Introduction
General Information about KXRJ
Voice: (479) 964-0806
Fax: (479) 498-6024
KXRJ Remote/TV6 Fax: (479) 968-0641
Studios and Offices: Witherspoon 366
KXRJ-FM
Broadcast Productions
Crabaugh 106
Russellville, AR 72801
kxrj.news@atu.edu
Format
Automation Midnight to 5:00 p.m.
Alternative Music 5:00 p.m. to Midnight
Rules of Conduct
Do not air any
questionable matter of any kind. Do not hint at any questionable matter.
Do not play any prerecorded material (CD’s, tapes, carts, mini-discs, mp3’s,
etc.) that contains any questionable material. Do not bring any CD, tape,
mini-disc, mp3, LP, etc. that has questionable material to the station (even
if you do not plan to play it). Any selections that are acceptable that
happen to be on questionable CD’s should be transferred to another media to
play on the air.
Back Timing Music Tracks
Back timing is a process whereby you
check the clock on the wall to determine how much time is left for your
show.
You then pick a song track that will
run SHORTER than the time allowed. If necessary, fill with chatter before
and after the song so you get your show sign off comments and station ID
completed before the top of the hour (TOH).
Remember, everybody gets just 60 minutes so don’t encroach on your relief’s minutes to get that last, long track in. Save it for another day and give them their full time.
Allowed Music Media
You may play any music that you OWN provided that it falls
within the guidelines stated in this Policy Book. We understand you
may want to burn copies of songs you own in order to pre-produce your show.
This is perfectly OK, but if you are playing a "burned" CD, you must have
with you the ORIGINAL, LEGALLY PURCHASED, SILK SCREENED CD's as well.
The use of downloaded (legal or otherwise) music is not
allowed except for some "indie" bands whose website clearly states their
music is free for any use INCLUDING BROADCAST and is otherwise not available
for sale through commercial channels.
The use of an MP3 player, computer or connection to a music streaming website is not permitted for on air use. Besides, we have not provided a connection for such devices anyway. This is just a warning not to mess with the station wiring.
Visitors
a. If someone unknown to you enters the Station, smile, be friendly and find out what they want or need. They may be lost, meeting someone, or on tour to see if they want to come to Tech.
b. In all cases, keep an eye on people that you do not know. If they are removing or abusing property call security.
Security
Broadcast Practicum
Station Property
Station Cleanliness
Meeting Assigned Shifts
Log Jay
Log Jay, a computer-based audio logging program, is now part of an overall radio automation system from the Italian software company Win Jay. Log Jay takes the off-the-air signal from KXRJ and records the audio to a computer hard drive in near CD quality with real-time date and time continuously recorded with the audio.
Log Jay allows Station Management to review any program in just seconds. Log Jay allows the user to specify, the day, hour, minute and second to replay. These audio logs are maintained for an extended period of time before being deleted to make room for more.
You may request from Station Management, a copy of your on-air shift should it become necessary for things such as an air-check or resume tape. This request will be forwarded to the Chief Engineer who will make the CD and notify you when it can be picked up. The files are large, typically a standard CD-R will hold about 8 hours of programming.
These recordings are made in one-hour blocks. So, if you wanted a copy of your 7:30p – 9:00p show, you would receive 3 files that included the 7:00p, 8:00p and 9:00p logs. If your shift was from 9:00p to 10:30p, you would receive files for 8:00p, 9:00p and 10:00p. Log Jay may not start recording at the top of each hour, as we try to insure that it does not start at any standard shift change.
Air Checks
In conjunction with Log Jay, Station Management will conduct random air checks of all DJ’s.
During the first month of each semester, each DJ will have a one-on-one consultation with a member of Management where portions of your on-air shift(s) will be played and critiqued. This procedure will also take place again near the end of the semester, or as determined by Management or an Administrator.
Items that will be checked
are:
·
News Reading
Do you phrase sentences correctly
Do your newscasts contain the necessary elements (Tech, Local, Weather, Sports)
Do you present the news without editorial comment or unnecessary voice
inflections
·
Pronunciation
Do you pronounce words properly, especially those that are heard regularly
elsewhere
Do you have problems with a particular word (Buerkle, Agricola, Crabaugh)
·
On-Air Persona
Are you aware of how you sound to the general public when on the air
·
Music Content
Are you following the guidelines set out elsewhere in this Policy Manual
·
Appearance
Are you following the
guidelines set out elsewhere in this Policy Manual
Logs and Logging Procedures
Log Violations
Computers
Emergency Operations
(Power Failure Situation)
KXRJ operation is fully backed up by an propane-powered, emergency generator located on the roof of Witherspoon. Should a storm or other event kill commercial power to the campus or Witherspoon, our emergency generator will immediately start. The sequence of events is as follows:
Upon detection of a loss of commercial power,
a relay will drop out in the generator control panel. During the few
seconds required to start the generator and place it on line, several UPS
(uninterruptible power supplies) will take the load of everything critical
to KXRJ except for the transmitter itself.
