MediaVoice BLOG #5

This week... Hurricane Bill, Car Radios and a FREE app for tracking your cash.

So what happened to Hurricane Bill? Here in West Hants Nova Scotia, Hurricane Bill turned out to be little more than just another windy rainy day. Valley Orchard owners however breathed a huge sigh of relief as there was widespread fear the hurricane could have literally wiped out what many are calling a ‘bumper’ crop of Valley apples this year. Thankfully the storm stayed far enough south to simply skirt the Annapolis valley. It’s strange to have access to Environment Canada’s data to monitor from your own home. One site I bookmarked and I find is accurate is the local radar image that shows all forms of precipitation. You can literally follow the rainclouds as they approach your town and it’s pretty cool to watch the rain approaching on your desktop, then see it start raining minutes later in your backyard. Here is EC’s Radar Image page that you can customize to your own local area. And if you really want to stay on top of storm developments, here’s the Nova Scotia Power Outage Map. A great site that is, until you ..uh…lose power. Why is it 30 years ago, I hardly ever remember a power outage, they were extremely rare? Today..not so much…it’s almost expected whenever bad weather is forecast. For a colorful answer to that question, just ask any Nova Scotia arborist.

I happened to be out car shopping with LA this past last week and we hit a number of Metro Car lots. It was amusing how long it took from the point of arrival on each lot to when a salesperson would appear from the door heading straight in our direction. I haven’t seen ‘The GOODS’ yet but one salesguy told me it was quite funny. One of the lots we visited was O’Regans KIA in Dartmouth. What surprised me the most was how far the KIA brand has come in the past 3-5 years. We tested some awesome new vehicles and KIA has really made huge strides in the quality and design of their brand line. What amazed me the most however was how far the traditional AM/FM Car radio has come in just the last 2 years. Every vehicle we tested included a virtual digital entertainment centre up front. All were Sirius Satellite radio equipped along with CD/MP3 players with auxiliary inputs for iPods plus USB ports for loading up a Flash Drive worth of Music and all of it Blue Tooth capable for fully automated hands-free Cell Phone use. As well, more power connections for laptops than I could count. What was once the one part of every car literally owned by terrestrial radio is now a buffet of audio content choices. I’ve calculated that in the past year alone, the number of audio podcasts that I’ve listened to in my Rav 4 probably add up to about 6-7 hours a week. Why ? That’s easy. Unique informative or entertaining programming both music and talk based and this trend you know is going to continue. Curious about what we ended up buying ? It surprised even me that we actually left the Toyota brand for the first time in 6 years and we decided on ( no check that... Leigh-Anne wanted ) a GMC Envoy. Though now after a test drive on Friday night, I'd really like a new Kia Soul for zipping back and forth to the Campus. Wow, those Kia Souls really can fly and what a cool interior with a totally solid ride.

Finally this week, a FREE software suggestion for those of you who may be either starting your own small home based studio business...or simply looking for a way to track your money both coming and going. Years ago I was into a program called Quicken...it was the rage back in the 90's but over the past few years I just can't keep up with all the details in it that you have to stay on top of. Look... an accountant I'm not and beancounters are worth their weight in gold. But recently I found a really cool program that tracks all your $. It's called Expenseview and you can access it online from any PC or Mac from anywhere. It's a breeze to set up and I had it up and running in just minutes. I think I checked out 20 different programs on the Apple.com site before I found it. Did I say ExpenseView is free, and so simple to use. It tracks your expenses, budgets and income. And for students this little app will really show how you're spending or not spending your money. If you'd rather create than count, then give it a spin for a week. I think you'll really like it. We're back to the campus next week....and as my colleague Yvonne Colbert noted, to prepare for the arrival of 32 new ducklings. I can't believe summer is coming to an end so soon.

As always, I look forward to your comments and feedback.

David '0db' Bannerman

MediaVoice BLOG #4

This week, Africville's Radio Play, PDF's the easy way, Gordon Mclendon and Online Radio.

