Episode 786 of This Week in Radio Tech dives into the real-world engineering challenges and recoveries following a severe ice storm that slammed Mississippi, Tennessee, and northern Alabama. Host Kirk Harnack is joined by Stan Carter of K-LOVE and Air1 as well as Gibson Pritchard, Director of Engineering at Nashville’s WTVF NewsChannel 5, for a candid discussion of what actually failed—and what held up—when trees, power lines, and ice took their toll. Firsthand reports from transmitter sites that rode through the storm with minimal RF issues, others that relied heavily on generators, and the logistics of keeping fuel flowing day after day. Along the way, the panel shares photos, practical observations, and lessons learned from the field. The episode wraps with concrete tips to help engineers and stations prepare now for the next winter disaster—before it arrives.

It's Royal Rumble week, so we’re talking all about the event, giving our predictions for the winners, and, of course, discussing all the potential surprises! We also cover this week's AEW Dynamite and the surprising debut of Tommaso Ciampa, including how his character might be portrayed in AEW. Additionally, it looks like Andrade will finally get the main event run we’ve all been hoping for. Plus, we dive into AJ Styles’ independent trademarks, the WWE 2K26 cover, your questions, and more!"

Episode 785 of This Week in Radio Tech tackles the very real challenges broadcasters are facing as severe winter weather sweeps across the Southeast and pushes toward the Northeast. In this episode, a panel of seasoned engineers from MaxxKonnect share hard-won lessons on preparing transmitter sites—and recovering them—when ice, snow, and extreme cold take stations off the air. Drawing on firsthand, boots-on-the-ground experiences, they discuss what worked, what failed, and what they’d do differently next time. While the focus is largely on transmitter facilities, much of the guidance applies just as well to studios and supporting infrastructure. If you want practical, experience-based advice to help your station survive and recover from winter weather disasters, this is an episode you’ll want to hear.

This week, we discuss WWE Unreal, talking about some of our favorite moments, including Seth’s fake injury, R-Truth’s release, and the company’s use of Gunther. We also discuss how much behind-the-scenes content is too much. We also discussed upcoming shows, including this week's Saturday Night's Main Event in an early preview of The Royal Rumble, and expectations for surprises, given that they are overseas. Also, a review of this week's AEW Dynamite, including who we think will be the one to dethrone MJF this time. Plus: Evil to the WWE, AJ Lee vs. Becky Lynch at WrestleMania, your questions, and more!

On this episode of This Week in Radio Tech, Kirk Harnack is joined by broadcast engineer Aaron Read of L and R Broadcast Services, formerly with Rhode Island Public Radio. Aaron shares thoughtful, experience-based insights on how broadcast engineers play a direct role in establishing—and sometimes unintentionally eroding—listener trust, and why that trust remains one of radio’s greatest strengths. The conversation also dives into Aaron’s practical “Tip of the Week,” focusing on securing Barix codecs and other IP audio devices, including why built-in security features and proper password discipline matter. Aaron strongly advocates for using site-to-site VPNs to protect studio-to-transmitter IP links, explaining how this approach improves both security and reliability. Throughout the episode, Aaron emphasizes the importance of remaining open-minded and committed to continuous learning as technology and workflows evolve. This is a valuable listen for engineers who care about protecting the craft, the signal, and the audience relationship.

We start out talking about Will Hobbs finishing up with AEW and most likely signing with WWE. What will they do with him—NXT or main roster—and who would be a good fit to pair with him? TNA made its debut on AMC on Thursday night. Although we don't often talk about TNA, this was a milestone moment for that company. We just addressed some of the production issues and what they need to improve. Will WWE loan more people, as they did with AJ Styles? We also talk about Drew McIntyre as the new WWE Champion and what his likely match would be at WrestleMania. Also, we look at Royal Rumble odds and who might win this year's Royal Rumble. Plus, Dynamite review, thoughts on MJF’s booking, Mercedes Moné taking time off, your questions, and more!

Episode 783 of This Week in Radio Tech features Chris Tarr, now a Field Engineer for K-LOVE, responsible for dozens of transmitters carrying the K-LOVE and Air1 networks. Chris shares how K-LOVE uses smart technologies, standardized procedures, and thoughtful system design to maximize engineering efficiency while reliably serving a nationwide audience. He also offers insight into the workflows and best practices he’s learned from the experienced K-LOVE engineering team, with particular appreciation for the support of the Network Operations Center (NOC). Throughout the conversation, Chris reflects on working with an “attitude of gratitude” and how the culture within K-LOVE engineering and programming makes that mindset possible. It’s an informative and encouraging episode for broadcast engineers at any scale.

This week, the guys discuss the WWE PLE Library moving to Netflix and how it feels like a custody battle when it comes to different shows going to different platforms. They also discuss OBA Femi and others joining the main roster. Additionally, this week's Monday Night Raw featured a crossover with Stranger Things to celebrate the first anniversary of the show's release on Netflix. The guys talk about the episode and wonder what it would have looked like if Vince had booked it. Andrew explains his excitement for New Japan, combining the lineage of the world titles and going back to the old belt. Plus, thoughts on Wrestle Kingdom and Tanahashi’s retirement, this week's Dynamite episode, your questions, and more!

This Week in Radio Tech episode 782 features Michael Adams joining Kirk Harnack to discuss Rapid Response Radio, a new organization focused on fast, resilient communications when they are needed most. Building on the proven success of First Response Radio, Mike explains how today’s audio and transmission technology has enabled a dramatically smaller, lighter, airline-carry-on-sized broadcast kit. These compact systems make it possible to deploy pop-up FM radio stations quickly in disaster zones and areas where infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed. From natural disasters to war-torn regions, Rapid Response Radio provides a practical way to restore vital information flow to affected communities. This episode highlights how thoughtful engineering and modern broadcast tools can make a real difference when conventional systems fail.

Listen to This Week in Radio Tech episode 781, “Powering Local Radio into 2026 with Chris Marsalis.” Chris and his wife own two successful FM stations in Ripley, Mississippi—The Shark 102.3 and Kudzu 104.9—and he shares how strong local programming, especially high school sports, continues to drive audience loyalty. He explains how creative sponsorships, including FM RDS messaging and integrated digital advertising across streaming and podcasts, have expanded revenue opportunities well beyond traditional spot sales. Chris also discusses his technical work with Mississippi Public Broadcasting, helping maintain two HDTV and FM+HD transmitter sites in northeast Mississippi. This episode is a practical and encouraging look at how committed local broadcasters can thrive well into the future.