Why Do Radio Stations Have Number And Letter Designations?
Posted on: March 19th, 2013Have you ever been on a long road trip and wondered why radio stations all seem to have the same way of naming themselves? It’s always one hundred point whatever, W something something something. Well, believe it or not, these seemingly irrelevant jumbles of numbers and letters actually do, in fact, serve a purpose!
Why The Numbers?
A radio transmission is basically information being sent through the air from a transmitter to a receiver. The way this information moves is similar to a wave, with crests and drops. Each cycle of these are called Read the rest of this entry »
Real History: Listening To World War Two Radio Broadcasts
Posted on: February 25th, 2012What better way to understand events of bygone days than to experience history-in-the-making as those events unfold? Listening to radio broadcasts of World War Two can transport the audience back to a time when the most important news of the day was heard as the family gathered around the radio, attentive and dependant on the voices of reporters spanning the globe in order to deliver first-hand accounts of crucial events and human interest stories to those back home.
Hearing broadcasts of news and entertainment from that exciting era in America’s history transports the eager listener back to a time when radio was the only live source of news available. Hear the rich and descriptive speech patterns used by broadcasters who found a personal style necessary in order to make audiences feel a true connection to the events in Europe and Japan.
From Pearl Harbor to D-Day, Winston Churchill to Bob Hope, World War Two radio broadcasts capture history like no publication can ever manage. Listening to these broadcasts offers a valuable education, not only in relation to historic events, but also by simply being able to hear the news in the way your grandfather may have first heard the same.
Great Websites For Listening To Old-Time Radio Dramas
Posted on: February 11th, 2012Like every trend, what’s old is new. With all of today’s technology being so individualistic in nature with ear-buds and private headphones, entertainment is no longer being shared in a group setting as it once was.
However, with the economy forcing families to find more ways to experience cultural and entertaining experiences at home, old-time radio broadcasts are becoming more and more popular. The visual of the whole family gathered around a large, dome-shaped, wooden radio listening to the crackled, live radio shows delivered by networks still in existence today but focused on television as a way of delivering a drama or soap-opera has returned using more modern technology.
There are many websites that allow users to download any sort of recorded material from radio shows that were first heard live over fifty years ago. There is something about enjoying the drama in a group that leads to contagious reactions to suspense and intrigue delivered through a speaker by actors voices and accompanied by dramatic music.
The imagination ran wild when listening to these shows as there was no visual except the expressions on the fellow listeners gathered around the radio. Many families or radio-show aficionados are returning to this mode of enjoyment which is also bringing families and social groups back together to experience quality time together.
What Is The Difference Between A.M. and F.M. Radio?
Posted on: January 29th, 2012Even though both popular in their own right, A.M. and F.M. radio differ in the method they send information over the airwaves. Amplitude Modulation (A.M.) alters the amplitude of the carrier frequency while Frequency Modulation (F.M.) alters the carrier’s frequency to convey information. Even though A.M. radio is easily distorted by weather conditions, man-made noises and tall buildings, the waves can travel a larger distance than F.M. waves, which may drop at approximately 50 miles from the station. Because A.M. radio broadcasts to a single audio channel, stereo sound isn’t feasible. This is also why there are more talk shows broadcasting from this platform. F.M. requires more bandwidth and has a more complex technology, enabling it to broadcast to two information channels simultaneously. Because F.M. radio has full stereo sound capability it’s ideal for music, hence its many music stations. When it comes to age, A.M. wins. The first A.M. broadcast, done by inventor Reginald Fessenden, occurred in 1906. F.M. radio was invented by Edwin Armstrong in 1933. As for popularity, F.M. radio wins. It gives listeners a static-free experience and provides quality sound and fidelity. Worldwide there are more F.M. radio stations than A.M. radio stations.
Before you get started in radio
Posted on: January 15th, 2012Are you interested in short wave radio? Whether it’s a hobby or you’re looking to start a business there are a few things you should check out before you get rolling. Here’s a list of the first few things to look into
Set it Up: If you want to make a business out of radio you’ve got to have more than your old sets and a transistor. You should go to smallbusiness.xo to look into other technology you’ll need and also find out what kind of permits you’ll be required to have.
