HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: hhallika@nike.calpoly.edu (Harold Hallikainen)
Subject: Border Radio (was Re: Big Directional AM Arrays)
Originator: wdp@gagme
Organization: California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Date: Thu, 23 Jul 1992 08:00:11 GMT


	NPR did a story on Border Radio a while back.  There's quite
a bit of history back there.  It has also shown up in popular culture.
Riders' Radio Theatre (run on many NPR stations) makes reference to
someone selling thousands of baby chicks on border radio.  Also,
American Graffitti made reference to Wolf Man Jack, who I used to 
listen to in the San Francisco Bay Area in the 1960s on XERB.
	XETRA was the first station to run AM stereo.  In the 1950s,
they ran the Kahn independent sideband system.  I spoke with the
guy who was the chief engineer at the time a few years ago.  He
told me that they originally were running one sideband with 
carrier to get away from an interfereing station in CA.  This
approach to getting away from adjacent channel interference is now
sold by Kahn as the PowerSide.  XETRA then dropped SSB and went
stereo, telling their listeners to use two radios, tuning one high
and the other low.
	There is, of course, an FCC rule on border radio.  It reads...

73.3545  Application for permit to deliver programs to foreign stations.
Applications under Section 325(b) of the Communications Act for authority
to locate, use, or maintain a broadcast studio in connection with a
foreign station consistently received in the United States, should be
made on FCC Form 308, "Application for Permit to Deliver Programs to
Foreign Broadcast Stations".  An informal application may be used by
applicants holding an AM, FM or TV broadcast station license
or construction permit.  Informal applications must, however, contain 
a description of the nature and character of the programming proposed, 
together with information on page 4 of Form 308.

	That form asks the usual ownership info, location of the studio,
ownership of the studio, identification of the foreign station, an
explanation of the legal relationship between the applicant (the
program supplier) and the foreign station, and a full description of
the nature of the programming to be supplied.

	Border Radio (especially between the US and Mexican borders)
has been an important part of radio history.  As mentioned in other
threads in this newsgroup, Canadian stations have been dominant in
some US markets (CKLW).  There are still border broadcasting battles
going on.  Canadian stations face Canadian content regulations while
their competitors on the US side of the border do not.  There are
also copyright problems with Canadian cable systems carrying US
TV stations, sometimes deleting US commercials.
	Isn't broadcasting fun?

Harold

--
Harold Hallikainen              ap621@Cleveland.Freenet.edu
Hallikainen & Friends, Inc.     hhallika@pan.calpoly.edu
141 Suburban Road, Bldg E4      phone 805 541 0200 fax 544 6715
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-7590  telex 4932775 HFI UI


Newsgroups: rec.radio.broadcasting
From: fybush@unixland.natick.ma.us (Scott Fybush)
Subject: Early Morning Hours
Originator: wdp@gagme
Organization: Unixland
Date: Wed, 29 Jul 1992 14:41:17 GMT


I've just started a new job, one which will require me to be at
work at 3 each weekday morning for at least a few weeks.  Now I know
radio people work some weird hours, and I've worked early hours 
like this before, just not on such a regular basis.  How do those
of you who work very early cope with it?  Do you try to go to bed
very early the night before (I find this doesn't work with me), or 
do you nap in the afternoon after work?  

One nice thing...you can't beat the traffic at 2:45 AM! :-)

And how many of you have met people who say, "I don't care how
good the job is, I won't work a morning-drive shift, period."?
I had a boss with that attitude.  She's now leaving the radio
business.  Anyone want to try to make a connection?

Scott Fybush -- fybush@unixland.natick.ma.us
I don't care if they want me to get up at 2 AM--Group W and
WBZ radio still aren't entitled to be represented by my opinions!

Newsgroups: rec.radio.broadcasting
From: fybush@unixland.natick.ma.us (Scott Fybush) 
Subject: Re: High Priced Trade pub's
Originator: wdp@gagme
Organization: GAGME - Public Access UNIX of Chicago, Illinois, USA, Earth
Date: Thu, 23 Jul 1992 08:01:47 GMT

mayer@miami.ucs.indiana.edu (Mayer Goldberg)  writes:
[and the moderator follows up to a previous comment with...]

>>[Moderator's amazment;  $275 a year?  Ghod, what do they print it
>>on, coca leaves? :-)]

>R&R has always been expensive.  So is Billboard, The Gavin Report,
>and various others you'll find.  Very few of the b'cast publications
>are worth what they charge, and the only freebie I've seen is Radio
>World (discussed here at some length a week or so ago).

