In this letter to the editor, both authors respond to the story “This High School Takes Radio Seriously.” Radio World welcomes letters to the editor on this or any story. Email [email protected].
High-five for this high school
I am writing to thank you for Nick Langan’s article “This High School Takes Radio Seriously.”
Langan not only took us inside radio station WKHS where the students work, but more importantly he took inside the minds of the students too. He brought the station alive with his active writing and his descriptions of the station and the energy and enthusiasm from the students who are involved. Their experiences of producing radio are no doubt transformational.
Credit must also go to the tireless work of Station Manager Chris Singleton. From my experience in college radio, I know that it’s often due to the work of unsung heroes like him that make the whole operation work.
Thanks for reminding us that radio is alive and well, and that there are young people who are discovering the sheer marvel of radio broadcasting. As Langan ends the article with the afternoon bell that ends the school day, we are left to reflect that here’s a radio station that is nurturing the radio talent of the future, and they are having fun doing it!
Dr. Rob Quicke
Founder
College Radio Day
CTE and certifications
I am the AV production teacher and station manager of WKCS(FM) at Fulton High School in Knoxville, Tenn. We have been on the air since 1952 and are one of the oldest FM stations in the state. I am an alumnus of the program in addition to spending the last 21 years as the teacher/manager.
I’m always appreciative when high school radio gets the spotlight. It was great to read the story about WKHS in Maryland. We did a simulcast with them a few years ago as a part of High School Radio Day, which takes place every spring. Chris Singleton has done an incredible job with his station and broadcasting class.
I was especially interested to read that WKHS students are earning industry certifications through the Society of Broadcast Engineers Certified Radio Operator program.
Many radio broadcasting classes like ours fall under federal Career and Technical Education guidelines. Changes in federal law now make the ability for students to earn state-recognized industry certifications an essential aspect of CTE classes. Classes that can’t offer industry certifications run the risk of being shut down by the local school districts in favor of classes that offer these certifications.
In the area of Radio/TV Broadcasting — called A/V Production in Tennessee — the SBE’s Certified Radio Operator certification is not recognized by the state of Tennessee; it only recognizes Adobe software certifications. It would help ensure the health of high school radio programs if the broadcast industry would support the SBE and advocate for its certifications to be recognized in Tennessee and other states.
This would require an organized push from leaders in the broadcasting industry including radio stations, equipment manufacturers and state broadcast associations. Being able to offer the Certified Radio Operator certification as a part of my class will help us to continue to be a valuable CTE program for our schools and give us more opportunity to train future broadcasters.
Thanks so much again for your support of high school radio.
Russell Mayes
WKCS(FM)
Fulton High School
Knoxville, Tenn.
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