I noticed that SeaView Park under the Mackay Bridge in Halifax was the scene of an Africville Reunion a few weeks ago. It reminded me of one of the best Radio Dramas I’ve heard in years and one that was written by fellow DHS Alumni David Woods. Trying to track down David Woods is a major challenge at the best of times as he’s always travelling Nova Scotia roads working on a new project. Anyway.. a number of years ago David wrote a Radio play called ‘Part of the Deal’ which was produced and aired on CBC. A small tip for CBC Halifax…it's time to air it again. The Africville story is a captivating and interesting history lesson that needs to be taught in Nova Scotia Schools. Growing up in Crichton Park, I had heard about Africville but knew very little about it. It wasn’t until David Wood’s gave me a copy of ‘Part of the Deal’ on cassette no less, that the whole Campbell Road Settlement story finally came to life and it all made sense to me. I’m going to have to check the CBC program guide because I have to admit, I can’t remember the last time I heard a Radio Drama on CBC Radio One, specifically a Radio Drama written and produced here in Nova Scotia. What I'd like to know however is who owns the Movie rights to his play? Yes it is that good. If you happen to run into David Woods, tell him I said hello….and that it’s time he uploaded ‘Part of the Deal’ to iTunes. Nova Scotia, no check that..... the world needs to hear it again.

Let’s do a quick check on some cool multimedia. My free software ‘Pick of the Week’ is for creating your own PDF’s. Ever need a PDF…well here’s a great way to do it and so easy. A PDF which stands for a Portable Document Format was created 16 years ago by Adobe Systems. It was developed so documents could be exchanged regardless of your software, hardware, even your operating system. I use them all the time and especially when transferring sensitive documents to MediaVoice clients. The CutePDF Writer makes it easy to create your very own PDFs. After you install it, you’ll find it located in your list of Printers. After you create a new document, simply hit PRINT and then scroll down and choose the CutePDF writer. It will then ask you where you want to save it. Could it be any easier? For Windows 98 all the way to Vista, CutePDF is a FREE download available at www.acrosoftware.com

My ‘quote of the week’ was triggered after I happened to read J. Colliano’s recent column about Radio stations making the huge mistake of promoting themselves as ‘commercial free’. It comes to us from the late radio pioneer Gordon McLendon. Mclendon made KLIF in Dallas one of America’s first “Top 40” stations. It was fast-paced and polished with a heavy dose of local news and on-air personality. Gee, that sounds like either CJCH or CHNS in the 1970's. Gordon's broadcasting credo. “You can have the greatest sales staff and signal in the world and it doesn't mean a thing if you don't have something great to put on the air. Always keep your eyes on your programming first and your station’s advertising sales will take care of itself.” On that note, a quick note to young on-air jocks… ALWAYS credit the source. Years ago I was taught that if you used someone’s words on-air from your own town, that it was stealing…. but if it was from another province or state that it was research. Not so today in 2009. The other side of the planet is only a mouse click away. Always give credit when those words you’re speaking aren’t your own.

Finally, some exciting news that I hope to be able to tell you about in the weeks ahead. MediaVoice recently completed our first extensive design of an online Radio Studio. Ok, so that in itself may not be earth shattering news however what's really worth noting is 'who' approached us to do it. Let's just say it will be a great Maritime news story and I suspect even a national story when it happens. Coincidentally, the phone call immediately followed my previous Blog #3. Scroll down and read the 2nd section and you'll realize why I wasn't totally surprised when I got the call. I have to admit however that even my eyebrows twitched a bit with wonderment when I realized who is planning this innovative business venture.

As always I welcome your comments and thanks for reading.

Dave ‘0db’ Bannerman

MediaVoice BLOG #3

This week, the other Black Crows, iPads and Fearless Fred. Ok, so my first quick story isn’t about Multi-media but it is of major importance. Well, it is if you live near crows. We do and crows can be a major pain. Stay with me… there’s a multi-media connection to this. This summer I built a big swing-playground set without plans and it’s actually quite a monument. It’s been so popular that about 5 crows make a point to land on it daily and drop their crap everywhere. Twice in the past month, I’ve had to ascend to the upper platform with a pressure washer and that was enough, the crows had to go. I searched the internet to no avail to find any real solution for deterring crows from landing, except for $495, I can install a Sonic Boom Cannon. However I doubt my neighbours would appreciate that. I did read they tend to avoid things that reflect like shiny ribbons but try finding shiny ribbons that will last more than a week in our strong winds. So, I started thinking and here’s my Multimedia solution. So far it’s worked beautifully, CD’s. CD’s are becoming obsolete and I’ve already transferred my entire library to hard drive. Want to get rid of Crows ? Take a CD, drill a small hole near the edge, then using 30 lb fishing line, tie the CD where it can swing freely in the wind. Yes, it works! The crows haven’t touched down anywhere near them..and I have to admit, the sight of spinning discs dancing on the wind looks pretty cool too. It’s been 2 weeks and not one crow has landed anywhere near Joy’s Play-Set.

