About Radio

Former Radio Talk Show Host Russ Martin Given Probation

2009-07-10T17:51:20Z

That's according to Emily Tsao at the Dallas News' Crime Blog. "It's two years probation for former radio talk show host Russ Martin who pleaded no contest to assaulting his 27-year-old fiancee..."

Some of the comments being posted:

"He nearly kills his fiancee and all this violent animal gets is probation?" - Keith

"he didn't lose his radio show due to the criminal charges. he lost his radio show because all of the "Free" stations owned by CBS radio across the U.S. changed format to sports radio." - doubts

"Even with the ratings Martin had prior to this no one wanted to be associated with his show. Strip bars, booze stores, and divorce lawyers were his main advertisers." - SeeYa

"Probation? Wow. Where does this clown live? He needs to be taught a lesson." - Joey

"CBS canceled the show, but is so afraid of Russ that they would rather pay him out his contract than risk him destroying them in the ratings!" - MTC

Is HD Radio a Farce?

2009-07-08T18:33:32Z

That's the opinion of "PocketRadio" who posted in the radio.about.com forum and said in part:

"In authorizing HD Radio, the FCC ignored the disastrous interference potential of HD Radio/IBOC, and also tried to cover-up the interference from BPL to amateur radio! HD Radio is a farce!"

What say you? Have you listened to HD Radio? Have you purchased an HD Radio receiver? Is it overblown or over-criticized? Weigh in now...

Internet Radio Saved - for the Moment

2009-07-07T18:40:21Z

According to a story from the Associated Press: "The future of Internet radio appears more secure after a handful of online stations reached an agreement Tuesday to head off a potentially crippling increase in copyright royalty rates."

Negotiations over the past two years between owners of Internet radio stations and music copyright holders has provided a framework which will allow webcasters to provide streaming audio and still adhere to royalty demands.

The AP article points out: "Traditional AM and FM broadcasters are exempt from copyright royalty rates for over-the-air radio play, because that airplay is thought to provide free promotion for artists and labels. But the broadcasters are subject to the new rates for any songs streamed over radio station Web sites."

Background: New Royalty Rates Announced for Webcasters

Casey Kasem Leaves 'American Top 20'

2009-07-07T12:39:56Z

This past weekend one of Radio's most famous deejays, Casey Kasem, now 77, informed his listeners of "American Top 20" that it would be his last program.

Kasem originated "American Top 40" on July 4, 1970 and hosted the show until it was taken over by Ryan Seacrest in 2004.

Kasem went on to host two spinoffs, "American Top 20" and "American Top 10".

In a statement Kasem said, "...this decision will free up time I need to focus on myriad other projects."

Of course, he may be as famous for the The Casey Kasem "Dog Dedication" Outtake. (NSFW)

Downloads for SIRIUS XM Radio iPhone App Hit 1 Million

2009-07-06T17:17:17Z

SIRIUS XM Radio sent out a press release today announcing it's application for iPhone and iPod touch had been downloaded over 1 million times from the App Store - this after two weeks of availability.

On the surface it sounds great but what we don't know is how many of those downloads are valid additions that will be used by subscribers.

I equate being able to grab a free application as walking by someone on the corner who is handing out flyers about some service or product. It doesn't cost you to take the flyer and the person handing it out has no idea how many free flyers will actually turn into sales.

A million downloads is significant - it does indicate interest. Whether or not satellite radio's foray into the iPhone and iPod touch platform will substantially benefit the service is yet to be seen.

Users of iPhone and iPod Touch with an Internet subscription to SIRIUS or XM can access 120 channels.

The SIRIUS XM app is available for free from Apple�s App Store on iPhone and iPod touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore and www.siriusxm.com/app.

One Brit Pick of Top Internet Radio Stations

2009-07-05T11:46:19Z

An article in telegraph.co.uk entitled The Top Internet Radio Stations, says: "16.9 million adults in Britain now say that they have listened to the radio via the web..." and provides this suggested list:

Yahoo! Music LaunchCast

Sound Transit

Resonance

For the rest of the article's suggestions, go to www.telegraph.co.uk

Do It: Tools to Record Internet Radio and Streaming Audio

Slacker Mobile App for iPhone, iPod Touch Released

2009-07-03T00:00:02Z

Slacker recently released a new version of the Slacker Mobile application for iPhone, iPhone 3G, and iPod Touch. Slacker's application allows iPhone and iPod touch owners to create their own custom stations with all of their favorite artists and songs or listen to over 100 expert-programmed Slacker stations. (Photo Credit: © Slacker)

Here's what's new:
Expanded song library
Song lyrics for Radio Plus Subscribers
Visual and performance enhancements
Larger album art view
Recently played stations folder
Streamlined interface
Faster transitions from song to song

This free app can be gotten from the iTunes App Store or by going over to www.slacker.com, using the browser from an iPhone or iPod Touch.

There's More Out There: Getting the Radio You Want on Your iPhone, BlackBerry, iPod Touch

HD Radio to Help in Emergency Alert Services

2009-07-01T00:00:16Z

HD Radio technology will be helping with defense of the Homeland. iBiquity Digital Corporation (developer of HD Radio) and Sage Alerting Systems are teamed up to develop emergency alert services using HD Radio.

According to iBiquity: "The companies seek to develop a combined technology platform that will enable broadcasters to offer emergency information to the general public, as well as to targeted populations, such as first responders, government agencies, or individuals with special needs or in specific geographic areas. The companies will utilize a broad range of devices with embedded HD Radio technology, including digital AM/FM radios, personal media devices and cell phones, as well as personal computers and other communication channels."

HD Radio improves the sound quality of AM and FM radio stations and also allows FM stations to offer new channels within existing frequencies through digital multicasting. Currently, 2000 stations are using HD technology.

More: HD Radio: What it is and What it is Not

Ian MacRae: Original Radio Caroline DJ Takes Issue with Movie's Portrayal of Pirate Radio

2009-06-29T00:00:32Z

Ian MacRae worked on Radio Caroline during 1966 and 1967 when British offshore radio was at the height of its popularity. In a recent review of �The Boat that Rocked�, he took issue with how the movie portrayed this famous pirate broadcasting operation:

"While I�m able to accept a certain amount of poetic licence in a movie based on a true story, 'The Boat That Rocked' reflected very little reality in portraying the way things really were on board the �pirate� radio ships. Which is a shame because there were enough funny plus dramatic moments in those years to make a realistic but entertaining story. For example..." Read more. (Photo Credit: © Ian MacRae Radio School)

SIRIUS XM Radio Pay Tribute to Michael Jackson

2009-06-26T03:18:50Z

Satellite Radio demonstrates its flexibility with special events like this: a commemoration of Michael Jackson's life with special programming across many of its music channels.

Subscribers can hear a live tribute to Michael Jackson hosted by '80s on 8 host Rick Stacy beginning this morning at 7:00 am until 12:00 pm ET.

SIRIUS XM�s '70s on 7 channel, SIRIUS and XM channel 7, will feature on-air personality Magic Matt Alan taking a special look at the life of Michael Jackson today beginning at 12:00 pm ET.

Former MTV VJs and SIRIUS XM hosts Alan Hunter and Nina Blackwood will host a Michael Jackson special on SIRIUS XM's '80s on 8 channel, SIRIUS and XM channel 8, tonight at 7:00 pm ET.

Other channels will dedicate time to Jackson music and discussion as well. For more information, visit www.sirius.com or www.xmradio.com

More: Michael Jackson: Radio Hitmaker, King of Pop - Dead