TWiRT - This Week in Radio Tech - Podcast

TWiRT

Technology Podcast for Radio Engineers

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10 episodes
Updated Friday

Episodes10

Newest first

Friday
TWiRT 811 - Advances in Audio Processing with Matt Levin and Hans van Zutphen
On *This Week in Radio Tech* Marianne Seidler, Matt Levin, and Hans van Zutphen join us for “Advances in Audio Processing”—Episode 811. Marianne adds some class, history, and great advice to the conversation while Matt and Hans explore the latest developments in StereoTool, including an optional approach that combines multiband A‑G‑C, compression, and limiting into a single processing stage. Hans also explains the ingenious RuleBreaker Clipper, which can deliver more than one dB of additional perceived loudness without increasing modulation or sacrificing audio dynamics, by continually optimizing the L-minus-R component of the FM multiplex signal. We also examine the growing worldwide adoption of MicroMPX and coding improvements that now deliver higher-quality performance at lower bit rates. If you care about competitive, efficient, and great-sounding FM audio, don’t miss this episode. Guests: Marianne Seidler - Director of Business Development at Thimeo Audio Technology Matt Levin - Senior Field Engineer at MaxxKonnect Hans van Zutphen - CEO at Thimeo Audio Technology Host: Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai Broadcasting Follow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube. TWiRT is brought to you by: Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio. Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement. Angry Audio and the new StereoToolBox audio processor for AM, FM, HD, & Streaming The new MaxxKonnect RMT416 Multi Tuner - 4 to 16 AM/FM/WB/HD web-connected tuners in 1 RU Subscribe to Audio: iTunes RSS Stitcher TuneIn Subscribe to Video: iTunes RSS YouTube
July 24
TWiRT 810 - Speaker Design & Technology with Lars-Olof Janflod
Few studio monitors are as instantly recognizable—or as trusted—as those made by Genelec. On episode 810 of This Week in Radio Tech, our guest is Lars-Olof Janflod, Genelec’s Strategy Advisory Officer and a member of the company’s team since 1992. We trace Genelec’s story from its origins in Finland through the development of the distinctive, rugged monitor designs that have become familiar sights in studios and broadcast facilities worldwide. Lars-Olof explains the thinking behind Genelec’s unusual speaker designs and how the company has maintained its reputation for accuracy and reliability across three decades of technological change. We also explore today’s Smart Active Monitoring systems, which combine onboard DSP with automated calibration to optimize each loudspeaker for the room in which it is actually installed. It’s a fascinating conversation about loudspeaker engineering, acoustics, innovation, and the pursuit of truly trustworthy monitoring. Join us for TWiRT episode 810—listen or watch wherever you enjoy This Week in Radio Tech. Show Notes: How to Select the Correct Monitors - Genelec website How to Place Your Monitors - Genelec website Monitor Focusing Template (PDF) Speaker mounting accessories - Genelec websites Audio Test Signals - downloadable audio files Genelec Loudspeaker Manager - Software for Genelec SAM monitoring systems Genelec Speakers Factory Tour - YouTube video Guest: Lars-Olof Janflod - Strategy Advisory Officer at Genelec Host: Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai Broadcasting Follow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube. TWiRT is brought to you by: Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio. Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement. Angry Audio and the new USB Phone Gizmo - Put VoIP callers on-the-air The new MaxxKonnect RMT416 Multi Tuner - 4 to 16 AM/FM/WB/HD web-connected tuners in 1 RU Subscribe to Audio: iTunes RSS Stitcher TuneIn Subscribe to Video: iTunes RSS YouTube
July 18
TWiRT 809 - Public Radio Studios in Knoxville with Tim Berry
Our guest on This Week in Radio Tech episode 809 is Tim Berry, Chief Engineer at WUOT-FM, the public radio station at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. WUOT combines NPR news with classical and jazz music, much of it still played live from CDs and occasionally from the station’s enormous collection of LPs. Tim gives us a tour of the control room, performance area, technical center, and an extraordinary music library that also includes thousands of historic 78 RPM records. We’ll see one of Tennessee’s earliest Audio over IP installations, built around Axia Livewire technology and operating for about 15 years. Tim also maintains more than 20 analog and digital amateur radio repeater sites throughout East Tennessee. Join us for a fascinating look at preserving broadcasting’s rich history while planning the technical upgrades that will carry WUOT into the future. Show Notes: Pioneers & Engineers - The WUOT Story Guest: Tim Berry, CBRE, CBT - Chief Engineer at WUOT-FM & WUTK-FM "UT's College of Rock!" Host: Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai Broadcasting Follow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube. TWiRT is brought to you by: Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio. Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement. Angry Audio and the new USB Phone Gizmo - Put VoIP callers on-the-air The new MaxxKonnect RMT416 Multi Tuner - 4 to 16 AM/FM/WB/HD web-connected tuners in 1 RU Subscribe to Audio: iTunes RSS Stitcher TuneIn Subscribe to Video: iTunes RSS YouTube
July 10
TWiRT 808 - When the Chief Engineer Becomes CEO with Brett Gibson
Brett still has one foot firmly planted in the engineering world, even as he steps into the broader leadership responsibilities of running a radio ministry. That gives him a valuable perspective: he understands transmitters, studios, IP links, automation, remote sites, monitoring, redundancy, and after-hours recovery — but now he also has to think about budgets, staff, listeners, board expectations, and the mission of the network. On this episode, Brett joins Kirk Harnack and co-host Chris Tarr, for a practical conversation about what it takes to build and maintain a reliable broadcast operation today. Brett shares how Voice of the Master’s technical plant has evolved over the years, what systems and standards have made the biggest difference, and how deeply IT has become integrated into modern radio engineering. You’ll hear discussion about working at transmitter sites, improving reliability across multiple facilities, using technology wisely, securing remote access, documenting systems, and preparing for the inevitable late-night trouble call. Brett also talks about the transition from engineering leadership into the CEO role, and what broadcast engineers should learn if they want to grow beyond the rack room. It’s a conversation about engineering, leadership, stewardship, and keeping radio stations operating smoothly and reliably — all on This Week in Radio Tech. Show Notes: Chris Tarr likes this Work Platform & Folding Step Stool Guest: Brett Gibson, CBRE/CBNT - CEO at The Voice of the Master Radio Network Hosts: Chris ‘Doc’ Tarr, CPBE, AMD, DRB, CBNE - Field Engineer at K-LOVE and Air1 Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai Broadcasting Follow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube. TWiRT is brought to you by: Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio. Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement. Angry Audio and the new USB Phone Gizmo - Put VoIP callers on-the-air The new MaxxKonnect RMT416 Multi Tuner - 4 to 16 AM/FM/WB/HD web-connected tuners in 1 RU Subscribe to Audio: iTunes RSS Stitcher TuneIn Subscribe to Video: iTunes RSS YouTube
July 3
TWiRT 807 - Today's FM Radio Technology with William Harrison
William got his start in public radio in the 1990s at WAMU-FM, where computer work quickly expanded into audio and electronics. Since then, he’s worked with PBS, NPR, The Metropolitan Washington Ear, and a number of FM and TV broadcasters. He also chairs SBE Chapter 37 in D.C., serves on the Virginia SECC, sits on the board of the Association of Public Radio Engineers, and occasionally writes for Radio World. In this episode, we talk about real-world FM engineering, including Capital Concerts fireworks show coordination, HD Radio timing and “ballgame” mode, receiver metadata behavior, liquid-cooled transmitters, HLS streaming for broadcast STL use, and dynamic range control in xHE-AAC. Join us for a practical, wide-ranging conversation about broadcast engineering, public radio operations, and the listener experience on This Week in Radio Tech. Show Notes: SBE Chapter 37 - Washington, DC - ANTENNAFEST! - October 6, 2026 Graphics for HD Radio Ballgame Mode William likes the Fluke PRV240 Proving Unit William recommends a radio panel-based comedy series, The Unbelievable Truth Guest: William Harrison - Chief Engineer at WETA-FM, Washington, DC Host: Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai Broadcasting Follow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube. TWiRT is brought to you by: Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio. Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement. Angry Audio and the new USB Phone Gizmo - Put VoIP callers on-the-air The new MaxxKonnect RMT416 Multi Tuner - 4 to 16 AM/FM/WB/HD web-connected tuners in 1 RU Subscribe to Audio: iTunes RSS Stitcher TuneIn Subscribe to Video: iTunes RSS YouTube
June 26
TWiRT 806 - Engineer of the Year, Terry Harper
