How can a modern FM transmitter produce 10,000 watts of RF power from such a surprisingly compact package? On episode 815 of This Week in Radio Tech, GatesAir’s Paul Barzizza joins Kirk Harnack for a close look inside the company’s new GX Series of FM transmitters.

Paul draws on his extensive radio and television engineering background to explain the GX amplifier layout and the powerful LDMOS field-effect transistors at the heart of the design. Because these devices spread heat across a larger area, they can handle substantially more power than earlier generations of transistors—giving transmitter designers a way to produce impressive RF output from a comparatively small cabinet.

This isn’t merely a discussion of specifications and theory. Paul and Kirk recently installed a GatesAir GX10K—a combined FM exciter and 10,000-watt RF amplifier—at WIQQ-FM in Leland, Mississippi. They share photos from the project, examine how the transmitter is assembled, and talk through the technology that makes it work.

Guest:
Paul Barzizza - Southeast Regional Sales Manager at GatesAir

Host:
Kirk Harnack, MaxxKonnect, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, OMG, & Akamai Broadcasting

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Angry Audio and the new StereoToolBox audio processor for AM, FM, HD, & Streaming
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Broadcast engineering is a family affair for Amanda Hopp and her father, Cris Alexander. Amanda is Chief Engineer for Crawford Broadcasting’s Denver stations, while Cris serves as Director of Engineering for the entire company. 

On this episode of TWiRT, they share Amanda’s path into engineering—and what her experience might teach others considering a career in the field. We also explore cybersecurity, IT and networking, the challenges of maintaining multiple transmitter sites, and Amanda’s inventive use of Raspberry Pis and other small computers for monitoring, control and automation. Along the way, we hear how Amanda draws on programming expertise from elsewhere within Crawford to create practical engineering solutions. 

Join us for an engaging conversation with two highly accomplished engineers who just happen to be father and daughter.

Show Notes:
Women in Engineering: Amanda Hopp of Crawford Broadcasting - Radio World

Guests:
Amanda Hopp - Chief Engineer at Crawford Broadcasting, Denver
Cris Alexander - Director of Engineering at Crawford Broadcasting

Host:
Kirk Harnack, MaxxKonnect, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, OMG, & Akamai Broadcasting

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TWiRT is brought to you by:
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Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.
Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.
Angry Audio and the new StereoToolBox audio processor for AM, FM, HD, & Streaming
The new MaxxKonnect RMT416 Multi Tuner - 4 to 16 AM/FM/WB/HD web-connected tuners in 1 RU

 
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Today’s broadcast facilities depend on far more than transmitters, RF systems and studio audio. Engineers are now responsible for Ethernet networks, Windows and Linux computers, cybersecurity, virtualization, streaming, metadata, AoIP, remote access, cloud services—and countless devices that are essentially computers wearing broadcast-equipment clothing.

In this episode Kirk Harnack explores how the broadcast engineer’s job has evolved with an outstanding panel: Kevin Trueblood of WGCU Media, Geary Morrill, Northern Region Director of Engineering for Connoisseur Media, and Jeff McGinley, Vice President of Engineering at SummitMedia.

How much must one person know about RF, audio and IT? Where should a market engineer’s responsibility end? When hiring, is technical knowledge more important than natural troubleshooting ability? And can a skilled IT professional be developed into a great broadcast engineer?

Our guests bring similar—but distinctly different—perspectives to these increasingly important questions. Check out this episode of This Week in Radio Tech and join us as we ask: What is a broadcast engineer in 2026?

Guests:
Kevin Trueblood - Associate GM, Technology & Operations at WGCU Public Media
Geary S. Morrill - Regional Director of Engineering at Connoisseur Media
Jeff McGinley - VP of Engineering at SummitMedia

Host:
Kirk Harnack, MaxxKonnect, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, OMG, & Akamai Broadcasting

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TWiRT is brought to you by:
Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. 

Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.
Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.
Angry Audio and the new StereoToolBox audio processor for AM, FM, HD, & Streaming
The new MaxxKonnect RMT416 Multi Tuner - 4 to 16 AM/FM/WB/HD web-connected tuners in 1 RU

 
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This Week in Radio Tech – Episode 812 takes us to Round Rock, Texas, for the 2026 Texas Association of Broadcasters convention! With two full days of engineering sessions, new technology, and plenty of conversations on the expo floor, TAB once again brought together some of our favorite broadcast engineers and industry friends.

We caught up with Michael Patton, Dustin Tatro, David Smedley, Chase Daniels, Fred Morton, and Dave Kerstin for their perspectives on radio engineering, technology, and the industry we all enjoy being part of. It’s a great collection of conversations with the people who keep broadcasting working—and moving forward.

Join us for TWiRT 812, recorded at the Texas Association of Broadcasters convention in Round Rock!

