This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)

On this episode of This Week in Radio Tech, Kirk Harnack is joined by broadcast engineer Aaron Read of L and R Broadcast Services, formerly with Rhode Island Public Radio. Aaron shares thoughtful, experience-based insights on how broadcast engineers play a direct role in establishing—and sometimes unintentionally eroding—listener trust, and why that trust remains one of radio’s greatest strengths. The conversation also dives into Aaron’s practical “Tip of the Week,” focusing on securing Barix codecs and other IP audio devices, including why built-in security features and proper password discipline matter. Aaron strongly advocates for using site-to-site VPNs to protect studio-to-transmitter IP links, explaining how this approach improves both security and reliability. Throughout the episode, Aaron emphasizes the importance of remaining open-minded and committed to continuous learning as technology and workflows evolve. This is a valuable listen for engineers who care about protecting the craft, the signal, and the audience relationship.

Episode 783 of This Week in Radio Tech features Chris Tarr, now a Field Engineer for K-LOVE, responsible for dozens of transmitters carrying the K-LOVE and Air1 networks. Chris shares how K-LOVE uses smart technologies, standardized procedures, and thoughtful system design to maximize engineering efficiency while reliably serving a nationwide audience. He also offers insight into the workflows and best practices he’s learned from the experienced K-LOVE engineering team, with particular appreciation for the support of the Network Operations Center (NOC). Throughout the conversation, Chris reflects on working with an “attitude of gratitude” and how the culture within K-LOVE engineering and programming makes that mindset possible. It’s an informative and encouraging episode for broadcast engineers at any scale.

This Week in Radio Tech episode 782 features Michael Adams joining Kirk Harnack to discuss Rapid Response Radio, a new organization focused on fast, resilient communications when they are needed most. Building on the proven success of First Response Radio, Mike explains how today’s audio and transmission technology has enabled a dramatically smaller, lighter, airline-carry-on-sized broadcast kit. These compact systems make it possible to deploy pop-up FM radio stations quickly in disaster zones and areas where infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed. From natural disasters to war-torn regions, Rapid Response Radio provides a practical way to restore vital information flow to affected communities. This episode highlights how thoughtful engineering and modern broadcast tools can make a real difference when conventional systems fail.

Listen to This Week in Radio Tech episode 781, “Powering Local Radio into 2026 with Chris Marsalis.” Chris and his wife own two successful FM stations in Ripley, Mississippi—The Shark 102.3 and Kudzu 104.9—and he shares how strong local programming, especially high school sports, continues to drive audience loyalty. He explains how creative sponsorships, including FM RDS messaging and integrated digital advertising across streaming and podcasts, have expanded revenue opportunities well beyond traditional spot sales. Chris also discusses his technical work with Mississippi Public Broadcasting, helping maintain two HDTV and FM+HD transmitter sites in northeast Mississippi. This episode is a practical and encouraging look at how committed local broadcasters can thrive well into the future.

Watch or listen to This Week in Radio Tech episode 780, “I Wear Three Hats,” featuring Larry Wilkins—one of the most respected and beloved broadcast engineers in Alabama. Larry has played a pivotal role in advancing broadcast engineering across the state through his work with the Alabama Broadcasters Association, including the creation of the ABA Engineering Academy. He is also deeply involved in the ABIP program, helping stations meet critical infrastructure and compliance goals. As an active member of the State Emergency Communications Committee (SECC), Larry continues to strengthen emergency preparedness for broadcasters statewide. In this episode, Larry explains the value of these programs and why, even in semi-retirement, he remains passionate about working hard to support and mentor fellow broadcast engineers.

Tune in to This Week in Radio Tech episode 779, “Next Generation Multichannel Audio with Larry Schindel.” Larry Schindel, Senior Product Manager for Linear Acoustic—part of Telos Alliance—brings decades of hands-on experience in multichannel television audio spanning live production, post, and transmission. In this episode, Larry clearly explains what Next Generation Audio (NGA) really means for broadcasters and content creators today. He breaks down the practical differences between traditional channel-based audio and modern object-based audio workflows. The conversation also dives into Serial ADM (S-ADM) and how it enables more flexible, immersive audio delivery. Larry wraps up with an entertaining and insightful story about “Take 5” that bridges audio engineering and the video production world.

