We’re tackling a question every broadcast engineer faces: should you buy new equipment, or can used gear deliver the performance and value you need? We’re on location inside the MaxxKonnect used equipment warehouse in Birmingham, Alabama, where Josh Bohn gives us a firsthand tour of aisles packed with everything from mic preamps to full transmitters. We also hear from Adam Robinson on the financial tradeoffs, and Mike Hutchens on real-world engineering use cases where used equipment makes solid technical and operational sense. Whether you’re planning a new build, a backup system, or a budget-conscious upgrade, this episode offers practical insights you can apply immediately. Join us for a candid, informative look at how smart engineers balance cost, performance, and reliability.

Show Notes:
Many broadcast equipment dealers stock at least some used or “b-stock” broadcast equipment. Other companies specialize in pre-owned broadcast gear.
MaxxKonnect publishes a list of their pre-owned equipment inventory here.

Guests:
Adam Robinson - Director of Sales, Marketing, and Business Development at MaxxKonnect
Josh Bohn - President/CEO at MaxxKonnect
Mike Hutchens - Director of Technical Services at MaxxKonnect

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

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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 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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On this episode of This Week in Radio Tech, we dive into the practical side of regulatory readiness with Ched Keiler, who joins us to discuss the SBE Self-Inspection Guides. Developed by the Society of Broadcast Engineers in partnership with the NAB and industry experts, these guides are quickly becoming essential tools for ensuring FCC compliance across AM, FM, LPFM, and television facilities. Ched walks us through how to effectively use these guides, what a proper self-inspection process looks like, and how both engineers and station management can benefit from a structured approach to compliance. With strong early adoption and hundreds of downloads right out of the gate, these guides are already making an impact. Join us for a highly useful and timely conversation that can help your station stay inspection-ready.

Show Notes:
SBE Self-Inspection Guides for AM, FM, TV, and LPFM stations
(Must be logged in as an SBE member for download)

Guest:
Ched Keiler - CPBE, 8-VSB, ATSC3, CBNE; Principal Engineer, E Three Services

Host:
Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & 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 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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Episode 791 of This Week in Radio Tech features broadcast engineer and entrepreneur Matt Lightner, President of Lightner Electronics, Inc. Matt shares practical insights from years of designing and building radio studios for individual stations, clusters, and network facilities, along with lessons learned from transmitter site installations in the field. We also explore how his company has expanded into corporate audio-visual system integration—an area where A-V and broadcast engineering practices often overlap. Finally, Matt talks about applying engineering discipline and business strategy to radio station ownership, now operating nine stations in Central Pennsylvania. It’s a wide-ranging conversation about engineering, integration, and entrepreneurship in modern broadcast.

Show Notes:
Lightner Electronics, Inc.

Guest:
Matt Lightner - President at Lightner Electronics, Inc.

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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Chris 'Doc' Tarr joins Kirk Harnack for a fun and practical conversation about “Doc-isms.” These are the short, memorable sayings that Chris has developed over years of troubleshooting transmitters, studio gear, and broadcast workflows under pressure. Each phrase—like “Work the problem,” “Just think in reverse,” and “We’re not going to get any more off the air than we already are!”—comes from real-world engineering situations where clear thinking and good habits make the difference. Whether you’re responding to an off-air emergency or designing systems for long-term reliability, these Doc-isms capture the mindset of experienced broadcast engineers. Tune in for practical wisdom, a few laughs, and lessons learned the hard way.

Show Notes:
Chris Tarr’s list of “Doc-isms”
"We're not going to get any more off the air than we already are!". That's code for slow it down and take your time.

"Work the problem!". That means take a break, sit down, and think things through a bit.

"Just think in reverse!". My phrase for troubleshooting. The most effective way to troubleshoot is to start at the place the thing isn't working and go backwards.

“You know they make those - they’ll even ship them to your door!” Sometimes it’s a better idea to just buy something than to cobble something together to save money.

"Failure is not an option!". This isn't as dramatic as it sounds. It's just a reminder that we sometimes don't have the luxury of just walking away when things get tough. It may mean some sort of temporary or hacked together solution until the bigger issue is resolved.

