Old RadioThe BROADCAST FAQ List

by Barry Mishkind (The Eclectic Engineer) and a host of friends

The FAQ has been updated as of 6/15/09.

This FAQ is designed to help answer many of the frequently asked questions about the broadcast industry.

An important note about this resource:

We have used many sources, including FCC files, university lecturers, historical publications and more, and have tried to be as accurate as possible, not repeating many of the myths of the industry (such as the Uncle Don Story) nor histories "manufactured" by promotion departments. However, I can not and do not guarantee total accuracy of what is in the FAQ. If you do see an error or omission, please inform me at: .

The accuracy and expansion of this resource depend upon our SHARING our efforts.

As it turns out, I get a lot of email from people indicating they have enjoyed this FAQ. I also get a lot of email (sometimes 3 to 5 a DAY) from students (many in college) with assignments.

While I'm happy to know the FAQ has answered many of your questions, and I'm even happy to help answer further questions when I can, it is sad to have to point out that virtually NONE of those who have asked for help in locating information or resources have ever written back and offered to share anything from the results of their personal research. Very FEW even stop to say "thanks."

The accuracy and expansion of this resource really does depend upon our SHARING our efforts.

Even sadder, at least one or two of the emails I get each day read something along the lines of: "I've got a paper due tomorrow (or Friday). I've searched the net and can't find anything."

Folks, if it was only one request every blue moon, there'd be no problem. But, the Internet community is now in the multi-millions, all around the world. PLEASE, tell me where you've looked and what you've already found. This will save me a lot of time and typing only to repeat what you've done.

First: I've got to earn money if I want to eat. <g> If I were to do a couple of these assignments every day, I wouldn't have time to do my work.

Secondly: You students MUST realize there is more to doing research than browsing the Internet. I wouldn't risk my grades on the accuracy of just one source.

Finally, don't forget the responsibility you take on when seeking assistance from another person. Tell me who you are, and where you are. (email addresses like "da24@aol.com" don't tell even your first name!) And, PLEASE, share something back to the rest of us. Just send what you found to me at

The accuracy and expansion of this resource absolutely depend upon our SHARING our efforts.

Thanks very much for your consideration and interest in the Broadcast FAQ!

(A great deal of additional information on specific pioneer stations can be found in the infobase "OLDRADIO", available at the address shown at the end of this FAQ. )