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Ed Bukont

One in a series about how radio enterprises are responding to the coronavirus-driven emergency, with an emphasis on technology teams and operations.

Edwin Bukont is owner of consulting firm E2 Technical Services.

Radio World: As an experienced engineer and contractor, what are you hearing from organizations about how they are reacting in their technical operations and processes?

Ed Bukont: Because of voice tracking, many stations were already shifting production both in chronology and geographically. The challenge now is to do so remotely, and for an extended period of time.

I have been encouraging my clients for years to build with this thought in mind, “What if you can’t use your studio building for an extended period of time?” Certain products, such as the Comrex Opal, are proving to be the perfect answer to at least getting a voice into the remote production realm.

RW: What kinds of solutions are engineers and stations finding, for programming or remote audio chain problems?

Bukont: The military likes to say, “Damage control first, improvement second.” This is a hard one for some to swallow, but getting it done means improvise, adapt, overcome.

You don’t need a Neumann and you don’t need to say “We can’t broadcast because we don’t have phantom power for the mic.” Let’s not play music while the Titanic is sinking. Solutions are out there, the challenge is, can your station use the solution? Z/IP One, Opal, Access, MaxxKonnect, Marti. Every station is different, even if they share some facilities.

Now that we have the attention of Homeland Security, I expect we may see some help from other telecom services in adapting network endpoints to accommodate broadcast-related traffic such as VPN.

Post 9/11, Katrina, Dodd-Frank and other recent impacts, many stations have already put into place the mechanisms to handle this situation.

Many stations have already put into place the mechanisms to handle this situation.

RW: How has the situation affected your own business and daily life? 

Bukont: I don’t know yet. I did have a small swell of client communications, to be sure that folks could do what they needed. Not too many hiccups. Seen various conferences and training cancelled, but so far, no impact on life except for everything is closed or empty shelves.

But again, adapt, improvise, overcome. The grocer had no onions. I went looking … and found that in the pre-made meals, they had pre-sliced onions.

RW: Any lessons learned in the past week or two, or best practices freshly appreciated?

Bukont: Being prepared is what you do before a crisis, not during the crisis.

What I have found is that folks in stations either are not aware of what capabilities they have, or worse yet, they want everyone to have equal access to all remote functions. That’s not needed nor helpful either.

This isn’t too different than the Y2K proactive measures. Review what you have, understand what you have and regulate the access to those assets. That will tell you where you may need or want to fill in gaps.

I think sales is generally in a more precarious position now than technology. This is radio’s moment to shine as the local resource. I think there is the greater challenge: How do you get the local mayor on, remotely, rather than how do you keep receiving a national news feed?

RW: What else should we know? 

Bukont: My rule is such situations is, “Needs we accommodate. Wants we discuss.”

I have already heard some horror stories about managers demanding access to a VPN, with no idea what that is, or how to use it, but they think its direct access to their office PC. That’s not what a VPN is.

There was a situation today with regard to some tower service tomorrow, for which a radio station would have to reduce power. I suggested to the other party that the FCC is aware their timelines are about to be busted and they should consult their consulting engineer or comms lawyer before confirming any tower work. Problem solved.

Communication, patience, trust your engineer, are what will get you through this.

Radio World wants to hear about how the coronavirus situation is affecting your radio business operations. Email radioworld@futurenet.com.

The post COVID-19 Advice: Communication, Patience, Trust Your Engineer appeared first on Radio World.

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The author is membership program director of the National Federation of Community Broadcasters. NFCB commentaries are featured regularly at www.radioworld.com.

A wave of city and state shutdowns in response to the spread of COVID-19 have brought education, leisure and industry to a virtual stop nationwide. And, as part of local life, college and community radio stations are facing tough questions that could resonate for months to come.

Spring is a fertile time for community media. For stations, this is traditionally when on-air fundraising takes place. However, with anxieties high and attention elsewhere, many outlets are pressed to make choices about the pledge drives they depend on. There are no easy options.

The National Federation of Community Broadcasters hosted an online nationwide COVID-19 response meeting with community radio stations. Many are opting to delay on-air fundraising. Others have chosen to move forward with fundraising broadcasts. All have bottom lines they must consider before making the call.