"Let's take the victory lap!". Usually said when I leave the site after the problem is fixed and I stop for my iced coffee refill.

Guest:
Chris ‘Doc’ Tarr, CPBE, AMD, DRB, CBNE - Field Engineer at K-LOVE and Air1

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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In this episode, Kirk Harnack is joined by Adrian Berkovits, creator of Prism, a new audio distribution ecosystem designed for modern radio networks. Michael Dosch of Angry Audio also joins the conversation to unpack the hardware and real-world functionality that makes this new model possible.

For over 40 years, radio broadcasters have relied on satellite distribution for network audio—news, sports, talk shows, and even full music formats. But today, C-Band spectrum is being squeezed by cellular services, while Internet delivery has become remarkably reliable—especially when used in aggregate. The result is a fundamental shift in how audio and metadata can be delivered from content creators to radio stations.

Adrian and Michael walk through the technical and operational details of this emerging distribution model, explaining how reliability, redundancy, hardware integration, and workflow come together in a practical, broadcaster-ready ecosystem.

If you’re responsible for network audio delivery—or thinking about what replaces satellite—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Show Notes:
Prism global audio distribution ecosystem to replace satellite

Guests:
Adrian Berkovits - Founder at Adventure 33
Michael Dosch - Founder at Angry Audio

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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Join Kirk Harnack for an informative preview of the SBE Ennes Workshop at NAB 2026! In this episode, "TWiRT 788," we sit down with workshop organizers David Bialik and Fred Willard for an exclusive look at the valuable, career-building sessions planned for broadcast engineers. Learn about the essential topics and technical deep-dives coming to Las Vegas on April 21 & 22. Get all the details on why you need to attend these popular sessions in the North Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center during the NAB Show. Don't miss this insider's guide to advancing your career in radio technology! In this episode we also make a quick trip to the National Religious Broadcasters Convention at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville.

Show Notes:
SBE Ennes Workshop @ the 2026 NAB Show - Schedule & Link to Register
Burk Technologies ARC Plus Touch - Installation Video Tutorial
IT Security for Broadcast Equipment - White Paper by Kirk A. Harnack
IT Security for Broadcast Equipment - EXECUTIVE SUMMARY - by Kirk A Harnack

Guests:
David Bialik - Director of Engineering for MediaCo, NY
Fred Willard - Senior Broadcast Engineer at TelevisaUnivision, Washington, DC
Matt Leland - Vice President of Sales at Burk Technology Inc.
Byron Tyler - Regional Creative Production Director at Bott Radio Network

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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This Week in Radio Tech, Episode 787 features Ernest Jones, Director of Technical Operations for Audacy’s Atlanta radio stations—one of the largest radio markets in the country. Ernest shares his journey from mix DJ to IT specialist to broadcast engineer, describing how his passion for audio processing, amateur radio, and DXing shaped his technical career. He explains how learning IT and RF engineering evolved in parallel through both his ham radio hobby and hands-on station work. Ernest also recounts returning to a small-town AM station he once co-owned to install a new transmitter, finally retiring a venerable old RCA tube rig. It’s an engaging conversation with a rising engineer whose career is just getting started—and one you won’t want to miss.

Guest:
Ernest Jones - Director of Technical Operations at Audacy, Atlanta

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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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.

Show Notes:
Photos & Videos of ice storm Fern damage

Guests:
Stan Carter - Field Engineer at K-LOVE & Air1
Gibson Prichard - Director Of Engineering and Technology at WTVF NewsChannel 5

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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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.

Show Notes:
Best Battery-Powered Chainsaws for Pros and Homeowners in 2025

Guests:
Josh Bohn - President/CEO at MaxxKonnect
Mike Hutchens - Director of Technical Services at The MaxxKonnect Group
Mark Borchert - Owner at Borchert Broadcast and Project Manager at the MaxxKonnect Group
Josh Jones - Chief Technician at The MaxxKonnect Group

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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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.

Show Notes:
Aaron mentioned SAF Techinca as a manufacturer of microwave IP radio links
Aaron like MaxxKonnect Wireless for prioritized IP connections over 4G & 5G networks

Guest:
Aaron Read - Engineer Extraordinaire at L and R Broadcast Services

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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