Since the call of the disc jockey mike seems to be real from a source at a new web radio station I need to start working out what I want from this exercise in more compliant detail. A career move is beckoning yonder.
This isn't the first time I've wondered about radio but compulsory presence at a geographically located station --as distinct from a url -- was always a drawback. I had experimented with some recording sessions outside of that milieu and these have been run on FM -- but it lacked the immediacy I hoped was possible. Essentially radio lends itself to improvisation-with-padding when it's live to air.
I have in mind the outpourings of Jim Hightower who not only runs a regular radio program but syndicates his frequent short commentary grabs. They're quirky and sharp from a liberal left perspective. That's a model to consider.
There's also Studs Terkel who ran a vibrant talk radio show for donkey's years and whose books -- especially Working -- inspired me so much when I first read them. They were interview transcripts. Then there are the Fred Dagg monologues which were first launched on ABC FM station in Meblourne back in the late seventies -- these are another thing all together...but something to consider in an InstaPundit sort of way.
Coincidentally there are The Goons -- not that you could match that extraordinary sound play -- but there are still there to mark a certain unique threshold of 'taking the piss'. And while the Goons were radio-ed the 'show' was performed before a live audience.
I always find that when I have done radio interviews --and I have done many live to air under various guises -- on the phone line, it's like talking into empty space without any feedbacks or cues. You just wonder who or what you are talking to. It's so hollow. The challenge on the pc when I get there is not only to find my voice but to consciously identify the audience. In this regard one of the stations on Pirate Radio network ingeniously employs real time voice chat --using MSN or Yahoo voice option --to set up a talk back exchange on the topic of magicians' techniques.
Finally, I need to note the essay on web radio at About which reviews Pirate Radio very favorable. Unfortunately I can find no other reviews of the system on the web. But the same writer also presents a rationale for web radio:
So, why should YOU start your own online Radio station? Here are 8 reasons:
1. You have a band and you want to reach people with your music. Even if you just begin by streaming your first CD, that's a start. Plus: lace in announcements of upcoming shows and CD releases.
2. You are a school and you want to provide students and parents with information about current activities.
3. You are in the Radio club at your school and everyone wants an opportunity to practice being a DJ on a real broadcast service.
4.You are a school district or a state and you want to provide a stream with consolidated listings for school “Snow Closings” in a particular area or for the whole state. Remember: an online Radio station can serve a very specific purpose.
5. You are a college student and want to make extra money by programming to the students at your college or University with the music they want along with announcements about upcoming activities, commercials from the local bookstores, bars and restaurants.
6. You collect a particular type of audio, music, or other type of recording and want to share them with the world.
7. You want to spread the word about a political candidate or political agenda using recordings of candidate speeches or your own recorded analysis and commentary.
8. You have a business and want to promote it. For instance: if you sell motorcycle parts, you might consider a stream with updated motorcycle news.
These are just a few ideas. There are many ways to go about setting up an online Radio station. For more pointers see the following articles:
Sounds good to me...
