The Society of Broadcast Engineers announced the candidates for its 2016 board elections in June. Ahead of voting, which begins next week, we�re profiling the candidates to learn more about those on the ballot.�
Justin Tucker is a candidate for an at-large seat on the Society of Broadcast Engineers board of directors. He is regional director of engineering for Cumulus Media Southeast. He has been an SBE member for 18 years and is certified CSRE AMD CBNE.
��
Radio magazine: If elected, what would you like to see SBE do differently than it does now?�
Justin Tucker: The SBE is a great organization.�We need to continue working hard on protecting broadcast interests and expanding our efforts to bring new applicants into the field of engineering.
Radio: The FCC has asked for comment on whether there is an increasing spectrum noise problem and if so, what it should do about it. How would you answer that?�
Tucker: This is a topic that will be looked at for a long time.�As long as technology is advancing we are going to be dealing with new encroaching electromagnetic interference. Frequency spectrum protection is going to be a big part of this. All our friends in the TV world know this all too well.
Radio: Should SBE play a more active role in technical standards-setting for issues like digital radio? Why or why not?�
Tucker: I do.�SBE is a body of likeminded individuals and groups that at our core want what is best for the broadcast industry. We should be at the table to weigh in and advise in such matters.
Radio: For decades we�ve heard the question �Where will the next generation of broadcast engineers come from?� What can SBE do, that it hasn�t done already? �
Tucker: Finding good qualified candidates seems to become harder year over year.�While our plants have turned more to the IT side there is still a great need for those with audio, video and RF skills.�We need to work closely with college, technical vocational schools, and high schools to bring back some of the curriculums that have been lost on the new age of students and faculty.
Radio: What else would you like voters to know about yourself or your stand on industry issues?�
Tucker: I am one of those people for whom, if it makes sense, then we should take action and move forward.�To many times we all get caught up in the bias and politics of a situation.�It is then that we all should step back and form a plan and do what is best for this great industry.
�
The full slate of candidates for both officers and at-large board members can be found�here.�Read more candidate profiles�here.
The election will take place July 25 through Aug. 25.
