Eagles FM update

By: Paul Keith

Posted: 6/15/09

Spring has been a busy season for Eagles FM staff members and DJ's. Before classes even kicked off, the Google Radio Automation system was installed in the Eagles FM studio. Google Radio Automation allows DJ's to create shows days before they air and even produce shows remotely. Supreme reliability and ease of use make this system indispensable to the studio. Furthermore, Google Radio Automation has put Eagles FM further ahead in broadcast technology than many commercial radio stations.

January turned out to be a very busy month. In addition to the usual, early semester work, radio station staff and volunteers were at work preparing for WIKD Jamuary. WIKD Jamuary was a small showcase event for independent bands based in Florida and southern Georgia. Mia Medusa, King Bee, Transmit Now, and Senate gave a great show while the crowd nearly inhaled hamburgers, hot dogs, and other grilled goods prepared by Iron Chef candidate Pete Richardson. Eagles FM would like to thank Touch and Go, Student Activities, Facilities staff, Campus Security, and the ICI staff for their extraordinary patience and help.

Throughout the Spring, Eagles FM has made many small upgrades and repairs. The most prominent of these changes was the installation of speakers on the north and west sides of the John-Paul Riddle Student Center and at Propellers. For a small amount of money these speakers have greatly increased the presence of Embry-Riddle's campus radio. Our initial setup was not perfect. Originally speaker volume was too loud on some days and much too soft on other days. Now the volume is set at a comfortable conversation level without compromising our ability to entertain students outside of the Student Center. Eagles FM thanks the Facilities Staff, especially Scott Arrigo, for their help and advice on the placement and installation of our speakers and new Emergency Alert System.

Every semester the Eagles FM Operations Board recognizes a show for excellence in broadcasting. Last Fall the award went to The Great Success, a show focusing on classic rock and sometimes overlooked music history. This Spring, Lustmaster Wicked, a show recognizing the greatest and latest in all genres of independent music, received the award. The most important award issued by Eagles FM is the Lesperance Award. It recognizes a graduating student for dedication and service to the radio station. This year three long time staff members were recognized: Tom Flanary, Pete Richardson, and Jason Makowski. All three extended their stay at Embry-Riddle out of love for Eagles FM and, under their guidance, Eagles FM has made significant advances.