When the generator is up to speed, it will
take over the load, put the KXRJ transmitter back on line and cause the
Control Room UPS
unit to begin recharging their batteries. During this time, the
remaining UPS units are un-powered and will continue to beep - this is
normal.
At this point, none of the overhead lighting will be in operation. You should turn on the wall-mounted, 3-lamp fixture between DRS and the CD players. These lights are not intended to be use for normal operation, so they are to remain off except in an emergency situation.
Emergency Lights
When the power is restored, the following should happen:
The overhead lighting will return.
After a few minutes, to insure the power is
stable, you will need to turn off the emergency lights. Again, these
are not intended for normal operation.
Just stay calm and continue your programming as best you can. Of course, you can comment on the fact that KXRJ is on the air using emergency power. If you suspect the outage is due to weather, keep your listeners updated on any Watches or Warnings that come in via the EAS 911 printer and announcements.
Until the Nuclear Planning and Response group (which owns the generator) puts a "delay" in the generator control panel, you could encounter several outages before either losing power for a period of time, or it will eventually stay on. This is not a good situation, but they are working on the problem.
EAS 911
EAS 911 Control and Monitor Panels
Fire
Meter Reading
Way to LOW Correct Way to Hot
Wattmeter
Transmitter
The Larcan FM250W Transmitter is running at 125w according to the Wattmeter at the top of the rack and by seven (7) green LED's illuminated to the marker. Transmitter wattage should never read above 130 or below 120. If wattage exceeds 130, notify management.
Microphones and Headphones
KXRJ uses highly directional microphones. Be sure to speak directly into the
FRONT of the microphone and not on the top or sides.
All radio operators will wear headphones when using a microphone. No exceptions.
On-Air Modulation Monitor
We now monitor the transmitter output signal on all speakers in KXRJ through the on-air Modulation Monitor. The modulation monitor is located to the left of the board in the cabinet with the EAS 911 equipment. Normal operation requires that the thumb switches be set at “115” and both RED pushbuttons depressed.
The Modulation Monitor
If you do not hear KXRJ on air programming, verify the AIR push buttons on the upper left of the console are depressed, your monitor and headphone level pot settings are near the 12 O'clock position, then check that the input has the top green (PGM) button depressed, the slide is mid-way up and the green push button below the slide is illuminated.
There are typically two conditions that will cause the Carrier Alarm indication to be illuminated and the alarm beeping.
1) In the event that the KXRJ transmitter goes off the air, the following items will give you an immediate indication of this:
1. No program audio will be heard through:
a. any wall-mounted speakers
b. any headphones
2. No movement of the Modulation Monitor meter (not the console meters).
3. The red Carrier Alarm LED will be illuminated as indicated above.
4. An beeping alarm sound will be heard from the Modulation Monitor.
The most likely reason for an off-air situation is an alarm condition on the transmitter. Make sure to log the alarm indicator(s) that are illuminated. There is an Alarm Log on the bottom sheet of the transmitter log clipboard. Make sure the date, time and indicators are properly logged, and then initial your entry.
2) In the event that you still hear KXRJ programming through the station speakers or headphones but the Carrier Alarm is going off and the red LED is illuminated, you are in an under power situation. Notify the Chief Engineer of this situation.
Otherwise, use the Equipment Problem on-line form to notify Engineering so that the problem can be addressed during the next work day. This form can be found at: http://kxrj.atu.edu/eq-form.htm on any computer.
Extra Equipment
In the past portable radios have been used to monitor KXRJ. These will no longer be necessary, or allowed in the station, as they may actually receive the “exciter” signal and not the true transmitter output. This would give the impression that KXRJ is still broadcasting when it might be off the air.
5 MINUTE NEWSCASTS
-In this order-
2 Minutes of Tech and Russellville News.
1 to 1 ½ Minute(s) of Tech Sports.
1 to 1 ½ Minute(s) of State News, if time permits.
½ Minute of Weather and Current Temperature.
Double the above times for a 10 minute newscasts.
- Newscast Introduction -
(Live): Good afternoon/evening, I’m ______(your name)________ at
(insert current time) it’s (insert current temp) degrees in Russellville. (Then begin reading the news.)
