By Darren Johnson
Campus News
It’s been a time of reflection lately as the weather warms, this newspaper I publish goes through changes, and I am winding down a three-year stint at a college, where I teach Journalism and Radio classes.
I’ve been doing Journalism in one form or the next most of my adult life, but doing Radio actually requires having a station available to let you do your thing, and such availability has been intermittent throughout my life.
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On the air yesterday.
I’ve adapted by doing podcasts and had an online radio station for a while, but it’s not the same thing as broadcasting live via a radio tower to an instant audience.
I’ve seen in the Journal & Press archives that some people tried to start a radio station here in my hometown of Greenwich, NY, 20 or so years ago. It didn’t end up happening in any real way, but it’s really complicated to start a radio station because of the FCC. Also, expensive equipment is needed. Then there are the human politics of getting it done, as lots of people will make sure to get in your way. A lot of people (from both major parties) don’t like the First Amendment.
I attended a talk on how to start a college radio station at a recent conference in Las Vegas. My takeaway was, you pretty much have to bribe everyone to get it done. Legal bribes, but bribes nonetheless. For example, to get a prime tower spot, you should liaison with local first responders and offer them free tower space for their emergency communication relays. Of course, this is a public good, but it’s also greasing the wheels. It’s pretty much what adults do, but such political nuances aren’t taught when you’re younger in school.
My students went on the air yesterday. We did a show reminiscing about our academic year, as it’s almost over. They all gushed over how great the Radio class has been for them. Their confidence, their public speaking. Even though it’s an old medium, younger people enjoy doing it. I love seeing the students transform over time, and try to facilitate that experience as best I can. The Radio class actually goes on the radio. The class is live. They strain and struggle to say what they want to say to start each semester and are as smooth as fine wine by the end. Being a cool communicator is a good life skill to have.
Anyway, maybe I’ll find some new radio opportunity in the months ahead. I do enjoy sharing my thoughts via that medium — playing fun music, too — but, in the near future, at least temporarily, I will be signing off.
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