Air or ether
by Ellen Rocco on January 18th, 2011
Around public radio there’s a bit of a divide between those who think we should concentrate on our broadcast service and those who think the digital platforms are just as important or even becoming more important. I’m fond of saying that the transmitter or website are merely delivery systems for what we really do, which is make programs, cover news stories, produce music and cultural programs–and how you receive that content doesn’t really matter, whether on your radio, computer or smartphone. The on-going conversation came to mind when this cartoon arrived via email yesterday:
What do you think? Too many gadgets? Gadgets are great?
We currently receive NCPR over the air, via livestreaming on our computer, on a wi-fi Internet radio, on other radios via a low-power FM transmitter hooked to a computer, on an iPod touch using the NPR app, on other radios via a portable iPod dock, and soon, on a TV via Apple TV.
Too many gadgets? I guess so.
But they all roll out the same great content, so what the hay?
Love the cartoon.
Radio, radio, radio forever and ever.
Like computers, hate cell phones and I will really hate TV and the movies if they don’t hurry up and dump 3D.
Content please, not technological toys/junk.
I enjoy listening to NCPR on the radio while especially while doing other things, like cooking or straightening up. We own a “primitive” cell phone that we use as a phone. I use the NCPR website to catch up on stories or programs that I’ve missed. Many of these devices remind me of lots of kitchen gadgets, not necessarily essential, but sometimes useful. I’m with Peter Klein, content is what I want: stories, music and news.
Traditionally radio, (which was originally said to use the “aether” for its transmissions) probably should be called “Broadcasting” because it involves the same process as broadcasting seeds during planting. Your transmitter just sprays out its signal and anyone with a simple device (radio) can receive it.
Internet radio does involve a LOT more technology, probably over 20 computers and routers plus a thousand miles of fiber-optic cable to get from our studios to Hank’s Wi-Fi radio. But it does have its advantages, in that you can re-listen to NCPR programs any time you want and browse lots of other content. AND you’re not restricted to being physically near an NCPR transmitter for reception.
Energy efficiency? It all depends. Our Canton transmitter uses enough electricity to heat Hank’s house… but so do those 20 computers!
My point exactly? Either one works for me, but I am partial to the technology which I can actually understand… more or less. (broadcasting) Plus FM sounds better, someof the time anyway.
I think I’ve goofed off enough… better get back to work.
Bob,
Speaking of power, how much more expensive in terms of power and dollars if NCPR were to to become a 50,000 watt, clear channel station with, for arguments sake, the transmitter on top of Blue Mt?
When computing cost and power, I would presume you would get rid of all the small and scattered towers you now use.
I love the station but find it a bit aggravating when driving and switching back and forth on the dial.
50,000 watts on Blue would probably expand your coverage area.
Growing up in Detroit, CKLW out of Windsor was 50,000 and my favorite. Up this way, I sometimes listen to EQX, another 50,000 clear channel station.
First favorite radio was a crystal I made.
Pete, “Clear Channel” AM stations were wonderful things! I also used to listen to CKLW and I “grew up” near NYC!
Anyway, to answer your question… as you say, we’ll have to ignore a few real things which would prevent NCPR actually putting a 50 kW transmitter on top of Blue Mtn, although I’ll list them anyway: 1) The actual availability of new FM stations in the US-Canada border area, (stations are assigned based on coverage and interference issues… 50kW on Blue would truly be a Mega Station!), 2) safety issues (a 50 kW station has to keep its transmitting antenna far from humans, which would require a new tower) 3) APA requlations (would never permit a new tower on Blue, especially one over 40′ in height 4) power issues (we’d need a new AC power line 2.5 miles up the mountain to supply enough juice to make this thing work)
Now, to actually answer your question (for real this time!) All of NCPR’s transmitters combined, use about 20 kW of electrical power. Your new 50 kW single installation on Blue would probably require about twice this amount of power.
But, you’re right, it is an annoyance having to switch as you drive.
On the other hand, we are working on new “Frequency Cards” to have and hold in your automobile as you drive.
Thanks, Bob.
Just one more note on CKLW.
One of the things I like about your Radio Bob program is your DJ style.
When in high school, a neighbor of my aunt and uncle was the top DJ in the Detroit area. His name was Tom Clay and he worked at CKLW and other stations. I had the opportunity to sometimes visit him while he was on air at CKLW. Because of him, I once thought of becoming a DJ and did DJ work at our weekly high school dances.
Payola eventually caught up to Tom but he survived and moved out to LA and worked out there where I also visited him when in the Navy.
A bit of a reverse here. While in Detroit, I would sometimes listen, mostly at night, to Allan Freed in Cleveland and Murray the K in NY.
Radio forever!
One more thing on Tom. Just found this on the Internet.
November 29, 1995
Tom Clay, 66, radio disc jockey who produced an unusual hit record in 1971. Clay, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, worked at stations in Detroit, Cincinnati, New York and Los Angeles, including KDAY and KGBS in the Southland. He was known for predicting what records would become hits and for producing collages of music. His best-selling record, “Tom Clay’s What the World Needs Now Is Love,” was named for Burt Bacharach’s famous song of that title and combined music with radio broadcasts about the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Clay, who developed the recording from a tape he meant to play only over KGBS, said his intent was not to make money or make people cry but to “make people think . . . to remind them they had to love.” A native of Binghamton, N.Y., Clay had been teaching voice-overs in Hollywood until shortly before his death. On Nov. 22 in Burbank of cancer.