by Kristina Rawlings (author of record) Operators are (usually) volunteer staff people responsible for Trent Radio and its programming. While here, we act as Programme Director and General Manager in the absence of these worthies. Since they don't work evenings or weekends (everyone needs a life) this time must be covered by someone vested with that responsibility and authority. Even if they happen to be in the building during your shift, your position remains unchanged. You must arbitrate in the best interests of, and according to the policies of Trent Radio. Operators are experienced Programmers who are chosen for their proven ability and trustworthiness. These are the basic responsibilities of our position: Programming - there are two vital aspects tied for first place in importance; one is monitoring what goes on air, the other is ensuring something is there to be monitored. The first is accomplished through the use of Logger Tapes. These must be in place and recording all aired programming. Their importance cannot be stressed enough. Without them, the CRTC (Canadian Radio and Telecommunications Commission) may revoke or refuse to renew our broadcasting license. This would be a very bad and awkward thing. Best case scenario means a trip to the CRTC for apologies. Each tape can record 8 hours so there are three tapes set aside for each day of the month. This means there a total of 93 tapes or 3 tapes for each day x 31 days. The labels on the tape indicate the day of the month and the time period they are to be used. For example, a tape labelled "12.1" means that it is to be used on the 12th day of the month in the first time period - the tape labelled "27.3" for the third period. The time periods are eight hours each and as follows;
Time period #1 #2 #3
We must ensure continuity in programming (to get to the second aspect), which means we make sure something is on-air during scheduled programming time. The first rule of radio is "Show Up". Programmers have been known to neglect showing up for their time. We must be prepared to perform impromptu shows (if we desire) or plop a pre-recorded tape in to play. Make a note for the Program Director of any no-shows in the log book. Some Programmes are customarily pre- recorded, so make sure the tape is there so you can air them when they are scheduled. Also, you should keep one ear cocked towards the radio (which should be playing at all times) to do your own private monitoring of the programmes. Are levels too low/high? (If Programmers are wearing headphone this problem should be reduced and must do so by law.) Do Programmers sound like they're having problems? Do you hear anything at all? Programmers - Who are they, and what shows do they produce? Get to know them. Listen to their programmes for the non-tech stuff. Feedback (of the non-technical kind) makes a huge difference for Programmers. Knowing one is not operating in a vacuum is comforting and builds a sense of community. Constructive criticism, when done with respect, can be valuable. Most Programmers want comments on how they're doing and need someone to bounce ideas off. We provide moral, critical, and technical support. This is what Trent Radio is all about - this is the partnership between the Programmer and us. Authority - Programmers and other occupants of the house are obliged to take direction from the Operator. Drug or alcohol use (except for coffee or cigarettes) is not allowed on the premises, and Operators are obliged to enforce this rule. (l.h.'s note: broadcasting while intoxicated usually makes for boring programming.) If Programmers are acting irresponsibly in the studio, or anywhere else in the building, they should be warned, and if necessary, asked to leave. Remember, we must make decisions in the best interests of Trent Radio. Violence and/or assholes shall not be tolerated. Most conflicts or concerns should be resolved after a Programmer is finished their programme. Most, that is. If a Programmer is spewing out nasty, hateful words they should be stopped. Go in and talk with them as soon as the microphones are off. Try calm, collected conversation. Disagreement or opinion-voicing is one thing, propagating intolerance and hate is quite another. Remember basic Trent Radio tenets. And Think before you intervene. This will have to be reported; what was your rationale, how best to act, etc.? Also, Don't give out Programmers' phone numbers to strangers. If the caller is insistent, ask for their number and call the Programmer yourself to give them the caller's number. (john muir's note: with these responsibilities and the authority to carry them out, Operators should remember that making radio is a creative act and Programmers may exhibit a florid artistic temperament - or even temper.) (kristina's note: nobody is allowed to jump on your head without good reason.) Security - non-members are not allowed in the house after office hours. However, tours can be given, at your discretion. Use your head. Any guests the Programmer brings in are, of course, welcome, IF they are part of the programme. Any in-studio fan club the Programmer is entertaining should be dissuaded. Trent Radio has an alarm system. Learn how to set and disarm it. (Another lisa howard note: if for any reason you are in a situation where someone is threatening you while in the building, you may set the alarm and activate it by moving across the beam in the hallway. If the alarm doesn't scare the person, the Trent Security showing up may. Trent Radio's alarm system is only good for a few things. This is one of them.) Also, do not hesitate to call 9-1-1 from anywhere in the building, and use the spy hole in the door to check out who you might be letting in before you open the door. As the building, equipment, security and such is the General Manager's bailiwick, report any concerns to him/her. Try as best you can to fix things, and write it up in the log. Hardware - Make a note of what is needed, what is missing, what has finally decided to give up the ghost. There should be some spare items in the Operator's room, e.g. turntable styli, music sheets, light bulbs, etc. Part of the tech end of the job. Telephone - Get to know your Programmers and judge as to whether intercepting phone calls during there show would help keep things on a more even keel. It can be very disruptive for the Programmer if all their friends try calling while they are on. Refer all phone calls regarding music tracking to Jean Reno's email, and take messages in the messages book. Things to do when beginning: 5pm - Check that the the automatic exterior lights (Porch and George Street) are on, and make a note in the Operators' Book if they are burned out. - Check on the logger tape. Remember: date and time period. Do quick rewind and playback to make sure its recording properly, and then set it back to record - make sure all is well. - Is the yellow Transmitter button pushed in? Is the red "Off Air" monitor button pushed down? Are we, in fact, on air? It is heartbreaking to programme, only to find out you really were talking only to yourself (the usual paranoia of radio folks) - Find list of programmes for the night. Is the first Programmer here yet? Who won't be? Any pre-taped shows to be set up? Any sponsorships to be run? If you want to be really nice, pre-cue promos for the Programmer. - Check the Programme Log for instructions from our beloved Programme Director. This may direct how we will spend our time tonight. - Turn the kitchen radio on, if it isn't already. Start listening. - Take a gander in on Studio B. People usually book time for its use. Is the person who's there supposed to be? They take precedent over any person who didn't book it, since they had the foresight to do so. Things to do when finished: 10pm - Tidy up. Has the last Programmer cleaned their mess? This includes putting recordings back in the correct order on the shelves in the archive room. - Put in the next logger tape and rewind the old one in the rewinder. - Do a brief write-up in the Operator's log of any events (or the lack thereof). Include the names of Programmers who decided not to show up for their programme, all equipment problems, comments, etc. This log is a great way for everyone to maintain contact, air concerns, venture comments. It's a communication between Operators, Programme Director, General Manager, and whomsoever else may read it. Keeping in tune.. - Leave lights on in the Archive, Hall, Studio B, and the Kitchen, so that it can be seen if the building is occupied if the alarm goes off. Make sure all doors are shut and locked, especially the front (George St.) door (as it is prone to not being shut properly - slam it to be sure) and the office door. If you are closing down the house, the Programmers gone to bed (visions of sugared tones dancing in their heads) remember to set the alarm. Then get the hell out of here and Go Home. Get some rest. Take in some amusements. Whatever.. Why do we want to do this?? Perhaps we need our heads examined. No, no, that's not it (at least, not entirely). It's an interesting way to widen our range of acquaintances as well as our experiences. It's a way of putting something back into the community from which we draw. It's a means of furthering, aiding and abetting creative and socially responsible actions. And it's a good way to become familiar with the workings of an organization, specifically Trent Radio. And then there's this thing...
... this passion for radio ... Produced 16 Dec 94 Amended 11 Jul 97 28 Sep 01 [end]