>All the other trades I've seen go for $200+ annually.  Go figger...

>[Moderator's Note:  I guess it helps keep the pub's in the industry,
>and discourages individuals.  Most stations will pay the ridiculous
>fees as a cost of doing business, maybe :-\]

Er, let's think about that "ridiculous" again and make sure we all know
where to apply it.  At  least two of the trades, "Broadcasting" and
"M Street Journal," run listings each week of station sales and
technical changes.   Those listings don't come for free...the FCC
CHARGES for them, and charges big bucks.  I remember reading that
obtaining FCC notices was actually M Street's biggest operating
expense.

In light of that, consider that M Street gives the subscriber for
just $99 US the following: 51 weekly issues of highly accurate
FCC info and industry news, plus the (now $35 US value) annual
M Street Radio Directory, which stands alongside only the FM Atlas
and Station Directory y f accuracy (my respect for the Broadcasting
Yearbook in this area is nil.)

In comparison, Broadcasting charges $85 a year (no directory included,
as that will run you an extra $150 or so), but includes more
articles and classifieds.  HOWEVER, if you're a student or can
pass yourself off as one :-), you can take advantage of a special
unadvertised student rate of $49 or so.  Call and ask...1-800-323-
4345 in North America, +1 212 545 5432 elsewhere.

For M Street, call +1 212 473 4668 or write them at 304 Park Ave. S.,
Floor 7, New York NY 10010 USA.  Tell them I sent you.

In short, I would like to see lower rates for students and other
interested individuals, but I do believe that decent deals exist
if you ask for them.

[Moderator, forced to agree, reluctantly:  I suppose that value-for-the-buck 
is measured in what one gets out of the product.  Still, it amazes me that
some pubs cost nearly $300, while others manage for free, allowing the bill
to be born by the advertizers.  As you mention, M-street is cheaper than 
broadcasting, yet you feel they are, in many ways, superior.  In any event,
these pubs are too rich for my cash-poor blood :-).  Perhaps ridiculous was
too strong of a term.  Let's just say ... steep :-).]

Scott Fybush -- fybush@unixland.natick.ma.us
I subscribe to M Street and Broadcasting, but have no other affiliation
with either one.  Group W and Northeast Radio subscribe too (at
From: duncan@ravel.ati.com (Jim Duncan)
Newsgroups: rec.radio.broadcasting
Subject: Re: Decline of AM radio-self imposed?
Date: 27 Jul 92 00:49:32 GMT
Organization: KUFX 94.5 FM Stereo, San Jose, CA 'The Fox'
Originator: wdp@gagme

In article <1992Jul22.100332.28920@gagme.chi.il.us> hhallika@zeus.calpoly.edu
(Harold Hallikainen) writes:


> I find the decline of AM radio interesting. 

I find the decline of AM radio natural.

>there are millions of receivers out there.
>

There are millions of JUNKY receivers out there!  Typically they take
the form of $2.00 worth of parts added to an FM stereo set so that
drivers might listen to a ball game, etc.. 

>Earlier today, I stopped into a store called Audio Video City.  With a 
>name like that, I'd expect to find everyting I could possibly want in audio
>and video.  They don't have any AM stereo receivers.  I never have found an
>audio dealer that had them.

The market system at work!  

>It's been pointed out many times that to the typical consumer in a typical
>listening environment (where there's background noise, like in a car or at
>the office), NRSC AM stereo cannot be distinguished from FM stereo.  

In other words, if you're not really listening to the radio, e.g. at
work or in a car talking to passengers, etc, then AM stereo sounds great.  

>AM stations should also work with local audio equipment dealers to educate 
>them about AM.  It DOES sound good. 

Oh please!!  

>Make up some printed literatures that explains the recent 
>improvements in AM.  

Nice try but....  The narrow bandwidth, low carrier frequency
(vulnerable to noise) impose daunting, absolute limitations.  The
ancient AM broadcasting concept is being left in the dust by countless
other technologies readily available to consumers, especially younger
ones with five figure upper hearing limits. 

>You'll intorduce consumers to the "new and improved" AM 

Like "new and improved" buggywhips??

I'm sorry, but in a confrontation with the powerful market forces
promoting FM radio and other "high fidelity" alternatives, AM radio as
we know it is a sure TKO. AM Broadcast is, as it were, lost in the
noise.  Frankly and honestly, even superior off-the-air FM is 
increasingly under siege these days.

