Site Engineer/Program Director
FCC License: KA0JHK
At KGNU Community Radio I was able to fill the unique, combined role of Page Engineer & Program Director.
In this leadership position responsible for both the technical integrity of our broadcast signal and
the creative vision of the on-air programming.
I acted as an advocate for independent media and possessed a blend of technical expertise and a
strong sense of community-focused content curation. I was responsible for ensuring KGNU’s
broadcast was reliable and high-quality while also guiding the volunteer programmers to create
content that fulfilled the mission to educate, entertain, and serve as a platform for
underrepresented voices and music.
Engineering Responsibilities:
- Maintain Broadcast Systems: Oversee the maintenance, repair, and installation of all broadcast equipment, including studio consoles, microphones, transmitters, antennas, and remote broadcast gear.
- Ensure FCC Compliance: Serve as the station's Chief Operator, ensuring full compliance with all FCC technical regulations, maintaining station logs, and performing required EAS tests.
- Manage IT Infrastructure: Supervise the health and performance of station computers, servers, networking equipment, and the audio automation system.
- Troubleshoot & Repair: Provide timely and effective troubleshooting for any technical issues that arise, minimizing off-air time and resolving equipment failures.
- Strategic Technical Planning: Research, propose, and implement technology upgrades to improve broadcast quality and station capabilities.
Programming Responsibilities:
- Program Curation & Scheduling: Develop, manage, and oversee the weekly on-air program schedule, ensuring a diverse and engaging mix of music, news, and public affairs programming.
- Volunteer Management: Recruit, train, and provide ongoing support and mentorship to KGNU’s large and diverse team of volunteer programmers.
- Content & Mission Alignment: Ensure all on-air content reflects KGNU’s core mission of diversity, inclusiveness, and providing a platform for overlooked perspectives.
- Quality Control: Monitor on-air sound and programming to ensure a high standard of quality and professionalism.
- Community Engagement: Act as a liaison between the station and the community, actively seeking out new programming ideas and talent that reflect the diversity of our listenership.
