More Than A Mr. Microphone

When I was a kid back in the 80's I really wanted to be a radio DJ!  So much in fact that in my room I had a "fake" radio station set up.  One turntable and cassette player booming into what they called a "Mr. Microphone" which in turn you could pick up the audio from on any FM tuner.  At one point I actually boosted it's signal strength too!  (Shhhh, don't tell the FCC.)  I did it by splicing speaker wire onto it's antenna thus making it so the thing could broadcast all the way up my street.

If I was the same age I was back then now, holy crap would I'd be in hog heaven!  That's because anybody with just a little bit of know how and a couple pieces of basic technology can broadcast on the internet to a potential audience of MILLIONS.  You can either stream a live show or do what they call a podcast.

Now, I could talk forever on this particular subject, giving you step by step instructions on exactly how to do it but that's really not the subject of this blog.  The point I'm trying to make is how incredible the times are that we're living in.  I mean think about it, any average ordinary person can now become a radio or even television broadcaster just by going online.  Even easier, become a journalist or photographer by starting a blog!  

Some argue that too many people have already done what I've just explained and that this "new media" has caused irreversible damage to "old school" traditional outlets, such as television networks, newspapers and the sector I'm in, radio.  I say, bring it on!  In the long run competition is good for business and will or has forced us to step up our game and become because of it.

So, if you're that 10 year old, in your bedroom dreaming of being the next radio/Internet star, the go for it!  Just consider yourself lucky that you have more than a "Mr. Microphone" to get you going.