-- 
KUFX |      w  ["]                            | WA6MBV     
94.5 |...   |___|_____..duncan@ravel.ati.com  | Jim Duncan  
FM   |          H                             | ----------   
********  \_____I_____/  37 3 10N/121 59 10W  ************** 
Newsgroups: rec.radio.broadcasting
From: sjsobol@tiny.com (Steven J. Sobol)  
Subject: WENZ-FM; and, What is alternative? 
Originator: wdp@gagme
Organization: The Tiny Software Company, Main Office, Cleveland, Ohio
Date: Thu, 30 Jul 1992 15:26:01 GMT
                                                        

[my quote]
>>Sounds like a station here, WENZ (formerly WPHR, Power 108) FM (Cleveland).
>>Went from CHR to a new format blending contemporary and alternative rock.
>>(B52's, Soupdragons, Howard Jones, Tom Petty, to name a few...) And the
>>program director said he really didn't pattern it after any other radio 
>>station...

[the response]
>In Australia, the B52's (after 'Love Shack'), Soupdragons and Top Petty,
>would be classified as mainstream rock on our radio stations. 
>Are these bands and arertists considered Alternative in the US?  How about
>Steve  Winwood, REM, and Concrete Blonde?  What other bands/artists does WENZ
>play?

I felt I should answer this publicly as some other people may have the same
question:

More recent B52s and Tom Petty are pretty mainstream. WENZ ("The End")
also plays REM (old and new), the Cure, Concrete Blonde and other such groups
that might be considered less mainstream. I didn't really give a broad enough
list of examples... they don't play strictly alternative or strictly
mainstream. I don't like using the word 'alternative' as it sounds too
much like a buzzword, but I couldn't think of a better word to use.

Sorry, I should have been more clear.

Are there any more stations anywhere in the country considering this format?

ObPlug: The station is at 107.9 FM -- listen to them if you're in the
area. The playlist, while a bit of a mish-mosh, actually does sound good.
And the station management has been *very* responsive to listener
suggestions. They at least deserve a chance.

-- 
***  **  ** | The Tiny Software Company/23707 Glenhill Dr./Cleveland, OH 44122
 *  *   *   |   Steven Sobol - President  - sjsobol@tiny.com or tiny!sjsobol 
 *   *  *   |   Alternate addresses: sjsobol@wariat.org or ag510@po.cwru.edu
 *    * *   | 
 *  **   ** | 

Newsgroups: rec.radio.broadcasting
From: steveh@grafex.cupertino.ca.us (Steve Harding KA6ETB)
Subject: *** WHAT WOULD __YOU__ DO? ***
Originator: wdp@gagme
Organization: GAGME - Public Access UNIX of Chicago, Illinois, USA, Earth
Date: Fri, 24 Jul 1992 06:51:27 GMT

Here's the deal.Pa

You are the program director at a daytime AM station.  The owner has given
you carte blanche to create programming that will impact your market.

What would you do?

steve

-- 

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Newsgroups: rec.radio.broadcasting
From: jj2h+@andrew.cmu.edu ("Joe N. Juisai")
Subject: Re: Tom Snyder's Radio Show
Originator: wdp@gagme
Organization: GAGME - Public Access UNIX of Chicago, Illinois, USA, Earth
Date: Wed, 29 Jul 1992 14:57:30 GMT

I previously wrote to find out what stations broadcasted the Tom Snyder
Show in Pittsburgh.  I thank all who responded.

By the way:
1130-WWWE Cleveland DX's well here.  
770-WABC New York also DX's well here.
890-WLS Chicago has too much static.


Again, thank you all for responding.

Joe N. Juisai
jj2h+@andrew.cmu.edu
412/268-4652

Newsgroups: rec.radio.broadcasting
From: gilman@cshl.org (Michael Gilman)
Subject: Re: Jim Ladd's "Radio Waves"
Originator: wdp@gagme
Organization: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Date: Sat, 25 Jul 1992 11:23:27 GMT

