About.com Radio

Slacker Mobile App for iPhone, iPod Touch Released

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:00:02 +0000

Slacker recently released a new version of the Slacker Mobile application for iPhone, iPhone 3G, and iPod Touch. Slacker's application allows iPhone and iPod touch owners to create their own custom stations with all of their favorite artists and songs or listen to over 100 expert-programmed Slacker stations. (Photo Credit: � Slacker)

Here's what's new:
Expanded song library
Song lyrics for Radio Plus Subscribers
Visual and performance enhancements
Larger album art view
Recently played stations folder
Streamlined interface
Faster transitions from song to song

This free app can be gotten from the iTunes App Store or by going over to www.slacker.com, using the browser from an iPhone or iPod Touch.

There's More Out There: Getting the Radio You Want on Your iPhone, BlackBerry, iPod Touch

HD Radio to Help in Emergency Alert Services

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:16 +0000

HD Radio technology will be helping with defense of the Homeland. iBiquity Digital Corporation (developer of HD Radio) and Sage Alerting Systems are teamed up to develop emergency alert services using HD Radio.

According to iBiquity: "The companies seek to develop a combined technology platform that will enable broadcasters to offer emergency information to the general public, as well as to targeted populations, such as first responders, government agencies, or individuals with special needs or in specific geographic areas. The companies will utilize a broad range of devices with embedded HD Radio technology, including digital AM/FM radios, personal media devices and cell phones, as well as personal computers and other communication channels."

HD Radio improves the sound quality of AM and FM radio stations and also allows FM stations to offer new channels within existing frequencies through digital multicasting. Currently, 2000 stations are using HD technology.

More: HD Radio: What it is and What it is Not

Ian MacRae: Original Radio Caroline DJ Takes Issue with Movie's Portrayal of Pirate Radio

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:32 +0000

Ian MacRae worked on Radio Caroline during 1966 and 1967 when British offshore radio was at the height of its popularity. In a recent review of �The Boat that Rocked�, he took issue with how the movie portrayed this famous pirate broadcasting operation:

"While I�m able to accept a certain amount of poetic licence in a movie based on a true story, 'The Boat That Rocked' reflected very little reality in portraying the way things really were on board the �pirate� radio ships. Which is a shame because there were enough funny plus dramatic moments in those years to make a realistic but entertaining story. For example..." Read more. (Photo Credit: � Ian MacRae Radio School)

SIRIUS XM Radio Pay Tribute to Michael Jackson

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 03:18:50 +0000

Satellite Radio demonstrates its flexibility with special events like this: a commemoration of Michael Jackson's life with special programming across many of its music channels.

Subscribers can hear a live tribute to Michael Jackson hosted by '80s on 8 host Rick Stacy beginning this morning at 7:00 am until 12:00 pm ET.

SIRIUS XM�s '70s on 7 channel, SIRIUS and XM channel 7, will feature on-air personality Magic Matt Alan taking a special look at the life of Michael Jackson today beginning at 12:00 pm ET.

Former MTV VJs and SIRIUS XM hosts Alan Hunter and Nina Blackwood will host a Michael Jackson special on SIRIUS XM's '80s on 8 channel, SIRIUS and XM channel 8, tonight at 7:00 pm ET.

Other channels will dedicate time to Jackson music and discussion as well. For more information, visit www.sirius.com or www.xmradio.com

More: Michael Jackson: Radio Hitmaker, King of Pop - Dead

Michael Jackson: Radio Hitmaker, King of Pop - Dead

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 19:24:37 +0000

Radio hitmaker, Michael Jackson, has died. He was rushed to a Los Angeles hospital earlier today suffering from cardiac arrest. Jackson was 50.

Paramedics were called to his home at 12:26 p.m. and performed CPR on the performer who upon their arrival was not breathing. Jackson was rushed to UCLA Medical Center but could not be revived.

Jackson received 13 Grammy Awards during his career and according to Wikipedia, "...five of his solo studio albums have become some of the world's best-selling records: Off the Wall (1979), Thriller (1982), Bad (1987), Dangerous (1991) and HIStory (1995)."

Michael Jackson was tried on child molestation charges in 2005. At the time Radio programmers were faced with the task of deciding whether or not listeners would still want to hear his music. Innocent or guilty, with such a high profile trial, the court of public opinion can be tough on a performer. (More: The Michael Jackson Trial: Will Radio Be Afraid To Still Play His Hits?)