[Read: Community Broadcaster: COVID-19 Concerns]

There are no right or wrong answers when it comes to pledge drives in the midst of a crisis. Many of these decisions come down to local conditions. A station’s internal urgency does not make the choices comfortable ones.

For those going forward with on-air fundraising, the reasons are quite clear. During a major news story, attention is on media like a radio station for analysis, updates and breaking coverage. In short, people know right then why their stations matter so much. And when a station offers music, they’re providing shelter from stress and uncertainty more than ever. It stands to reason why a station would choose to speak up now and remind audiences how much these stations make a difference.

Economically, while there are shaky stocks, employment jitters and worries about a recession now, in a month to two months’ time, whatever storm clouds we forecast today will likely be fully upon us. The gamble of asking today rather than tomorrow does not seem unreasonable.

For a station opting to postpone on-air fundraising, such a call makes just as much sense. Listeners are very upset by the news cycle. Some may be looking at a layoff or furlough. Kids are at home, adding expense to a household. As a result, asking for money can feel unseemly for some stations. Compelling people to donate when they may not have the money can also feel uncomfortable.

There are alternatives of course. Some community radio stations are modifying their approach, focusing their energies on direct mail, online and email to solicit dollars, while minimally interrupting the regular schedule to make appeals.

Every community radio station, though, is grappling with the effect the coronavirus will have on their local economies. In some cities, some of community radio’s most loyal underwriters, such as bars, restaurants, promoters and event spaces, are all adversely impacted by COVID-19-related closures. Even if your town is one of the rare ones not closing down businesses and public gatherings, most of our area businesses are dependent on commerce, air travel and enterprises that serve the public. With warnings about unemployment and no end in sight, many community radio managers are rightfully worried about future fundraising.

NFCB and Greater Public have offered fundraising guidance to stations in the wake of the coronavirus. Ultimately, success may lie in community radio’s ongoing relevance to its audience.

The post Community Broadcaster: To Pledge or Not to Pledge appeared first on Radio World.

JT Communications gets serious in the broadcast processor market with the launch of the SEPsoniX FM broadcast processor.

The 19-inch rackmount hardware box features dual-band stereo compression, compressor-derived AGC, compression “freeze,” “ultrafast” per-emphasis high-frequency limiter, pilot level and phase controls, stereo generator with adjustable transient suppression (composite clipper), master composite output drive level, 6 pole 15 kHz low-pass and 19 kHz audio notch filtering and 50/60 Hz operation.

[Check Out More Products at Radio World’s Products Section]

The company says that there should be no processing delay.

There’s also an SCA/RDS input and a stream/processor output. There’s also optional PLL programmable FM signal generator for local monitoring of processed audio.

The SEPsoniX has a microprocessor-free design with all adjustments made via front-panel controls.

Price: $1,049.95; with FM tuner — $1,249.95.

Info: http://sepsonix.jtcomms.com

 

The post JT Communications Releases SEPsoniX Broadcast Processor appeared first on Radio World.

The AKG Podcaster Essentials is aimed at content creators, podcasters and anyone needing an all-in-one lightweight audio production package.

The Podcaster Essentials bundle includes the new AKG Lyra USB microphone, AKG K371 headphones, cables, Ableton Live 10 Lite recording software, and even a Berklee Online recording class.

[Check Out More Products at Radio World’s Products Section]

The AKG Lyra is a USB microphone with 24-bit/192 kHz audio quality. It offers AKG’s Adaptive Capsule Array and four recording presets.

The lightweight AKG K371 headphones have large 50 mm titanium-coated drivers, a closed-back design and swivel cups. The headband is adjustable.

Ableton Live 10 Lite has features for editing together takes, sweetening vocal recordings, adding sound effects and even creating custom theme and background music.

Price: $350

Info: www.akg.com

 

The post AKG Caters to Podcasters appeared first on Radio World.

Radio World continues its aggregation of COVID-19-related updates and news for the radio industry. This is what’s happening Friday, March 19.

— The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has upped the number of radio PSAs it’s airing specific to COVID-19 in target markets, including Seattle, San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles and Houston. The chart at right shows the change from February compared to thus far in March.