TWiRT 778 opens with a broadcaster whose reach spans far beyond the cotton fields and high plains of West Texas. Tony St. James, owner of KFLP AM-FM in Floydada, has built a multi-platform media operation that punches far above its market size. Alongside running his stations, Tony operates two prolific content networks: the West Texas Friday Night Scoreboard and the All Ag Network. His voice is also instantly recognizable to rural audiences nationwide through his frequent appearances on RFD-TV and SiriusXM’s Rural Radio channel. Tony joins Kirk Harnack to talk shop about the technical, workflow, and operational strategies that allow a small-market broadcaster to deliver big-market volume. From managing affiliate distribution, to producing consistent ag and sports content, to keeping costs and complexity under control, Tony shares the practical methods that let him serve multiple media platforms and dozens of stations every day. This episode is a masterclass in scalable, real-world radio operations from someone who lives it.

AAT—American Amplifier Technologies—might not have been on your radar a few years ago, but they’re making some serious noise in the broadcast engineering world. With their TXN line of FM and Digital TV transmitters, plus their recent acquisitions of Shively, Kathrein, and SCALA, AAT is quickly becoming a true one-stop shop for RF and broadcast hardware. Today we’re joined by AAT’s Chief Technical Officer, Matt Rigdon. He’s here to show us emPower, a brand-new monitoring and control system that was designed from day one with broadcast engineers—and our mobile lifestyles—in mind. Under the hood it’s powered by SNMP, but what you see on your phone or tablet is a fast, modern, intuitive interface that actually helps you get stuff done. Matt gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how emPower was developed, what problems it solves, and why this kind of mobile-first thinking might just shape the next generation of broadcast infrastructure. Strap in—we’re going hands-on with some very cool tech.

Episode 776 of This Week in Radio Tech brings a heartfelt and energetic conversation titled “Thankfulness with K-LOVE Engineers.” Joining Kirk are four outstanding engineers from K-LOVE and Air1—Chris Tarr, Jack Roland, Tommy Presite, and Bill Jackson—who share real experiences where gratitude has shaped their work and even their success. This episode blends lively banter with meaningful reflections on how being thankful affects everything from troubleshooting transmitters to strengthening family life. Together we explore how thankfulness transforms the one who practices it, even in the secular workplace where its power is often overlooked. It’s an uplifting and authentic discussion you won’t want to miss.

In this episode, Kirk welcomes Keith Pelletier, President of Dielectric, to explore the newest advances in FM transmitting antenna design. Keith explains how Dielectric engineers are now combining custom bay spacing, including innovative mixes of full-wave and half-wave spacing within the same antenna aperture, to deliver precise coverage patterns with dramatically improved efficiency. These hybrid designs can achieve the same or better performance while using about one-third fewer parts, reducing weight, wind load, cost, and long-term maintenance challenges. We also dive into how modern modeling tools, materials, and manufacturing techniques are pushing FM antenna technology further than ever before. If you care about smarter RF design, better coverage, and future-ready FM infrastructure, you’ll want to watch this one. Join us for TWiRT 775 and see where Dielectric is taking FM antennas next!

This week on This Week in Radio Tech, we’re joined by Adam Robinson, Director of Sales & Marketing at MaxxKonnect and Triple Helix Technologies. Transmitter sites have evolved far beyond just RF gear — they’re now fully IP-centric ecosystems where slow, hidden failures often do the most damage. Adam and Kirk discuss how smart monitoring, redundancy, and unified visibility are redefining how engineers manage their sites remotely. From HVAC degradation to IP jitter and network security, we explore why data over time is the key to preventing downtime. Tune in and learn how the next generation of site management — predictive, cloud-integrated, and AI-assisted — is already here!

This week on This Week in Radio Tech, host Kirk Harnack welcomes broadcast engineer and on-air talent Steven Zagony, a man who finds joy in bringing classic broadcast gear back to life. Steven restores beloved analog equipment from the golden era of radio—think Studer, MCI, Auditronics, ITC/3M, PR&E, Orban, Texar, and more. From cleaning and recapping to precision alignment, he shares the process and satisfaction of hearing vintage gear sing again. We also dive into his work on KFRC’s legendary remote vehicle, “The Sturgeon,” where Steven rebuilt its PR&E console and revived its ITC cart machines to full glory. It’s a nostalgic and technical journey celebrating the art and heart of analog broadcast engineering.

Before Angry Audio, Michael “Catfish” Dosch helped redefine how audio moves through radio stations. In this episode, Catfish joins Kirk to revisit the early 2000s when he, Steve Church, and a small development team in Riga, Latvia, built the world’s first practical Audio over IP system — Livewire. From his PR&E console-design roots to creating the Telos SmartSurface and the first Livewire mixing engine, Catfish shares behind-the-scenes stories, engineering breakthroughs, and lessons that changed broadcast infrastructure forever. It’s a fascinating trip back to the dawn of AoIP — where analog met Ethernet and radio changed for good.

