In this letter to the editor, the author responds to the story “Six Ideas for the FCC to Consider.” Radio World welcomes letters to the editor on this or any story. Email [email protected].
This proposition is just a way to cram more stations into an already over populated dial. There’s a reason we have lost many AMs.
I say get rid of the public file requirement. That will be more useful than adding new AM signals.
Our station in Alaska, 89.5 KSKO(FM), doesn’t have to maintain an online or paper public file thanks to a little known law that exempts us, but I’ve had to deal with the public file at other stations and it is a significant waste of time that only exists as way to allow the FCC to fine stations.
Every time someone tries to improve the broadcast industry through technical means, which is what I consider this, it falls flat on its face and fails miserably. You cannot shove junk into the transmitter and get a diamond out. We have too many stations, still.
You need to improve the programming that fits your audience’s needs, not just boiler-plate, blanket suggestions from old radio guys.
You need more people passionate about this business, like I am. Yes, there are issues and signs of decline, and you can teach skills all you want, but you need to be genuinely passionate about radio and the community.
You do not need the latest local celebrity if they are just a known name or voice. Who you hire doesn’t have to be the smoothest operator — God knows I am not — but you need someone who understands community and local radio based on their target audience and what they want.
If the stations we currently have can’t survive, why do we need to add more?
– Paul Walker, program director, 89.5 KSKO(FM) McGrath, Alaska
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