How are you using technology in your job?

WRVO uses technology in nearly every facet of its broadcast operation from content creation to its transmission. Computers are used for recording, editing, and playing audio over the air and each employee has a desktop computer for word processing, email, and various broadcast specific applications.  WRVO streams its program to the Internet and also podcasts various locally produced programs.  Fiber optics are employed for the transmission and reception of signals between WRVO's studios in Penfield Library and antennas on the roof of Lanigan Hall.  The fiber allows us to move eight signals between the buildings on a cable this is roughly the diameter of a pencil.  Moving those signals over traditional coaxial cable would have been prohibitive in terms of size and cost.

How has technology transformed your job?

In one sense technology has made my job easier to do by eliminating most, if not all, of the daily adjustments that were once required of broadcast equipment.  Such adjustments were required by the Federal Communications Commission to certify that radio stations were operating within their licensed parameters and therefore would not cause interference to other stations.  As technology has improved the systems have become much more robust and reliable, requiring only routine maintenance.  However, this reliability can also lead to a false sense of security, a false belief that nothing will go wrong - ever.  Of course this is incorrect and when failures do occur they tend to be catastrophic.  For WRVO this can mean a loss of the ability to broadcast, which can lead to loss of listeners and therefore loss of contributions.  Therefore it is imperative that we have some form of backup plans in place for all critical elements of the station.

What does technology add that would not be possible without it?

WRVO couldn't exist if not for technology.  Radio is built upon tubes, transistors, Integrated Circuits, and wiring.  As technology has advanced, broadcasting has had the opportunity to advance as well.

How are you using technology as a tool to achieving your operational goals?

Of course we handle the standard word processing and data management tasks on our desktop PCs.  More interesting though is WRVO's ability to operate in an unattended state through use of an automation system.  In essence this means that, provided the programming is loaded, our entire staff can walk away from the station while the broadcast continues.  WRVO employs this technology during overnight hours and some portions of the weekend.  While automation systems have existed for years they have improved greatly with time.  Tasks that once took three or four racks of equipment to complete can now be accomplished with a single computer and a few peripherals.

How do you see technology improving learning?

Technology has brought the world into our homes and classrooms.  Through the use of the Internet almost any question can be answered at any time of day; it's amazing!

What new goals do you have for using technology?

I'm always interested in ways we can improve the sound and work flow of WRVO.  I hope to eliminate wasteful use of paper in the next two years.  In our case this will be accomplished by putting newscasts, weather forecasts and other program elements on a computer screen directly in front of the on - air talent. 

What is your biggest challenge in using technology?

My biggest challenge is staying current with changes to current technology while familiarizing myself as much as possible with emerging technology.

How are you using technology in interesting or unique ways?

WRVO is unique to the campus and thus the way we use some technology is unique to SUNY Oswego as well.  In the world of broadcasting very little of the technology we use would be considered unique.  Some of our programming originates at NPR in Washington, D.C. and gets to WRVO via a satellite uplink.  We then send it to our main transmitter via a microwave link and to our outlying transmitters in Utica and Watertown via a second satellite uplink.

How are you using technology to develop and deliver staff development?

In my capacity at WRVO I don't generally perform staff training.  On those occasions when this task does fall to me I will use email or a web page to illustrate the steps necessary for completing the desired task.  Others at the station will hold training sessions using Power Point particularly when our semi annual fundraisers occur.

How are you using technology in your daily life?

I have email open almost constantly even on weekends and days off.  It enables me to communicate with staff and even listeners when a problem arises.  My cell phone is always nearby for the same reason.  Because I'm responsible for all of the tech workings and, unfortunately, failures, the station's staff needs to have the ability to reach me 24/7.