In 2003, Michael Jackson's single, "Once More Chance", was banned by BBC Radio 1 and 18 additional stations. News stories concerning Michael Jackson's alleged child molestation and subsequent arrest, split the BBC on whether the song should be played or not. (More: England's Radio 1 Bans Michael Jackson Single, 18 Other Stations Follow)

Rosie O'Donnell to Join SIRIUS XM Satellite Radio

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:58:40 +0000

Rosie Radio is coming this fall to SIRIUS XM Radio. The daily morning show will air from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET on SIRIUS Channel 102 and XM channel 155. (Photo Credit: � SIRIUS XM Radio)

In a press release, SIRIUS XM said "Rosie's extraordinary life, interests, and experiences will drive content for the show. On Rosie Radio she will tackle a variety of topics with honesty and humor."

Rosie Radio adds to a lineup of women's programming already featured on SIRIUS XM including Oprah Radio, Martha Stewart Living Radio, and Barbara Walters.

Maybe South Carolina Governor Should Have Confessed on Radio

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 19:46:55 +0000

With today's startling news that South Carolina's Governor, Mark Sanford, has been carrying on an extramarital affair - it's worth noting the Radio has often been a place for confessions. (Right: Tom Leykis Once Received a Murder Confession On-Air.)

Wikipedia notes Confessions was a popular BBC Radio 1 show in the early 1990s. Host Simon Mayo - or "Father Mayo" would respond to confessions written in by listeners. "The "confessions" were often humorous and sometimes a little lacking in taste or scruple," writes Wikipedia.

In November 2006, talk show host Tom Leykis received a murder confession on-air. Someone named "Sue" called into his program and confessed and bragged about murdering the father of her child.

In October 2004, ITV.com reported: "A hit-and-run driver who left a 16-year-old boy fighting for his life has apparently confessed on a radio phone-in show to mowing the teenager down. The mystery caller told the shocked talkSPORT radio presenter he later washed the boy's blood from the front of his car."

Sometimes, the anonymous aspect of calling in to a radio show is a powerful incentive for listeners who have secret burdens.

Former TV, Radio Personality Ed McMahon Dead

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:41:41 +0000

TMZ.com reports Ed McMahon has died. "According to KNBC, he died at Ronald Regan UCLA Medical Center in California this morning," writes TMZ.com.

Although best known as Johnny Carson's sidekick on The Tonight Show from 1962 to 1992, McMahon was also the host of a talent show called Star Search and co-host with Dick Clark on TV Bloopers And Practical Jokes.

McMahon's first broadcasting position was a radio job with WLLH-AM in Lowell, Massachusetts. He later worked at WCAU radio and TV in Philadelphia. According to broadcastpioneeers.com, "He was the announcer for The Ol' Night Owl, Powers Gouraud broadcast over WCAU Radio. He co-hosted Home Highlights with Jean Corbett of Action in the Afternoon fame."

Ed McMahon was 86.

History of Gay Music to Air on SIRIUS XM Radio

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:44 +0000

SIRIUS XM Radio will feature The History of Gay Music hosted by Larry Flick on on the service's OutQ channel. the OutQ channel is dedicated to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community. (Graphic Credit: � SIRIUS XM Radio)

The History of Gay Music begins today and runs through June 26 from 7:00 - 11:00 a.m. on The Morning Jolt with Larry Flick, heard on SIRIUS channel 109 and XM channel 98.

According to SIRIUS XM: "Flick will count down the pivotal moments and most influential gay figures of the past 50 years, exploring the history of gays in contemporary pop music."

For more information, visit www.sirius.com/outq or www.xmradio.com

Which Satellite Service Do I Want? Satellite Radio Merger Creates New Programming Options for Subscribers

Radio and TV Correspondents Lampooned by President Obama

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 18:50:02 +0000

The annual Radio and Television Correspondents' Association dinner was held last night and the jester-in-honor was President Barack Obama.

According to AP: "Featuring political and topical humor, the black-tie dinner at the Washington Convention Center was the group's 65th annual gathering of journalists, politicians and their guests."

You can view President Obama's humorous remarks to at YouTube: Part 1 and Part 2.

More: Obama Offers Weekly Radio Address Online