— The National Association of Broadcasters has tallied up the value of the airtime donated to coronavirus PSAs since March 12, and they say the nearly 36,000 PSAs are equivalent to $10 million of radio and TV ad spots.

NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith said, “I am so proud of the unprecedented level of support for this PSA campaign from local TV and radio stations. As our nation faces these challenging times, broadcasters will be there to report the facts, keep the public informed and help in the education effort to keep people safe.”

— The National Radio Talent System has cancelled all eight of the Radio Talent Institutes scheduled for summer 2020. However, NRTS President Dan Vallie said they have begun plans for the 2021 events. Vallie made the announcement “with regret, but also great concern for the health of all involved.”

— The Caribbean Broadcasting Union has cancelled the conference sessions and events related to its annual general assembly, which was scheduled for August. CBU President Gary Allen told members in an email, “We determined that even if public health conditions improved [by August] reliable travel and confidence in travel will not be quickly lifted and the unlikelihood of members, presenters, observers and exhibitors participating would not change.”

— Beasley Media Group has rolled out a new hashtag and PSA campaign. The #WeAreGrateful initiative is intended to thank “first responders, healthcare industry workers, retail employees, utility workers, transport drivers and others who are making a difference.”

 

The post COVID-19 Update: PSAs Gain Air Time, Organizations Cancel Summer Events appeared first on Radio World.

The term “artificial intelligence” is being heard more and more in the radio and audio media industries.

What does that phrase mean, exactly, in our technology marketplace?

In the new Radio World ebook, ENCO Systems, MultiCAM Systems, Veritone, and Worldcast Systems explain what AI means for them and how these technology innovators are applying AI to their products and services.

Learn about dramatic improvements thanks to Automatic Speech Recognition … how algorithms choose the best camera presets for visual radio … how AI-powered services and applications enable stations and networks to accelerate workflows and deliver value … and how AI in transmitter design can help broadcasters reduce energy costs.

Read it here.

The post AI Comes to Radio appeared first on Radio World.

“In light of the current circumstances, it is impossible to hold a rescheduled 2020 NAB Show this year,” NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith wrote in a Friday statement shared with industry stakeholders.

The association said it would be calling off the April event on March 11 and indicated at the time that they were exploring options, including postponing the trade show for later a date.

After a week of weighing their options, NAB has decided to create a “digital experience” that will bring elements of NAB Show online, including showcasing product announcements and providing educational opportunities. Additionally, the association says it will expand NAB Show New York, scheduled for Oct. 16–17, with more “programs, partners, and experiences.”

Smith also announced the dates for the 2021 NAB Show: April 11–14.

Read NAB President/CEO Gordon Smith’s letter here:

Dear NAB Show Community,

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a truly unprecedented situation around the world. Our thoughts are with those who have been directly affected by the virus, and all of those who are struggling with the ramifications of this global health crisis.

At the National Association of Broadcasters, we believe it is our responsibility to help stop the spread of COVID-19, and put the health and safety of our show community first. In the week since announcing that we will not move forward with the NAB Show in April, the landscape has continued to shift dramatically with major sports leagues, school districts, and other businesses around the country suspending operations. The governor of Nevada has also made the decision to close all nonessential business operations in the state. National authorities are imploring Americans to telework wherever possible.

While we recognize that much of our show community is focused on other issues at the moment, we have heard from many of you over the last week who are eager for an update on our plans. For that reason, we wanted to convey now that, in light of the current circumstances, it is impossible to hold a rescheduled 2020 NAB Show this year. We will instead proceed with a two-pronged approach to deliver as much value as possible under these circumstances to our exhibitors, partners, and the broadcast industry as a whole.

First, we are exploring a number of ways to bring the industry together online, both in the short and long term. We know from many years of serving the community with face-to-face events, that connectivity is vital to the health and success of the industry. That’s why we are excited to announce NAB Show Express, targeted to launch in April 2020. This digital experience will provide a conduit for our exhibitors to share product information, announcements and demos, as well as deliver educational content from the original selection of programming slated for the live show in Las Vegas, and create opportunities for the community to interact virtually—all of which adds up to something that brings the NAB Show community together in a new way.

