|
Reminders
|
If you would like to become a member of Portsmouth Community Radio or perhaps renew your membership, you can easily do so online here.
Underwriters are very important to Portsmouth Community Radio. If you own a business or know someone who does, and you think there is interest in becoming an underwriter, please contact underwrite@wscafm.org.
|
Thank You to Our Underwriters and Supporters
|
Portsmouth Community Radio's Board of Trustees | |
Ann Bailey
Bob Halperin
Shawn Henderson
Rick Pickford
|
|
Contact Us
| Portsmouth Community Radio
909 Islington Street
Suite 1
Portsmouth, NH 03802
603-430-9722
tidings@wscafm.org
|
|
|
May 29, 2014
Do you know "OTIS?" This month's Programming Corner describes just how OTIS fits into our broadcast family. In-studio guests don't let up just because it is summertime, so check out the many dates featuring all sorts of special guests in June. Another Technical Corner update, a creative way to donate to WSCA and more, are also found in this month's issue. We always enjoy hearing from you, so please email tidings@wscafm.org with any comments, questions, or to just say hello.
Sit back and listen in ... 106.1 FM.
|
This month Programming Director Rick Dirck describes how WSCA uses the current automated music system, affectionately known as "OTIS." The nickname is derived from the manufacturer's name, OTS Labs, and uses the OTS media file extension for converting and storing audio files.
Right from the start in 2004, WSCA founders wanted to ensure content was being broadcast 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. After exploring many options, they purchased the Swedish-made OTS Labs system. This software-based DJ system has been running continually for almost ten years and continues to provide listeners with great content.
We have used OTIS in many creative ways--bringing listeners obscure content that was missing from our local specialty shows, presenting programing from other affiliate stations and even as an audio backup for our genre-based local shows when the regular host is unable to get to the studio. Currently OTIS is being used to introduce listeners to new music and new artists.
At WSCA we are committed to being the place where listeners can hear new music as soon as it is released. And we have strengthened our support for new and local artists by making sure their music is represented in our automated system.
In response to suggestions from our listening audience, Otis now plays new contemporary music of the independent/alternative genre, as well as some older rock favorites. Specialty genres such as jazz, folk, hip-hop, and metal are left to our many locally-produced shows to explore and broadcast. The playlists programmed into Otis represent songs that are accessible to the widest possible audience. We want people to hear a song that grabs their attention, causing them to explore other releases from said artist. We purposely avoid placing songs in automation that DJs are likely to play on their own shows.
With almost 50% of our broadcast time consisting of automated music, we strive to present music with positive, upbeat tempos. We are sure that these OTIS selections are not for everybody ... but if you are not hearing the kinds of songs you desire, we encourage you to check out WSCA's great local specialty shows. And in the end, if you are still not finding what you love on our airwaves and you have the inclination, please come to the station, become a member, sign up for our free training and present your own show idea. Who knows, maybe yours will be the next great local show to be launched at WSCA! |
|
True Tales Radio - June 24, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
|
John Lovering's True Tales Radio program is next scheduled for June 24, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The theme is "Pets and Pests (Non-Human and Human)" and there are just a couple of slots left. If you have a true story that fits with this theme, email truetales@wscafm.org for more information. Don't wait! Sign-ups end on June 17 at noon.
 If you'd like to be part of our in-studio audience, 35 free seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Audience members should arrive no later than 6:15 p.m., as the storytelling begins at 6:30.
For more information about being a storyteller for True Tales Radio, please call 603-842-4574 or email truetales@wscafm.org.
Upcoming themes:
July 29: Vacations
August 26: Starting School
September 30: Falling--Not Leaf-Peeping, but rather Falling Down/Falling Over Someone or Something
Oct. 28: The Masks We Wear--Scaring and Being Scared
Nov. 25: Gratitude
Dec. 30: Endings
Any business, non-profit or individual interested in supporting True Tales Radio should write to underwrite@wscafm.org.
|
|
By Steve Diamond, WSCA Systems Administrator
The past month has seen several exciting technical developments for the station, largely related to the ongoing renovations of our studio space and the upcoming transition to our broadcast antenna having a much better location.
The lobby computer has been tweaked for speed and now supports "Spotify" playlist creation. Our flatbed scanner has a higher default resolution and is installed on a rolling cart.
Rackspace consolidation to the back hallway has begun, with much more to come. I'll be working on audio wiring adjustments next, including re-installing the repaired remote broadcast codec. There will be a bit of a mess for a while during this transition, but when complete folks will see a significant improvement, both in physical organization and technical capability.
For the first time, we've received a significant donation of fairly modern server computers, along with a bunch of UPS's (power backup units). One UPS has already been installed for the lobby computer, with its alarm almost entirely muted to avoid disruptions. Extensive power backup is planned both for Control Room-A, and at the new antenna site. These new servers will extend our digital library capabilities and possibly serve as the foundation for our planned automated DJ upgrade in the coming months. Stay tuned!
|
| You Can Donate Through AmazonSmile.com Purchases |
Help Support Portsmouth Community Radio While Shopping At AmazonSmile!
Amazon has a corporate philanthropy program called AmazonSmile, enabling shoppers to direct 0.5% of their total purchase toward one charitable organization of their choice. Amazon will donate the money on behalf of its customers. There is no cap on the donation amount. 