I’ve never hidden the fact that Radio is undergoing some incredible transformations but the newest paradigm shift that’s clearly now in sight is going to leave many way behind the pack if it’s not brainstormed, welcomed and embraced at the earliest point. This afternoon in the midst of 30 degree muggy sunny skies I found myself outside in the backyard doing yard work while at the same time listening to an internet based radio station. No power cords, totally mobile and the fidelity near CD quality. I recently started using a WIFI powered iPod Touch and I have to admit, this device is totally cool. It continues to amaze me at how subtle the long armed reach of Apple has permeated our lives. It’s actually a bit scary when you think about it. Only because they have done it so quietly and effortlessly by studying the market, watching others fail and then stepping up to the plate with a media solution that generally grand slams the ball right out of the park. What’s next as the iTunes juggernaut continues to advance…. I’m guessing it will be the Apple iPad. Bigger than an iTouch, smaller than a notebook and capable of storing all your favorite books, websites, Audio and Video content. Just imagine, every College or High School textbook downloadable from iTunes on your very own iPad. So what does this have to do with Radio? Think about it. The iPad has all the makings of far surpassing the popularity of both the iPod and the iPhone and it has the potential of becoming THE main mobile portal for entertainment and information. If you’re not online and that means supplying a whole lot MORE than simply a streaming audio feed…you’re going to be left behind. Watch and listen as the American consultants begin singing this chorus. This advice right now is free. It’s coming and you can count on it. Online multimedia and online LOCAL content will be king..and Radio needs to step up fast (as Bill Spurr-Dog always used to say) in a HUGE way. Not later... but sooner. Don't get me wrong, I love radio... and that's exactly why Managers and Programmers within the industry need to brainstorm, research and move on this immediately. Up until only a few years ago, and for too many years, Radio has largely ignored the internet. Big Mistake....Huge! To remain a spectator with basically just an 'Audio Stream' is simply not an option.

Finally this week, I‘d like to send sincere congratulations to NSCC RTA Alumni, a good ol' Valley boy and Horton High School graduate 'Fearless' Fred Kennedy. Fred began hosting the Drive Show on one of Canada's most powerful and influential Radio stations this week at the EDGE in Toronto. You did it. And Fred you deserve all the credit. To think it all started in the B wing at Kingstec and as a Radio intern at what was then CIGO, now Bob MacEachern's HAWK 101-5 in Port Hawkesbury. Way to go Fred. You told everyone you would do this many years ago.. and you did ! Oh and you have to check out this Radio Promo video, here is Fred doing what he does best arriving in TO. It's Klassic Kennedy !

I welcome your comments...and as always, thanks for reading.

David '0db' Bannerman

MediaVoice BLOG #2

Hey….. great weather the past few days. I read recently in the paper how the pacific weather pattern El Nino is again all aflutter this year and how the Maritimes may be in for a mild winter. Peter Coade also said so on the NEWS at SIX last week and if Peter says it’s true, who am I to argue….bring it on. I have to admit, I hate winter and last year was the worst. To top it off my 8HP snowblower would run for about 40 seconds before it kept flooding out so it sat in the garage, nice and warm…. all winter long. Why can’t we have Victoria BC weather here in the Maritimes? As Marge Simpson would say it’s "dang depressing" even thinking about it.

I ran into Kim Kierans this week from Kings College’s S of J and for those of you who don’t know Kim... she is wickedly intelligent about all things journalism and probably one of the nicest ladies I know. I think I also admire her as much as I do because she always reminds me of my sister. When we get together which unfortunately seems to only be a few times per year, we always end up talking Radio and invariably the topic of Local Radio News usually reaches a feverish pitch. I think if Kim Kierans or Yvonne Colbert were ever appointed to the CRTC, Canada would see Radio News return to it’s rightful place within our FM media fabric overnight. Ok, well at least they'd try. Anyway our conversation reminded me of a recent American quote on local Radio News showing evidence of a rebound again. “Local News on Radio may be the next Home run just waiting to be grand-slammed out of the Park”. Great quote.