Guests:
Michael Patton - Owner at Michael Patton & Associates
Dustin Tatro, CBRE - GM & Chief Engineer at Radio Abilene
David Smedley - Senior Customer Support Specialist at Aiir
Chase Daniels - Senior Support Specialist at Aiir
Fred Morton - Owner at KMGZ-FM, Lawton, OK
Dave Kerstin - Owner & President at Broadcasters General Store

Host:
Kirk Harnack, MaxxKonnect, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, OMG, & Akamai Broadcasting

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TWiRT is brought to you by:
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Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.
Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.
Angry Audio and the new StereoToolBox audio processor for AM, FM, HD, & Streaming
The new MaxxKonnect RMT416 Multi Tuner - 4 to 16 AM/FM/WB/HD web-connected tuners in 1 RU

 
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On *This Week in Radio Tech* Marianne Seidler, Matt Levin, and Hans van Zutphen join us for “Advances in Audio Processing”—Episode 811. Marianne adds some class, history, and great advice to the conversation while Matt and Hans explore the latest developments in StereoTool, including an optional approach that combines multiband A‑G‑C, compression, and limiting into a single processing stage. Hans also explains the ingenious RuleBreaker Clipper, which can deliver more than one dB of additional perceived loudness without increasing modulation or sacrificing audio dynamics, by continually optimizing the L-minus-R component of the FM multiplex signal. We also examine the growing worldwide adoption of MicroMPX and coding improvements that now deliver higher-quality performance at lower bit rates. If you care about competitive, efficient, and great-sounding FM audio, don’t miss this episode.

Guests:
Marianne Seidler - Director of Business Development at Thimeo Audio Technology
Matt Levin - Senior Field Engineer at MaxxKonnect
Hans van Zutphen - CEO at Thimeo Audio Technology

Host:
Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai Broadcasting

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TWiRT is brought to you by:
Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. 

Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.
Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.
Angry Audio and the new StereoToolBox audio processor for AM, FM, HD, & Streaming
The new MaxxKonnect RMT416 Multi Tuner - 4 to 16 AM/FM/WB/HD web-connected tuners in 1 RU

 
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Few studio monitors are as instantly recognizable—or as trusted—as those made by Genelec. On episode 810 of This Week in Radio Tech, our guest is Lars-Olof Janflod, Genelec’s Strategy Advisory Officer and a member of the company’s team since 1992. 

We trace Genelec’s story from its origins in Finland through the development of the distinctive, rugged monitor designs that have become familiar sights in studios and broadcast facilities worldwide. Lars-Olof explains the thinking behind Genelec’s unusual speaker designs and how the company has maintained its reputation for accuracy and reliability across three decades of technological change. 

We also explore today’s Smart Active Monitoring systems, which combine onboard DSP with automated calibration to optimize each loudspeaker for the room in which it is actually installed. 

It’s a fascinating conversation about loudspeaker engineering, acoustics, innovation, and the pursuit of truly trustworthy monitoring. Join us for TWiRT episode 810—listen or watch wherever you enjoy This Week in Radio Tech.

Show Notes:
How to Select the Correct Monitors - Genelec website
How to Place Your Monitors - Genelec website
Monitor Focusing Template (PDF)
Speaker mounting accessories - Genelec websites
Audio Test Signals - downloadable audio files
Genelec Loudspeaker Manager - Software for Genelec SAM monitoring systems
Genelec Speakers Factory Tour - YouTube video

Guest:
Lars-Olof Janflod - Strategy Advisory Officer at Genelec

Host:
Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai Broadcasting

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TWiRT is brought to you by:
Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. 

Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.
Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.
Angry Audio and the new USB Phone Gizmo - Put VoIP callers on-the-air
The new MaxxKonnect RMT416 Multi Tuner - 4 to 16 AM/FM/WB/HD web-connected tuners in 1 RU

 
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Our guest on This Week in Radio Tech episode 809 is Tim Berry, Chief Engineer at WUOT-FM, the public radio station at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. WUOT combines NPR news with classical and jazz music, much of it still played live from CDs and occasionally from the station’s enormous collection of LPs. 

Tim gives us a tour of the control room, performance area, technical center, and an extraordinary music library that also includes thousands of historic 78 RPM records. We’ll see one of Tennessee’s earliest Audio over IP installations, built around Axia Livewire technology and operating for about 15 years. 

Tim also maintains more than 20 analog and digital amateur radio repeater sites throughout East Tennessee. Join us for a fascinating look at preserving broadcasting’s rich history while planning the technical upgrades that will carry WUOT into the future. 

Show Notes:
Pioneers & Engineers - The WUOT Story

Guest:
Tim Berry, CBRE, CBT - Chief Engineer at WUOT-FM & WUTK-FM "UT's College of Rock!"

Host:
Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai Broadcasting

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TWiRT is brought to you by:
Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. 

Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.
Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.
Angry Audio and the new USB Phone Gizmo - Put VoIP callers on-the-air
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Brett still has one foot firmly planted in the engineering world, even as he steps into the broader leadership responsibilities of running a radio ministry. That gives him a valuable perspective: he understands transmitters, studios, IP links, automation, remote sites, monitoring, redundancy, and after-hours recovery — but now he also has to think about budgets, staff, listeners, board expectations, and the mission of the network.

