro-broadcasting issues. Most of it has been civil. I have read the mathematical calculations and the science of radio well beyond most readers. It has not changed the result of practical application very much, if any. Message sent, message NOT received.

It is conceivable, Part 15 community micro-broadcasting does not have a future. And maybe, in reality, it never did.

Most hobbyists really could care less about community wide micro-broadcasting. Their OTR or NWX programs, DIY projects and antique radios are the reasons they even read most postings. These folks are not interested in moving the micro-power broadcasting effort forward. What will they gain? As along as they can hear their transmitter in their own radios and not produce interference, that is good enough. Part 15 micro-broadcasting for some is counter to their purposes.

After 5 decades of being in love with the harlot called radio, I find some satisfaction and comfort in accomplishment and fond memories. Even if I walk away, the memories will continue. CW McCall said, “Memories are like star light, they go on forever.” And even if Part 15 broadcasting never really happens, the memories will go on.

These are my feelings about where I am and we are. And I have learned not to argue with how people feel. My feelings represent the truth for me. How about you?

Broadcast music licensing company, BMI, has agreed on a interim rate reduction, effective August 1, 2010. There is no word whether this will translate to reductions for Part 15 users. ASCAP has already agreed to an interim reduction of fees until the courts can decide on a new rate system.

Word has it the new fees are lower than the fees established January 1,2010. See the article here:

http://www.rbr.com/radio/25457.html

These fees do not affect the rates paid for licensing internet music streaming which is determined by Sound Exchange and covers performance rights only. Composers and writers are covered under agreements with BMI, ASCAP and SESAC.

Broadcasting icon, Jerry Del Colliano brings perspective to discussions involving how “the good old days” of radio relate to people today. The survivability of the medium rests on consumers use of technology and their ultimate choices.

I hope you find this entertaining and a little enlightening.

Just pumping out the hits 24/7/365 is not going to engage future consumers. The solutions lie in riveting content and will necessarily involve some kind of video content, not necessarily Web TV. On the spot news and weather, for most, is no longer a priority. And the discussion regarding “texting” as radio’s primary competitor is heating up.

All of us old radio horses are being challenged to come up with a solution for saving the future of radio broadcasting. The first realization; can we really go back to the good old days? Second, how can we embrace new technologies to gather new listeners and consumers? And third, knock down the boundaries imposed by government regulation and industry opinion and practice as to how to reach future consumers with programming THEY want.

http://insidemusicmedia.blogspot.com/2010/06/next-generation-unplugged.html

Examine this article several times before you decide your next move. Even hobby broadcasters get a warm feeling when people listen. All of us would like to think we are developing “raving fans”.

Orban is getting closer to making the task of getting maximum audio fidelity in minimum bandspace. AAC+ (advanced Audio Codec Plus) is being developed for just this purpose. Instead of using a 128kbps/44.1 stream, it may become possible to use 38kbps at something less than 44.1 sampling rate and have the same perceptible audio quality on the receiving end. This could cut down substanstially on the expense of internet streaming Part 15 station audio. An extraction of the Orban news release follows:

Orban is getting closer to making the task of getting maximum audio fidelity in minimum bandspace. AAC+ (advanced Audio Codec Plus) is being developed for just this purpose. Instead of using a 128kbps/44.1 stream, it may become possible to use 38kbps at something less than 44.1 sampling rate and have the same perceptible audio quality on the receiving end. This could cut down substanstially on the expense of internet streaming Part 15 station audio. An extraction of the Orban news release follows:

“Orban/Coding Technologies Offer AAC/aacPlus Player Plugin Beta

Coding Technologies and Orban are offering a public beta for the new Orban/Coding Technologies AAC/aacPlus Player Plugin. When installed, this free software will enable users of the Microsoft Windows Media Player to take advantage of the low-bandwidth audio format to deliver high-quality audio streams while realizing savings in bandwidth costs, say the companies.

“Content rebuffering is the static of digital radio,” said Shawn Hopwood, senior director of Coding Technologies. “Our aacPlus audio codec helps content providers like XM Satellite Radio, AOL and Sprint make rebuffering a thing of the past.”

The Orban/Coding Technologies AAC/aacPlus Player Plugin works with Microsoft Windows Media version 9 or 10. It supports standard ID3 metadata tags that display real-time stream data such as artist, album, and song information.”

AAC+ is already included in the latest Winamp download player. and those who have taken the time to A/B test 128kbps Shoutcast to 38kbps AAC+ notice little if any difference in audio quality or stereo separation. As Part 15 broadcasters, it might be to our advantage to use streaming internet outlets, in addition to terrestrial radio, as a way to expand our audience and influence.

Recent studies point to the fact, HD radio listeners will have to make a complete changeout of receiver equipment to go digital. But internet radio listeners already have the equipment; their personal computer. And most internet radio listeners can download the listening software for free. And unlike satellite radio, Part 15 and internet radio have no subscription fee.

As Part 15 broadcasters, we have at our disposal some of the most effective media tools of the last century. Our decision becomes, “How will we use them?”