This Week in Radio Tech is on location for episode 806 at the Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa in Opelika, Alabama, where the Alabama Broadcasters Association is celebrating its 80th anniversary with one of several regional receptions around the state. This episode brings together three conversations that say a lot about where broadcasting has been, where it is now, and where it may be headed. First, we visit with Terry Harper, the ABA’s 2026 Engineer of the Year. Terry’s broadcast career reaches back nearly six decades, beginning in 1967 at WABT in Tuskegee, continuing through years of engineering work at Auburn University, and then into decades of contract engineering service for Alabama broadcasters. We also talk with Lee Perryman, owner of RadioAlabama, about the practical use of artificial intelligence in local radio. Lee is not just speculating about AI; he is putting generative AI and curated synthetic voice tools to work in real station operations, including story writing, announcements, commercial production, and other content workflows — while keeping a broadcaster’s judgment in the process. And we spend a few minutes with Sharon Tinsley, president of the Alabama Broadcasters Association, about the significance of honoring Terry Harper, the value of broadcast engineering to local stations, and the ABA’s decision to take its 80th anniversary celebration on the road to broadcasters across Alabama. It’s a field trip episode, a celebration episode, and a forward-looking conversation all in one. Join us from Opelika, Alabama, for episode 806 of This Week in Radio Tech. Show Notes: ABA Names Terry Harper Its 2026 Engineer of the Year from Radio World The ABA Anniversary Reception Tour is ongoing: Here’s the schedule Guests: Terry Harper - 2026 Alabama Engineer of the Year Lee Perryman - President & CEO at RadioAlabama Sharon Tinsley - President at Alabama Broadcasters Association Host: Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai Broadcasting Follow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube. TWiRT is brought to you by: Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio. Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement. Angry Audio and the new USB Phone Gizmo - Put VoIP callers on-the-air The new MaxxKonnect RMT416 Multi Tuner - 4 to 16 AM/FM/WB/HD web-connected tuners in 1 RU Subscribe to Audio: iTunes RSS Stitcher TuneIn Subscribe to Video: iTunes RSS YouTube
June 19
TWiRT 805 - FCC Mandatory Cybersecurity for Broadcasters
Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT department concern — it is becoming a broadcast engineering issue, and possibly soon, a regulatory one as well. On episode 805 of This Week in Radio Tech, we’re joined by three experienced broadcast engineers from Georgia and South Carolina: John George, Charles Kinney, and Earl Welsh. We’re talking just ahead of the Georgia-Lina Broadcast Engineering Conference in Augusta, Georgia, and our topic is both timely and practical: the FCC’s proposed cybersecurity rules for broadcasters, especially as they relate to EAS equipment, studio-transmitter links, remote access, and other internet-facing systems that can affect what goes on the air. We’ll discuss what the FCC appears to be concerned about, why default passwords and exposed web interfaces are no longer just “bad practice,” and what station engineers can do now to improve security before a rulemaking turns into a compliance deadline. This is not a theoretical conversation — it is about real broadcast facilities, real equipment, and real operational risks. Join us for episode 805 of This Week in Radio Tech as we look at cybersecurity through the eyes of working broadcast engineers. Show Notes: Radio World: “FCC Set to Require EAS Firewalls and Unique Passwords” Broadcast Law Blog: Summary of the FCC’s proposed rulemaking on this topic Guests John George - Owner at Broadtech Service Charles Kinney - Director of Engineering at Cox Media Group, Atlanta Earl Welsh - Owner at Advanced Communications Host: Kirk Harnack, MaxxKonnect, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai Broadcasting Follow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube. TWiRT is brought to you by: Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio. Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement. Angry Audio and the new USB Phone Gizmo - Put VoIP callers on-the-air The new MaxxKonnect RMT416 Multi Tuner - 4 to 16 AM/FM/WB/HD web-connected tuners in 1 RU Subscribe to Audio: iTunes RSS Stitcher TuneIn Subscribe to Video: iTunes RSS YouTube
June 12
TWiRT 804 - Demystifying RDS/RBDS Data with Tyler Woodward