- Newscast Outro -
(Live): Currently in Russellville it’s _______(current temp)_______ I’m __________(your name)__________ for your KXRJ news.
KXRJ Important Phone Numbers
People/Departments
Anthony Caton 964-3282
George Cotton Office 968-0347
Home 968-7737
Diana (Journalism) 964-0890
TV6 Newsroom 964-0810
FAX 968-0641
Tommy Mumert 968-0284
Arka-Tech & Agricola 968-0390
Sports Information 968-0645
Alumni Office 968-0242
Ardith Morris (Theatre) 964-0805
Tech Operator 968-0389
Tech Police 968-0222
FEMA Radio Network 1-800-323-5248
U.S. Department of Education 1-800-424-0214
National Institute of Health 1-800-633-3425
American Cancer Society 1-800-276-6397
KARV Radio 968-1184 FAX 967-5278
River Valley Radio 968-6816 FAX 968-2946
The Courier 968-5252 FAX 968-4037
Police 911
Fire 911
Ambulance
911
Non-Emergency 890-6914
St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center 968-2841
Dardanelle Hospital 968-2480
Telephone
“KXRJ, this is _____(your name)_____ speaking.”
Timing
1. Timing
a. If you use PSA’s to pad for time (e.g. to fill in the gap between your music and the top of the hour), make sure to write them in the Program Log.
b. Weather can also be used to pad for time.
DRS 2006
The DRS 2006 Computer Interface
DRS 2006 is the station automation system
that is used to control KXRJ overnight as well as on weekends.
To prepare for the change to/from live to automation, there are several very
critical steps that must be taken for this to happen. These must be
completed no later than 11:58:30pm.
Preparing for DRS automation
You can close out your program and start DRS in a very smooth operation, much like starting another CD, playing a Stinger cut or Cart. Make sure that the DRS Control #5, Selector #2 is pushed and the slider pushed up to the "stop" position so the level will be correct.
The DRS On Air Radio Studio Pro should already be running so that the station ID will run at 59:45, the time will be announced and then music will begin again. At this point, you can leave the Control Room, sign your logs and prepare to leave the station.
If, for some reason, the
above does NOT happen, contact a member of station management immediately. Do
NOT leave until the problem has been corrected. Technically, you are not
relived of your on-air shift until the DRS is functioning properly. This
includes hearing the station ID on the air.
Preparing for Live DJ operation
If DRS is NOT ready for LIVE operation
If you have any problems, pot down DRS and resume normal programming. Contact Station Management for assistance to correct the problem.
DRS has been running KXRJ since May 2004 and appears to be pretty robust and reliable, but tampering with (changing settings) may cause major scheduling and operational problems. The DRS computer is NOT to be used for any function other than station automation – PERIOD.
Remote Broadcasts / Planned
Music
Example: #4 10/25/02
· Standup comedy or comedy recordings of any kind are not allowed to be aired on KXRJ.
Examples: Chris Rock, Bill Cosby, Cheech and Chong, Jeff Foxworthy.
· At times we air Special Programs during the week. These are programs (live or pre-recorded) that target specific subjects. Some cover news and current events; others cover sports, music and seasonal events.
· Special Programming is chosen by the Station Manager and is not subject to change, except by the Station Manager or the Director of Broadcasting.
· Occasionally, programs may be pre-empted to make room for Special Programming including Remote Broadcasts.
·
Any political topic or
guest must be cleared with the Director of Broadcasting at least 24 hours prior
to your shift.
·
YOU WILL be required to
give equal time to all candidates vying for the same position or affiliation.
Example: If you are a strong member of one party and have a guest from
that party on the air, you WILL host the opposition candidate in the same style
and format of your own party’s guest.
· Additional guidelines are available in the on-line FCC rules section of the KXRJ Information Guide. A link is on the desktop of each computer in KXRJ.
Publicity
· DJ’s are welcome and encouraged to publicize their shows.
· Posters and flyers may be distributed on campus; as long as students show them to the Station Manager prior to circulation. Posters need to be in good taste, and DJ’s are expected to use good judgment in creating them. Profanity and obscenity are prohibited. Posters are also expected to follow Arkansas Tech University policy.
· DJ’s can make intros and outros to their Alternative shifts as well as promos. The Station Manager must approve all material before it is aired.
· DJ’s must make a PowerPoint Slide promoting each Alternative air shift.
a. An example sheet and guidelines will be handed out during training sessions.
b. The slide must be emailed to kxrj@atu.edu.