Any 501C3 Non-Profit Organization is eligible. We are listed as the Seacoast Arts and Cultural Alliance (Portsmouth Community Radio's 501C3 Organization). If you shop there anyway, why not make your purchase count?
The program is only available to shoppers who visit Amazon via the website smile.amazon.com and not the normal Amazon.com homepage. Shopping is identical to the regular homepage with the exception that 0.5% of your purchase price goes to the charity you select.
This is a fantastic way to help us--the Seacoast Arts and Cultural Alliance (Portsmouth Community Radio)--by signing up at smile.amazon.com. If you are shopping on Amazon anyway, please consider purchasing via the AmazonSmile address in order to maximize your support of local community radio. And, thank you!
|
June Guests Abound ... Check Out These Shows ...
|
Seacoast Currents, Thursdays, 8:00 to 10:00 a.m., hosted by Kathy Somssich and Larry Drake. Upcoming guests include:
June 5: Amy Pollard will introduce us to the local Slow Food movement, and Lisa Kaplan Howe, Policy Director of NH Voices for Health, will assess the Affordable Care Act in the Granite State.
June 12: Stu Levenson and Phil Pettis will discuss their work to support Portsmouth's public schools with their Clipper Foundation, and local blogger William Tucker (miscellanyblue.com) will update us on the latest in NH politics.
June 19: Jeff McLean, a leader in the NH Rebellion, will inform us about their July 5 Seacoast walk for campaign finance reform.
June 26: Carl and Anne Gabel will look back at the key civil rights laws of the 1960's and their role as lawyers in enforcing them, and Portsmouth Assistant Mayor Jim Splaine will discuss the latest goings on with the City Council. ------------------------------------------------
|
Consciousness Rising, Sundays, 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., hosted by Peggy Brewster. Upcoming guests include:
June 1: William BlueOtter Anderson of Prophesy Keepers radio
June 8: Jay Weidner, renowned author, filmmaker, hermetic scholar and programming director for Gaiam TV. He has a new feature film just out called Shasta.
June 15: Nancy Talbott of BLT Research and Robbert van de Brock, on crop circles in the Netherlands.
June 22:
Alaya Chadwick and Rev. Chris Antal discuss the Soldier's Heart Workshops, Restoring Soul and Society from War.
June 29: Zaccial Blackburn, director of The Center of Light Institute of Sound Healing and Shamanic Studies of Vermont.
------------------------------------------------
The Groove, Saturdays, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., hosted by Darryl.
June 7 - Steve Wourtiotis and Sam Southworth--spokesmen for The Bobcat Bolt, to be held on June 21. This annual 5K race hosted by the Oyster River Alumni Association starts at 9 a.m. The fun run starts at 10 a.m.
The race is held annually in memory of Josh and Nate Hardy and benefits scholarships and grants for students attending the Oyster River Cooperative School District. For more information or if you want to run, go to: bobcatbolt.com.
The News, Fridays at 8:00 a.m., hosted by Charlie Griffin.
Starting June 6 and continuing every Friday throughout the summer, Charlie Griffin will interview members of the Seacoast Mavericks baseball team as part of his Friday 8:00 a.m. newscast.
The Seacoast Mavericks are members of the Futures Collegiate Baseball League, a ten-team league comprised of teams in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Connecticut, whose purpose is to provide student athletes from New England Colleges the opportunity to compete against and play with elite players from across the country and to promote them to major league baseball organizations.
The Mavericks play a 56-game schedule and play their home games at Leary Field in Portsmouth.
If you love baseball you won't want to miss this chance to "Meet the Mavericks."
|
------------------------------------------------
Audio Theatre, Tuesday, June 3 at 6:30 p.m, hosted by John Lovering.
John welcomes Jon Nash, Deborah Charbonnier and Justin Bailey to Audio Theater as they perform "The Murder of Tom Keeler" in front of a live studio audience. Join in the fun of a live recreation of this 1951 murder mystery. The actors play multiple roles while creating many of the sound effects. It is sure to be a fun performance!
This project is directed by Jean Proulx as part of her Kittery Adult Education class on Audio Theatre Production, in collaboration with Kittery Adult Education. It is free to attend.
|
Scurvy Dog Radio Has Attitude!
|
 Do you like music with an attitude? Do you enjoy discovering music--both old and new--that you'll never find on commercial radio stations? Then be sure to tune in each Saturday afternoon from 4:00 to 6:00 for a mix of local, indie and alternative music programming on Scurvy Dog Radio.
|
WSCA Is Always Seeking Volunteers
|
|
There are a myriad of ongoing volunteer opportunities at the station. What are your interests? How might your skills fit in?
Consider the ways in which you might help support the work of Portsmouth Community Radio, while making new friends along the way.
We welcome you to contact us to find out more. Applications, resumes and inquiries may be sent via email to: volunteer@wscafm.org
|
|
Call 603-430-9722 and become a member or renew your membership. Visit our website and make a donation! And be sure to have your radio tuned to 106.1 FM.
Take a look at the videos on our website to learn why Portsmouth Community Radio is your community connection.
|
|
|