Is it just me ?....how long before people realize that a Radio Show broadcast on TV isn't a Radio Show. I’ve noticed XM Radio is really promoting their new YouTube channel. The second a TV camera is placed inside a Radio studio…newsflash !!!… no longer a Radio Show. It’s a TV Show with people wearing headphones and usually dressed like ..well.. like they didn’t plan on being on TV that day. Funny thing too…can you name a radio show that actually has good TV ratings …my point exactly. Even Howard Stern realized this fact long ago. Radio is Magic and Radio is Mystery and there’s really no need to ruin that mystique for your listeners. People listen to radio for one or more of three main reasons… 1) companionship within a conversation, 2) for music that makes us feel good or 3) to feel secure knowing that if something happens or is happening right now that we'll be in the loop and amongst the first to know. Yes I know... it really isn't Rocket Science.

Finally, back in 2007, we started looking at future trending in the College's Radio program and I remember one discussion about the impending arrival of WIFI in cars. At the time, a few people thought it was a strange topic to discuss in a radio class. Well, keep your eyes and ears open.. there is more data coming down the pipe. Just to be clear, this is my own opinion, but 'Wifi' is the next paradigm shift for Radio and it is approaching fast.... Here was just one indicator and even this story is now a year old. More on this in the weeks ahead.

I welcome your thoughts and comments and thanks for reading MediaVoice Blog #2

Dave ‘0db’ Bannerman

MediaVoice BLOG #1

It was last night that I actually wrote my first MediaVoice blog for this site…only to find that my page had timed out in the interim and my first complete blog went POOF, disappearing into cyberspace. (My webmaster laughed at me from his Blackberry) Don’t you love multimedia ? You see, even with all the technology, you’re going to goof up. With me, I don’t mind… as long as I only make that mistake once.

When I mentioned to a few that I was going to attempt to start a blog, I was asked, “So…what are you going to write about…the evils of Voice-Tracking ?” Lol…well….first of all, I’ll bring you some MediaVoice news and events. And no I don’t mean from a Sales perspective either. Vince won’t be making any appearance here, at least for now. I’ll keep you up to date on some of the cool things we are working on and what we’re learning along the way. I’ll also try to feature hilites on some cool new software programs and of course some neat website’s too. Trying to navigate all the new bells and whistles that debut each week is practically a full time job. I hope you’ll find some of the tips and new product stories will have both some educational and ‘wow’ factor. I think it’s what I enjoy the most about Multimedia.

Finally, yes, a MediaVoice Blog wouldn’t be complete without some observations about the changing world of Radio.

When I was very young, Dad and I used to fight over the station he would play in his big Oldsmobile every day and I would always lose. He was a diehard old CFDR fan and as a teen, I couldn’t listen to it for 5 minutes without wanting to open the car door on Thistle Hill traffic to ‘duck and roll’. Anyway, there was one thing I always remembered. Each afternoon when I would occasionally hear Arnie Patterson read his signature 5PM CFDR newscast, he’d always end the news by saying… “and I’ll be back in a few moments with a few comments”. Those comments rarely had any news value but they were one of the first things I think I noticed that fueled my love for Radio. Arnie’s comments would detail earth shattering stories like… where he had lunch that day, who he ran into on the street and my favorite…who shot the great golf game that day at Brightwood. A lot of name-dropping. No world news, rarely editorial rantings on the Ottawa politics of the day.. just some friendly neighbourhood stories from the City of Lakes. (Don't get me started on Amalgamation) And so I hope it will go with this Blog. There are many people in the industry that deserve more recognition than they receive and along with industry trends and product developments, we’ll try to hilite some cool Radio stories.. with …as Arnie used to say, a few comments. Oh by the way, that Dartmouth Station, CFDR, the one I hated as a teen… turned out to be the station that later hired me for my very first Graveyard shift on the AM band. Can you believe it? I think I was 21 years old, I owned every Deep Purple and Uriah Heep Album and my first Radio show was called ...uh... Starlight Serenade.

So excuse me for just a moment as I pause… ….as CFDR (KIXX) succumbed to dead air last week and ended what used to be the grand era of AM Radio in Halifax and Dartmouth. And thanks to a couple of real pros Frank Lowe and Country Bob for shutting off the lights in style.

I welcome your thoughts and comments and thanks for reading MediaVoice Blog #1

Dave ‘0db’ Bannerman