RDS may be one of the smallest signals your FM station transmits, but getting it right matters more than ever. On Episode 804 of This Week in Radio Tech, broadcast network engineer and podcast host, Tyler Woodward, explains the technical details behind RDS and its U.S. counterpart, RBDS. We discuss the data fields every FM engineer should understand, including PI codes, program type, alternate frequencies, and the way field repetition rates affect what listeners see on their radios. Tyler also explains why accurate PI codes are increasingly important for connected-car services such as RadioDNS and dts AutoStage—and points broadcasters to a useful online tool for verifying the correct PI code for their call letters. If you are responsible for an FM station, this is a must-listen—or must-watch—conversation. Show Notes: See Tyler’s Presentation - Understanding RDS/RBDS (PDF) NRSC list of PI Code Allocations The Tyler Woodward Project Guest: Tyler Woodward - Broadcast Network Engineer and Podcast Host & Producer Host: Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai Broadcasting Follow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube. TWiRT is brought to you by: Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio. Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement. Angry Audio and the new USB Phone Gizmo - Put VoIP callers on-the-air The new MaxxKonnect RMT416 Multi Tuner - 4 to 16 AM/FM/WB/HD web-connected tuners in 1 RU Subscribe to Audio: iTunes RSS Stitcher TuneIn Subscribe to Video: iTunes RSS YouTube
June 5
TWiRT 803 - Touring the New Radio ONE in Indianapolis
This Week in Radio Tech is on the road for Episode 803 as we tour the new Radio One broadcast facility near downtown Indianapolis, Indiana. Radio One operates nine radio stations from this facility, with more than 20 studios supporting music, talk, news, and sports programming. It is also home to Network Indiana, which produces and distributes newscasts and long-form programs, along with radio broadcasts for several professional and college sports teams. Mike Hutchens takes us inside the new technical operations center, and Nick Lopez joins us to explain the planning and execution behind the studio build-out. We also visit one of the music-station studios to see how today’s studios can be built for efficiency and human workflow. Join us for a close-up look at how modern audio-over-IP technology, signal routing, metadata, system control, and monitoring all work together across the IP network. It is a practical tour of a large, busy broadcast operation designed for flexibility, reliability, and the demands of today’s radio industry. Show Notes: Nick Lopez is using the Bambu Lab P1S 3D Printer Guests: Nick Lopez - Chief Engineer at Radio ONE, Indianapolis Mike Hutchens - Director of Technical Services at MaxxKonnect Host: Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai Broadcasting Follow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube. TWiRT is brought to you by: Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio. Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement. Angry Audio and the new USB Phone Gizmo - Put VoIP callers on-the-air The new MaxxKonnect RMT416 Multi Tuner - 4 to 16 AM/FM/WB/HD web-connected tuners in 1 RU Subscribe to Audio: iTunes RSS Stitcher TuneIn Subscribe to Video: iTunes RSS YouTube
May 29
TWiRT 802 - Generative AI in Broadcasting with John Pooley
Generative AI is showing up everywhere, but what does it really mean for broadcasters and broadcast engineers? On This Week in Radio Tech episode 802, John Pooley, CSTE, joins us to share his SBE presentation, “Human Centered Generative AI for Broadcasting,” and to take questions about the practical, ethical, and operational implications of using AI in our work. John’s message is clear: use AI well or risk being left behind—but use it carelessly and you can lose money, judgment, data security, and trust. We’ll talk about keeping humans in control, verifying AI-generated work, protecting sensitive station and customer data, and using AI as a coworker for research, troubleshooting, planning, and professional learning. Join us for a thoughtful, engineer-to-engineer conversation about where generative AI can help broadcasting—and where it absolutely still needs adult supervision. Show Notes: A PDF file of John’s presentation, Human Centered Generative AI For Broadcasting Guest: John Pooley, CSTE - RF, IT, AI, and Automation Consultant Host: Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai Broadcasting Follow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube. TWiRT is brought to you by: Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio. Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement. Angry Audio and the new USB Phone Gizmo - Put VoIP callers on-the-air The new MaxxKonnect RMT416 Multi Tuner - 4 to 16 AM/FM/WB/HD web-connected tuners in 1 RU Subscribe to Audio: iTunes RSS Stitcher TuneIn Subscribe to Video: iTunes RSS YouTube