Check Your Frequency: There tons of public records regarding who’s allowed to use what frequency so before you get out there and start broadcasting you’ve got to make sure you’re not stepping on any toes. Look into public filings to be sure.
Have Something to Say: The best radio stations have perspective so whether you want to play music (check copyrights) or do some sort of talk you’ll want to make sure it’s something you’re passionate about. There’s nothing worse than radio for the sake of radio.
What Is Satellite Radio And How Does It Work?
Posted on: January 14th, 2012If you’ve ever been in the mood to listen to a certain song or kind of music, you know how frustrating it can be when you can’t find it. Now imagine being able to listen to whatever you want, whenever you want. That’s exactly what you get with satellite radio! With numerous channels to choose from, this subscription based service offers much more than just music. You’ll find everything from commercial-free music, sports, talk radio, comedy, traffic and weather.
Satellite radio goes wherever you go. There’s no reason to worry about losing the signal to your favorite station when traveling or go into areas that just don’t broadcast well. Typical radio stations only last for 30 to 40 miles from the source, while satellite radio can broadcast over 22,000 miles from its source. The quality of music you’ll receive from satellite radio is almost as good as the quality of a CD due to its digital signal.
Just how is it possible to get all of those stations with clear quality over so many miles? Rather than normal radio towers, satellite radio signals are digital and broadcast over a geostationary satellite, which allows them to reach cross-country. These geostationary satellites remain in geostationary orbit, which means that they orbit at the same speed as earth is turning.
Satellite radio isn’t just confined to your car; it can go wherever you go. Listen to it in the car, at home, at work, on your computer or even during your morning run. There are several companies that offer satellite radio, each with a different monthly subscription plan. You’ll have a whole new experience with your radio when you have satellite radio. There’s no static, numerous stations to choose from as well as coast to coast coverage. If you are an avid music listener or love entertainment or talk radio, satellite radio is a great choice for you.
The Top Ten Greatest News Reports In History
Posted on: July 17th, 2011You can’t really rate the top ten greatest news reports of all time. People do not pay attention to these rankings, even though they may pay attention to the news itself. No one can say whether the assassination of JFK or the reporting on the Challenger disaster was better. These were stories that shocked the nation. The people who heard both and were alive in on September 11, 2001 will remember that as the greater tragedy.
Certainly, there were radio reports that will live on infamy.Didn’t catch that? This explains it. News of the attack on Read the rest of this entry »
Who Are The Major Names In Contemporary Talk Radio?
Posted on: July 14th, 2011When it comes to talk radio, there is no name bigger than Rush Limbaugh. Rush began his career as a Conservative talk radio host in the 1980s and has been one of the most prolific figures in political talk radio since. Known for his sharp wit, his straight ahead approach, and his political knowledge, Rush remains one of the biggest forces in talk radio.
Conservative political talk show host, Glenn Beck, known for his over the top antics and Read the rest of this entry »
A Brief History Of National Public Radio
Posted on: July 13th, 2011National Public Radio, also known as NPR, is a public, non-profit radio station. It was established on February 26, 1970 following Congress’s enactment of the Public Broadcasting Act. NPR’s first President, Donald Quayle, was selected by a board of directors for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The first NPR studio was formed in Washington DC. They began with 90 public stations as charter members. NPR went on the air for the first time in April 1971 to broadcast the congressional hearings regarding the Read the rest of this entry »
So Your Childhood Music Is On The “Oldies” Station?
Posted on: July 11th, 2011Some of the best music ever recorded is classic rock and it all can still be heard on select radio channels to reminisce and bring back the old memories. The old music that was recorded was done with minimal technology in such a way that created a raw vibe that bands today still try and duplicate. It is hard to judge exactly where all of these songs were written and how they were written but the magic experience of sitting down at a radio and listening to them still provides for a chance to be Read the rest of this entry »