In article <1992Jul22.093424.27901@gagme.chi.il.us>,
fybush@unixland.natick.ma.us (Scott Fybush) writes:
> 
> 
> I had the pleasure this past week of reading Jim Ladd's book "Radio
> Waves: Life and Revolution on the FM Dial."  I recommend it...with
> a few reservations.  Ladd was one of LA's biggest rock DJs in the 
> 1970s and 1980s and the book is his recollections of his days in LA
> radio.  So far so good; it's a topic that needs more exploration.
> Ladd has done something odd, though...he's changed all the call letters
> and many names.  There are enough clues to figure out what all the
> stations are.  If you pick up the book, keep this chart handy:
> 
> [In order of appearance]:
> 
> Ladd       Reality
> ----       -------
> KFRE       106.9 KMPX (now 98.9 KDBK) San Francisco
> KDOM       106.7 KPPC (now KROQ) Pasadena
> KBRK       105.5 KNAC Long Beach
> KHIP       94.9 KSAN Oakland
> KAOS       94.7 KMET (now KTWV) LA
> KGAB       790 KABC LA
> KASH       95.5 KLOS LA
> KCWB       570 KLAC LA
> Micromedia Metromedia
> KVVT-TV    KTTV-TV 11 LA
> 
> I could use some help deciphering some of the pseudonyms Ladd uses
> for real people, though.  For example, he calls the evening jock
> on KAOS (KMET) "Mega Turnon".  Any KMET listeners out there 
> remember her real name?  What about overnight jock "Joanne Goodwin"?
> Program director "Terri Belle"?  Any help on real names...or
> present locations...would be appreciated.  A few of the people
> named for real are still around.  Morning jock Jeff Gonzer now
> holds the midday slot on Boston classic rocker WZLX.  And anybody
> know what became of Raechel Donahue?  If she's still around
> somewhere, I'd love to do a *SIGNALS* segment on her.  Anybody
> know?
> 
> Anyway, check out the book...it's well written and a lot of fun.
> The paperback is just out, published by St. Martin's Press.  Your
> bookstore can order it if they don't have it (in Boston, Waterstone's
> and Borders both have it in stock).  I don't know about international
> availability.
> 
> Scott Fybush -- fybush@unixland.natick.ma.us
> So Westinghouse now owns KTWV...I STILL don't speak for them :-)
> 
> 

I agree with your analysis. Fun to read, but a bit frustrating (and, 
seemingly unnecessary) to have to decipher to hidden info.

Mega Turnon in Mary Turner, who now hosts the syndicated interview
show Off the Record. Can't help you with the rest of them, but I
would also be interested....

Michael Gilman
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
gilman@cshl.org 

Newsgroups: rec.radio.broadcasting
From: schmidt@auvax1.adelphi.edu (JOHN SCHMIDT)
Subject: More on Rick Sklar's death
Originator: wdp@gagme
Organization: unknown
Date: Mon, 27 Jul 1992 10:20:11 GMT

The following appeared in NEWSDAY for July 22:

Cause of Sklar's Death Announced

Rick Sklar, the programming genius behind WABC during its Top 40 heyday, died
on June 22 because he did not get enough oxygen after receiving general
anesthesia, the New York City Medical Examiner's Office announced yesterday.

Sklar, who was 62, died at Roosevelt Hospital from what was called
"ventilatory insufficiency" during routine foot surgery to repair a tendon.

The medical examiner has classified the death as a "therapeutic complication,"
spokeswoman Ellen Borakove said, and will report its findings to the State
Department of Health.

Roosevelt spokeswoman Beverly Boyarsky said late yesterday that the hospital 
had yet to see the medical examiners report, "so we can't comment at this
time.  

However, the case is being reviewed through the hospital's regular review
process."
                   ---------------------------

John

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
John H. Schmidt, P.E.              |Internet: schmidt@auvax1.adelphi.edu
Technical Director, WBAU           |Phone--Days     (212)456-4218
Adelphi University                 |       Evenings (516)877-6400
Garden City, New York 11530        |Fax-------------(212)456-2424
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Newsgroups: rec.radio.broadcasting
From: mayer@miami.ucs.indiana.edu (Darla Stewart)
Subject: Re: How much to set up a station?
Originator: wdp@gagme
Organization: UCS, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Date: Sat, 25 Jul 1992 11:24:01 GMT


In article <1992Jul23.080250.12022@gagme.chi.il.us> CK3
<ckukkone@jarthur.Claremont.EDU>  writes:

>Please excuse my total and complete ignorance...but I am 
>curious what would be the cheapest AM and FM setups that
>I could have that would transmit in about a 30 mile radius.
>Right now, I am a mere DJ but I would be really interested
>in this info.  Also, I would like to know how much the
>FCC charges stations.

The trouble you'll find is varying prices for used equipment... but just for
starters, here are a couple:

(all equipment used)

Transmitter (3KW) - $10,000
Tower (incl Labor)- $ 8,000
Antenna           - $ 5,000
Transmission Line - $   900

That's for a Class A  FM station (3,000 watts)

A studio can be had for $10,000 or less, depending on what you insist it 
include.

