Radio and Broadcasting

I've always been interested in radio. I was fortunate to have heard some of the great radio broadcasters of the Washington area growing up, and was inspired by them. Eventually I found work at a small commercial station (WJMA) and after that, became a volunteer announcer for the University of Virginia's radio station WTJU.

I've worked extensively with public radio stations for many years, making me deeply familiar with the public broadcasting system while still remaining an outside observer.

My writings about radio cover some history, the changing role of radio in the Internet age, and some thoughts about the stations I've worked with.

WTJU
- I've been a volunteer at WTJU since 19xx. Although a non-commercial station, it's far from the typical NPR affiliate. That's both good and bad. Most of my posts about the station look at that difference -- and ways the station can improve while still keeping its distinctive programming character.

WJMA
- Most of my writing about WJMA hasn't really been about the station. Rather, it's an examination of how a small market station could do more than merely survive in a new media world. In many cases, the station's simply served as a real-world example.

WMAL
 - This Washington, DC station used to be the very model of what a well-run local station could be. And it had some of the most innovative broadcasters in the business on air during the 1960's and 1970's. Most of my posts are about that "golden age" although I also comment on some recent events at the station as well.

Public Radio
- I've worked in the public radio system for over a decade. My posts are just my own personal commentary on the industry. Usually, they express an opinion or point of view that seems to be overlooked in both general and industry-specific media.

Commercial Radio
 - In addition to my posts about the specific (WJMA), I also comment on the general -- such as the antics of the NAB, Clear Channel, et al.

HD Radio
- Has there ever been so much written about so little? I don't mind adding my two cents to one of the most underwhelming technologies of the 21st century.