Production Studio
· The Production Studio is available to all KXRJ-FM DJ’s for the screening of materials to be used on a show. In addition, with the permission of the Production Director, DJ’s may produce prerecorded material for their programs. Either the Program Director or the Station Manager must clear all prerecorded programs before they are aired.
· The Production Studio is available to all KXRJ DJ’s and those taking classes that require them to do production. However, news broadcasts take precedence over general production. Newscasts have the priority, and DJ’s may ask all others to leave the Production Room for the newscasts.
· Classroom labs have second priority over the use of the production studio.
Tech E-mail
· Your eID "T" number is your passport to most electronic login systems on campus. This ID gets you into the lab computer systems, electronic Email, Pharos (Uniprint) printing and the cbt.atu.edu web site. There are a number of other applications where you eID will be used to gain access as the University adds new systems and applications.
· The eID was created as an Email identification for students in an effort to have a single sign-on environment we dropped the domain extension (mail.atu.edu) and have used this ID extensively through out our PC based systems. Your eID should now be printed on any class schedules that are generated (in the form of your email address). For students the eID looks like T00000000, or first letter of first name and last name and could be followed by a number.
· Your official email address on campus will be your-eID@atu.edu. All KXRJ DJ’s will receive email to this address. If you do not know your eID, you can find it on the Tech web site.
Go to:
1. www.atu.edu
2. Click on Directory.
3. Click on Student E-mail Directory.
4. Type in your last name.
5. Click on Search.
6. Find your last name and you eID.
The Pacemaker 1032 Board
(Do not mark on or scratch the surface of the console.)
Description of controls
(left to right)
Level Control for Monitor Speakers
Monitor Selector (normally on AIR)
Level Control for Headphones
Headphone Selector (normally on AIR)
Level Control for Cue Amplifier (internal console speaker)
L & R Program Meters
Mono (L & R summed)
L & R Audition Meters
Time and INSIDE Temperature (currently)
Headphone Monitor - PGM and AUD
Cue To Headphones (CTP) - OFF (normal, stereo PGM) or ON (mono PGM in left ear and mono CUE in right ear)
Sliders 1-8 are identical in operation. Normally the PGM button will be depressed (Green flag)
Selector Switches. Normally the TOP button will be depressed (White flag)
Slider (adjust as needed to achieve 0vu)
Push Buttons - Red (mute), Green (on air)
Sliders 9 & 10 are similar except they have 8 inputs instead of 2.
The GREEN (on-air) buttons will automatically start the appropriate CD player or Cart Machine. The RED (mute) buttons DO NOT stop any device.
To record on the Mini-Disk or Cart #2, use the AUD (orange) selectors above any slider you wish to record. Simultaneous recording of an alternate source can be accomplished by sending the source to the AUD channel without this source being sent to the PGM and transmitter.
We are supplying a higher quality headset for the Control Room, or you may use your own stereo headset with a standard ¼ to mini stereo adapter. Headsets are to be worn any time the Control Room microphone is open – no exceptions.
Stinger
1. Stinger Clock
2. EAS End
3. EAS Begin
4. Stinger Tabs
1. Stinger Clock – Tells you the time – All programming should follow the time on this clock.
2. EAS End – This is the last thing to play in an EAS test.
3. EAS Begin – This is the first thing to play in an EAS test.
4. Stinger Tabs – All PSA’s, Fanfares, and other Misc. items will be under these tabs.
Programs
1. Stinger is NOT to be used for any purpose other than its intended use.
Production Room
The Production Board has been completely rebuilt and now is able to produce just about anything you need. It has a few quirks that are necessary for smooth operation such as:
All items PLAY via the Program or Audition channel
The computer will only record what is heard via the AUDITION channel
The cart machine will only record what is heard via the PROGRAM channel
The Production Board feeds into the Main Console via input #3. This allows the news person or guest to control their own microphone and level directly if desired.
All components attached to the Production Board can be played to air via the Main Console input #3.
At some point, this board will be directly attached to the backup FM transmitter for emergency use, but is not currently connected.
Also, the Main Console will be connected to input #4 on the Production Board for backup as well, but is not currently connected.
Production Room
Station Staff
1. Graduate Assistant
a. Duties and Responsibilities
1. To advise students on proper operational procedures for the Radio Station.
2. To attend all Radio Station meetings.
3. To monitor the Radio Station on the air, to regularly visit the studio and station personnel and assist in their training and development as DJ’s, broadcasters, news reporters, etc.
4. To mediate personnel grievances and to make personnel recommendations to the Director of Broadcasting.
5.