TWiRT 807 - Today's FM Radio Technology with William Harrison
Friday, July 3, 2026 at 12:43PM
William got his start in public radio in the 1990s at WAMU-FM, where computer work quickly expanded into audio and electronics. Since then, he’s worked with PBS, NPR, The Metropolitan Washington Ear, and a number of FM and TV broadcasters. He also chairs SBE Chapter 37 in D.C., serves on the Virginia SECC, sits on the board of the Association of Public Radio Engineers, and occasionally writes for Radio World.
In this episode, we talk about real-world FM engineering, including Capital Concerts fireworks show coordination, HD Radio timing and “ballgame” mode, receiver metadata behavior, liquid-cooled transmitters, HLS streaming for broadcast STL use, and dynamic range control in xHE-AAC.
Join us for a practical, wide-ranging conversation about broadcast engineering, public radio operations, and the listener experience on This Week in Radio Tech.
Show Notes:
Graphics for HD Radio Ballgame Mode
William likes the Fluke PRV240 Proving Unit
William recommends a radio panel-based comedy series, The Unbelievable Truth
Guest:
William Harrison - Chief Engineer at WETA-FM, Washington, DC
Host:
Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai Broadcasting
Follow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube.
TWiRT is brought to you by:
Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc.
Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.
Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.
Angry Audio and the new USB Phone Gizmo - Put VoIP callers on-the-air
The new MaxxKonnect RMT416 Multi Tuner - 4 to 16 AM/FM/WB/HD web-connected tuners in 1 RU
Subscribe to Audio:
iTunes
RSS
Stitcher
TuneIn
Subscribe to Video:
iTunes
RSS
YouTube
TWiRT 807 - Today's FM Radio Technology with William Harrison