Second, we will be enhancing NAB Show New York with new programs, partners, and experiences. We have already had numerous conversations with show partners about expanding their participation, and have heard from numerous exhibitors interested in enhancing their presence at this fall’s show. NAB Show New York represents the best opportunity for companies to announce and showcase their latest innovations and comes at a perfect time for the industry to gather face-to-face to restart, refocus, and reengage as we move forward together.

We will have more to say about these efforts in the coming weeks. This is a unique and challenging situation, but we are committed to working hard to deliver as much value as possible.

We’re also committed to being an active part of the solution to the current crisis in the months ahead. Last week we launched a new public service announcement campaign on radio and television that will provide crucial information to keep communities safe. The PSAs are part of a comprehensive Coronavirus Response Toolkit that we have made available online to help broadcasters accurately cover the pandemic and prepare for the threat it poses to their staff, communities, and businesses. We’ll be doing more in the weeks to come to harness the power of our industry as a force for good in these difficult times.

As we move forward, we will keep an open line of communication with our show community, and look forward to engaging with you throughout the year. We’ve already begun planning for our 2021 NAB Show in Las Vegas, which will take place April 11-14th, and we hope you’ll join us then, as well as this fall.

We look forward to connecting with you, and hope that you and your loved ones remain safe in the months to come.

Best,

Gordon H. Smith
President and CEO

The post NAB’s Smith Says Rescheduling NAB Show in 2020 Is “Impossible” appeared first on Radio World.

Here’s a shot of Kim Komando in the WestStar facility soon after it opened in 2016.

The Phoenix-based staff of “The Kim Komando Show” abruptly shifted last week to a primarily remote work setup due to well-founded concerns about COVID-19.  

Radio World is reporting in this series of articles about how various radio enterprises are managing in the coronavirus-driven context, with a particular emphasis on technology and operations.

WestStar management sent an email to employees notifying them that offices were closed to all except “necessary technical staff” and a sign was now posted on the exterior door, announcing closure for anyone who might have missed the emailed memo.

While this decision was made quickly, WestStar Executive Chairman Barry Young told Radio World he had begun preparing his staff for this scenario more than a week prior.  

Under normal circumstances, there are about 50 employees who work at the 27,000 sq.ft. facility. Prior to this, WestStar had three remote workers.

WestStar’s flagship program is the “The Kim Komando Show,” a three-hour talk radio show, which is also produced as a one-hour segment for Bloomberg Television. Under the current circumstances, Young explains they will continue to produce and distribute the radio content to their 450 or so affiliates, although they will now work from the much smaller studios that only require three-people to keep the show on air. 

The audio content is created from employees’ homes and then routed via Comrex Access units to producers who also edit from home as much as possible and then share it online or upload it to the  Westwood One satellite distribution system. 

However, some productions do require staff to go to the WestStar building. When they do, the aim is to “get in and out as quickly as possible,” while also following “extraordinary procedures” to keep staff healthy. Employees are required to wear Latex gloves and clean equipment with 71% alcohol mix before and after using it. 

[Want to learn more about the studios and infrastructure? Read our 2016 facility profile.]

“The Kim Komando Show” has an extensive online presence, supporting related podcasts and e-newsletters as well as web content. Young reports that all writers, sales and traffic are working remotely. 

Additionally, the infrastructure that supports WestStar’s digital products is “handled by servers and fiber lines” at the Phoenix facility. Thus far, the IT team has been able to manage and maintain it remotely. 

However, WestStar has decided to repurpose and repackage its television content for the time being; the TV version of the show is normally produced on a set with 10 cameras that requires a 20-person staff. WestStar will temporarily lay off some of its part-time television production personnel, and Young said he expects these will be the only jobs affected. 

Radio World wants to hear about how the coronavirus situation is affecting your radio business operations. Email radioworld@futurenet.com.

The post “Kim Komando” Employees Are Home But the Show Must Go On appeared first on Radio World.

In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) modernizes its rules regarding certain written notices that cable operators and direct broadcast satellite (DBS) providers are required to provide to broadcast television stations. Rather than continuing to require that cable and DBS providers deliver these notices on paper, the Commission is revising its rules to require that the notices be delivered to broadcast television stations electronically via email.

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The Commission clarifies that temporary agreements for shared news gathering efforts related to news coverage of the novel coronavirus pandemic do not need to be placed in the stations' online public inspection file

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