On this episode, Brett joins Kirk Harnack and co-host Chris Tarr, for a practical conversation about what it takes to build and maintain a reliable broadcast operation today. Brett shares how Voice of the Master’s technical plant has evolved over the years, what systems and standards have made the biggest difference, and how deeply IT has become integrated into modern radio engineering.

You’ll hear discussion about working at transmitter sites, improving reliability across multiple facilities, using technology wisely, securing remote access, documenting systems, and preparing for the inevitable late-night trouble call. Brett also talks about the transition from engineering leadership into the CEO role, and what broadcast engineers should learn if they want to grow beyond the rack room.

It’s a conversation about engineering, leadership, stewardship, and keeping radio stations operating smoothly and reliably — all on This Week in Radio Tech.

Show Notes:
Chris Tarr likes this Work Platform & Folding Step Stool

Guest:
Brett Gibson, CBRE/CBNT - CEO at The Voice of the Master Radio Network

Hosts:
Chris ‘Doc’ Tarr, CPBE, AMD, DRB, CBNE - Field Engineer at K-LOVE and Air1
Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai Broadcasting

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TWiRT is brought to you by:
Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. 

Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.
Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.
Angry Audio and the new USB Phone Gizmo - Put VoIP callers on-the-air
The new MaxxKonnect RMT416 Multi Tuner - 4 to 16 AM/FM/WB/HD web-connected tuners in 1 RU

 
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William got his start in public radio in the 1990s at WAMU-FM, where computer work quickly expanded into audio and electronics. Since then, he’s worked with PBS, NPR, The Metropolitan Washington Ear, and a number of FM and TV broadcasters. He also chairs SBE Chapter 37 in D.C., serves on the Virginia SECC, sits on the board of the Association of Public Radio Engineers, and occasionally writes for Radio World.

In this episode, we talk about real-world FM engineering, including Capital Concerts fireworks show coordination, HD Radio timing and “ballgame” mode, receiver metadata behavior, liquid-cooled transmitters, HLS streaming for broadcast STL use, and dynamic range control in xHE-AAC.

Join us for a practical, wide-ranging conversation about broadcast engineering, public radio operations, and the listener experience on This Week in Radio Tech.

Show Notes:
SBE Chapter 37 - Washington, DC - ANTENNAFEST! - October 6, 2026
Graphics for HD Radio Ballgame Mode
William likes the Fluke PRV240 Proving Unit
William recommends a radio panel-based comedy series, The Unbelievable Truth

Guest:
William Harrison - Chief Engineer at WETA-FM, Washington, DC

Host:
Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai Broadcasting

Follow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube.

TWiRT is brought to you by:
Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. 

Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.
Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.
Angry Audio and the new USB Phone Gizmo - Put VoIP callers on-the-air
The new MaxxKonnect RMT416 Multi Tuner - 4 to 16 AM/FM/WB/HD web-connected tuners in 1 RU

 
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This Week in Radio Tech is on location for episode 806 at the Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa in Opelika, Alabama, where the Alabama Broadcasters Association is celebrating its 80th anniversary with one of several regional receptions around the state.

This episode brings together three conversations that say a lot about where broadcasting has been, where it is now, and where it may be headed. First, we visit with Terry Harper, the ABA’s 2026 Engineer of the Year. Terry’s broadcast career reaches back nearly six decades, beginning in 1967 at WABT in Tuskegee, continuing through years of engineering work at Auburn University, and then into decades of contract engineering service for Alabama broadcasters.

We also talk with Lee Perryman, owner of RadioAlabama, about the practical use of artificial intelligence in local radio. Lee is not just speculating about AI; he is putting generative AI and curated synthetic voice tools to work in real station operations, including story writing, announcements, commercial production, and other content workflows — while keeping a broadcaster’s judgment in the process.

And we spend a few minutes with Sharon Tinsley, president of the Alabama Broadcasters Association, about the significance of honoring Terry Harper, the value of broadcast engineering to local stations, and the ABA’s decision to take its 80th anniversary celebration on the road to broadcasters across Alabama.

It’s a field trip episode, a celebration episode, and a forward-looking conversation all in one. Join us from Opelika, Alabama, for episode 806 of This Week in Radio Tech.

Show Notes:
ABA Names Terry Harper Its 2026 Engineer of the Year from Radio World
The ABA Anniversary Reception Tour is ongoing: Here’s the schedule

Guests:
Terry Harper - 2026 Alabama Engineer of the Year
Lee Perryman - President & CEO at RadioAlabama
Sharon Tinsley - President at Alabama Broadcasters Association

Host:
Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai Broadcasting

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TWiRT is brought to you by:
Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. 

Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.
Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.
Angry Audio and the new USB Phone Gizmo - Put VoIP callers on-the-air
The new MaxxKonnect RMT416 Multi Tuner - 4 to 16 AM/FM/WB/HD web-connected tuners in 1 RU

 
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