Isn’t it great when a growing broadcaster makes good on the company’s expansion plans? The last time Randy Gardner was our guest - about 3 ½ years ago - he described some of the projects and initiatives going on at JVC Broadcasting. Now we see that the company - and Randy - have been carrying out those plans and projects. Randy Gardner is JVC’s Director of Engineering. He directs and executes improvement projects at studios and transmitter sites, while watching every dollar to make sure there’s good value in every investment. Randy joins us to show us a few project results and he gives wise advice on work and life balance.

There’s something special about breathing new life into classic analog audio gear, and Jordan Tuck has turned that passion into beautiful and functional results. In this episode of This Week in Radio Tech, Jordan takes us inside his meticulous process of reviving vintage broadcast audio equipment—especially the legendary Pacific Recorders & Engineering RadioMixer console. From initial triage and circuit restoration to lamp replacement and detailed cleaning, Jordan shares how he transforms “retired” gear into studio showpieces. He’s even installed a fully refurbished PR&E RadioMixer in his brand-new home studio and gives us a first-hand look at the results. Join us for this delightful conversation celebrating craftsmanship, classic design, and the timeless sound of analog radio consoles.

Scott Cason is a seasoned radio contract engineer and Director of Engineering for the Kentucky Broadcasters Association. Scott shares his insights as the ABIP (Alternative Broadcast Inspection Program) inspector for both Kentucky and Indiana, highlighting the most common violations and how stations can easily correct them. He also discusses his pivotal role in modernizing Kentucky’s newly approved EAS Plan, bringing the state’s emergency alert system up to current standards. Scott takes us behind the scenes of the University of Louisville Sports Radio Network, explaining the equipment and processes that make home and away broadcasts possible. Packed with practical advice, industry insights, and real-world examples, this episode is a must-watch for broadcast engineers and radio professionals. Tune in to learn from one of the field’s most knowledgeable - and friendly - engineers.

We’re coming to you live from the Western Association of Broadcast Engineers Convention (WABE 2025) in Calgary, Alberta, Canada! This episode of This Week in Radio Tech takes you right to the heart of one of Canada’s premier broadcast engineering events. Kirk Harnack talks with a range of broadcast industry professionals — from seasoned engineers to manufacturer representatives and even a broadcast student — capturing the pulse of our ever-evolving industry. Featured guests include Jeff Welton of Nautel, Cameron Thompson with Alberta South, Michael Peterson from Stingray Digital, Randy Opperman of Rogers Communications, and Grant Bebrick of PTS. Join us for candid conversations, fresh perspectives, and valuable insights straight from the WABE show floor.

Artificial intelligence isn’t here to replace radio — but it is coming for the audience’s attention, and it’s doing so on radio’s most important turf: deep personal connection. Dan McQuillin, Managing Director at Broadcast Bionics, joins Kirk to explore how AI and large language models can augment radio production rather than compete with it. Dan shares the fascinating “DanGPT” experiment — an AI version of himself so convincing it won over his wife of 34 years — as proof that AI can be just as personal and engaging as traditional radio. Together, they discuss how radio’s greatest strengths — shared experience, belonging, and community — remain central, and how embracing AI as “Augmented Intelligence” can amplify those qualities. With a growth mindset, AI becomes more than a cost-cutting tool; it’s a creative partner that makes the once-impossible possible. As Dan puts it, we used to have more ideas than time — now, thanks to AI, ideas are the only limit.

The Midwest Regional Broadcasters Clinic is where broadcast engineers and technologists gather each year to learn, share, and connect. Hosted in Wisconsin, this premier event features deep-dive sessions on both cutting-edge and legacy technologies, a vibrant trade show floor, and plenty of opportunities to network with peers from across the Midwest and beyond. Jointly organized by the Wisconsin and Minnesota Broadcasters Associations along with SBE chapters from both states, it’s a true collaboration for the industry. This year, TWiRT is once again going live from the trade show floor—right in the middle of the action—bringing you the latest insights, innovations, and conversations from one of the broadcast community’s most valuable gatherings.

On This Week in Radio Tech, we’re joined by veteran broadcast journalist Scott Fybush, publisher of NorthEast Radio Watch and Fybush.com, and the well-known Tower Site Calendar. Scott unpacks the FCC’s new deregulation initiative, popularly nicknamed “Delete, Delete, Delete”, which proposes removing a range of legacy rules. We also explore the sobering reality of declining radio station values, what’s driving the trend, and how it’s reshaping the broadcast landscape. On a lighter note, Scott shares details about a different kind of stage performance — a comedy act with his wife that will soon debut at Rochester’s Fringe Fest. It’s an episode that blends policy, economics, and a dash of humor — all through the eyes of one of radio’s most trusted observers.