Radio World is proud to introduce a new series of stories that profile the next generation of radio and broadcast engineers. “Next-Gen Engineers” looks to raise awareness of the broadcast engineering profession for young people, shine a light on the new talent entering the workforce and hear fresh takes on the future of the industry. Have an engineer to nominate for this series? Email us at [email protected].
At 24 years-old, Jake Bleck is already making a name for himself in the world of radio engineering.
Serving as a staff engineer and the acting chief engineer for 10 stations owned by the Curtis Media Group in Raleigh, N.C., Bleck keeps busy — something he’s not complaining about!
In all, Curtis Media owns 61 AM and FM radio signals across North Carolina.
“I do a bit of everything,” Bleck told Radio World. “I love that no two days are the same.”
We caught up with Bleck via email to learn more about his day-to-day work, his passion for radio and how peers his age view the industry.
Radio World: How did you get interested in radio? Where did you get your start?
Jake Bleck: I’ve always had an interest in technology. In middle school, I was introduced to amateur radio by family friends. In high school, I ran the AV club. My senior year was 2020, so once the COVID-19 lockdowns started I went to work for our town’s talk station, WTKF(FM). We relocated the studio in 2021, and I was privileged to meet and work with the station engineer.
After the studio project, I offered to work carrying tools and turning wrenches whenever a second set of hands was needed. The engineer took me up on my offer and we did several projects over the next few years: Transmitter installs, RF plumbing and antenna installs. I loved every minute of it. I was very fortunate to join Curtis Media Group and attend the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters Broadcast Technology Academy.
The path to amateur extra taught me a lot about RF theory. I’ve spent most of my life around computers and my IT degree gives me a good understanding of Internet Protocol. I took construction in high school and worked for the local hardware store, so I know how to work with my hands. Broadcast engineering is a very niche career field that ties all my hobbies together.
RW: Please describe the radio work you do now. What does your average day look like?
Bleck: On any given week I’ll have my hands on anything in the studio or air chain — transmitters, an automation computer, network infrastructure, AoIP CODECs and everything else. I enjoy planning and executing projects. I try to keep at least two going at any point in time, whether its ISP installs, POTS replacements or upgrading equipment.
[This month] I spent a few hours in a HT35CD after a thunderstorm diagnosing an IPA fault and replacing MOVs. I also spent the day in the office working on a program to parse XML for a new RDS.
Next, I am pulling cable in the ceiling for a new network link.
RW: What’s the most interesting experience you’ve had in the radio engineering world so far?
Bleck: It’s hard to say what I find to be the most interesting. Designing, ordering and installing a new studio network was a great experience. To me, though, adjusting AM antenna tuning units and directional arrays is the most interesting.
It’s incredible to adjust an inductor or capacitor and watch the resonant frequency shift, and how filter networks pass or block specific frequencies. It’s complete magic and fascinating.
RW: In general, how do you think radio resonates with peers your age?
Bleck: I am 24 and I’ll admit I am a bit of an outlier.
While I can’t speak for the youth of today, I still listen to the radio and I know many that do. With the rise of the internet there are many sub-genres of music that are not practical to represent on air.
Streaming is great, but after hurricanes come through and the power goes out or cell service drops, the apps won’t help you.
RW: What are your future aspirations?
Bleck: I’ve found a career I excel in, doing what I love and it pays well. I’m going to stick with it!
RW: Any other thoughts you’d like to share?
Bleck: I know HD Radio is a sensitive subject, but I am interested to see how the technology will continue to evolve in the radio world.
Finally, I’d like to thank John, Paul and W4YMI for getting me into amateur radio; my great friend Jairus Hill who introduced me to commercial radio; Lockwood Phillips and Doug Raymond for teaching me the business side at WKTF(FM); and Dave Gernoske for bringing me along for a tube change late one Saturday and getting me started down the engineering path.
Also, thanks to Allen Sherrill and Jeff Schefke for their patience and incredible answers to all my questions; Jerry Brown and NCAB for the Broadcast Technology Academy; and a huge thank you to Trip Savery and Don Curtis for the career opportunity and the trust they place in me to keep Raleigh on the air.
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