For a new FM station, you'll probably incur the following charges for the
construction permit application:

Consulting Engineer - $ 2,000
FCC Filing Fee      - $ 2,030 (but I heard it's going up)

That's assuming you do not enlist the aid of a communications attorney for
your application... if you do, throw in another $2,000.

Plus, you'll need an engineer to build the thing... at $30-40/hour. :)

By the way, you MUST use a consulting engineer for your technical exhibits...
no point in having your application dismissed because your technical isn't
up to snuff

That'll get you on the air, with a good strong signal about 15 miles in any
direction from the tower.  That's FM.  The Commission is allowing VERY few
new AMs.

On the other hand, there are a number of stations available around the country
where you can walk in for no money down, and assume a huge debt load... but 
there's gotta be a reason the current owners can't make the payments.


>[Moderator's Note:  Carl, the only ignorant question is one you don't
>ask.  Now, I can't vouch for the answers you'll get :-) :-)]

:) I won't vouch for this answer, either.
Newsgroups: rec.radio.broadcasting
From: mark@attain.ICD.Teradyne.COM (Mark Guidotti)
Subject: Re: How common are AM stereo receivers anyway? 
Originator: wdp@gagme
Organization: Teradyne, Inc. San Jose CA
Date: Wed, 22 Jul 1992 09:36:43 GMT

I own a Sony SRF-A100 and used to own a Clarion auto radio with AM stereo.
The Sony was purchased in 1984.  The Clarion in 1988 and was _that_ ever
a chore.  A number of audio salesmen either didn't know anythign about
AM stereo or critical of my desire to have it.  (not cool, etc.)

The Sony receives both Kahn and Motorola; the Clarion received only Moto.
Neither on is particularly HI-FI.  both suffered from distortion only in
stereo mode.  The Clarion was very poor through DA pattern nulls with
snapping, popping, suddenly loud volume and of course, platform shift.

I believe the Kahn ISB system would not suffer from these anomalies.

The number of AM stations broadcasting in stereo has declined in the
SF Bay area.  KNBR, KFRC and KOIT all used the Kahn system, but have
ceased stereo transmission.  KSFO, KKHI, KABL, KOFY, KIQI, KEEN are
still using Moto. KOFY and KIQI are Spanish, KEEN is Country and the
rest are simulcast. (in other words, not much worth listening to) 
Subjectively, the audio is very poor compared to the FM simulcasts. 

Before the boosters went on the air in the I-680 corridor, AM stereo
would have made sense.  Now nearly every SF FM is boosted; they come
in like locals even in the rough terrain. (this is the area east and
running the length of the Bay behind mountains) Other parts of the
bay south of SF are flat - FM reception is close to local even 50
miles away.  If there were station with a unique format on  AM in
stereo, I would fit my new car with one.  But as it stands now, there's
not much 'software' out there to justify an upgrade.

regards,
mark

-- 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mark Guidotti c/o Teradyne, Inc. 408-434-0822    
mark@attain.icd.teradyne.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Newsgroups: rec.radio.broadcasting
From: wa2ise@cbnewsb.cb.att.com (robert.f.casey) 
Subject: Re: Dying AM stations (was Re: AM stereo)
Originator: wdp@gagme
Organization: AT&T 
Date: Fri, 24 Jul 1992 06:51:20 GMT


In article <1992Jul22.094833.28309@gagme.chi.il.us>
lightw@cetra.trl.OZ.AU (Liron Lightwood) writes:

>Yeah, that happenned to an AM station here in Melbourne Australia last
>year - it went off the air for nearly a year and only just started up
>again on a new frequency and with a new identy and owner.
>
>The station was called 3XY on 1422 Khz and was the number one rock
>station ...

I remember hearing this station 3XY when I visited Melbourne back in
April '86 (a Halley's comet tour).  Thought it was pretty good during  my
2 day stay then.  I have a short aircheck I made of them, and other
stations, when I was there.  If memory serves correctly, there was 
another station called the "FOX", another one called "EON".  These are
probably tradenames like the ones we have in USA, like Z-rock.  One
station had a "punk" style morning team.  Heard them arguing about what
time it was. "It's 5 before 8"  "No, it's 2 before 8!"  "No, it's 5
after 8!"  "Shut up!" or some such.  

I seem to remember most rock stations in Australia played what we in USA
call "modern rock", like WDRE Garden City, NY.  

-- 

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Newsgroups: rec.radio.broadcasting