The Center for Communication Technology adds a radio station at TJ for students to tune into weekly.
Artwork by Grant Maloney
On January 26, 2011 the Radio and TV Broadcasting Class – creators of the Spartan Edition taught by Grant Laman – debuted its new broadcast radio show, TJSR, to the TJ community to be aired weekly on channel 89, during the excel period on Wednesdays (9:05-10:05 A.M.).
The idea for the new broadcast has been around for a while but had not yet been put into action. “We’ve never really had the radio part of the Broadcasting class. Mr. Spampinato and I have been thinking about it for years. After a department meeting really pushing technology, I began to put it together,” said Laman.
The radio station required brand new equipment and techniques to be experimented with and eventually mastered. “We purchased the equipment for about $800 over winter break and figured out how to use it through trial and error, trying new software, seeing what it will work best with,” said Laman.
Broadcast student, Senior Alex French got the first look at the new equipment, recording the very first broadcast that aired on Wednesday January 26, during excel. “It went well. I wish we could have made the audio louder; otherwise it went really well, and I enjoyed doing it. For a while we didn’t have the machine set up. I had to learn how to use it on my own through trial and error,” said French.
TJSR functions and mirrors the mechanics and workings of a real radio station. The broadcasts will look similar to actual radio broadcasts and will be managed like one. “The show is not an open mic for students. It’s a real radio show with public service announcements, interviews, music, and commercials. I signed us up with the Ad Council as a non-profit radio station. I want to run the TJSR like a real radio station,” said Laman.
TJSR will bring a new option to TJ students looking into communication and broadcasting careers. The radio show will become part of the broadcasting class and the students’ daily duties. “The new station offers another skill students can take into the real world. My hopes are that students gain the skill to work at a radio station. I also hope its another draw to the CCT Magnet and TJ; not many schools have a radio station,” says Laman.
The new radio broadcast aspires to be a 60-minute show that TJ students look forward to hearing each week. “I hope people like it as much as much as the Spartan Edition and are excited to listen to it each week on Wednesdays. It’s a great way to learn about different kinds of music other than what you and your friends normally listen to,” said French.
TJ students can listen to the new broadcast during excel periods on Wednesdays while they get extra time and help in their tough classes. “I hope it’s something TJ students can tune into in a classroom or in the hall. It’s a little bit of a throwback from newer technology, but radio will always be around,” says Laman.
Computer Magnet Director Matt Spampinato is also excited about Laman’s new venture. “Not many people know this, but back in 1994 –before we had TVs in each classroom– the Spartan Edition was a radio broadcast, not a TV show. I’m inspired to see Mr. Laman putting the ‘Radio’ back into the Radio and TV Broadcasting class,” said Spampinato.
