The Radio Station, Fifth Edition [Paperback]

MICHAEL C KEITH (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0240803884 | ISBN-13: 978-0240803883 | Publication Date: March 22, 2000 | Edition: 5

Ten years after its original publication, The Radio Station, now in its fifth edition, is considered the standard work on this audio medium. It remains a concise and candid guide to the internal workings of radio stations and the radio industry. A comprehensive blueprint, this book details the functions performed successfully within every well-run station. Not only will readers understand how each job is best performed, they will know how it meshes with those of the rest of the radio station staff. For readers uncertain of career goals, this book provides a solid foundation in who does what, when, and why.

The fifth edition updates and expands this classic text acclaimed by radio educators and practitioners from around the United States. New sections on radio and the Internet, AM stereo, cable and satellite radio, niche formats, mergers and consolidation, future prospects, and digital technology, as well as new illustrations, feature boxes and quotes from industry pros bring the reader into the present world of the radio station, providing insight into this ever-changing field.


Candid guide to the internal workings of radio stations
Completely updated to reflect current trends such as changes in ownership rules and the impact of the internet
The standard work on the subject of U.S. radio for both industry and academia

Editorial Reviews

Review

excellent illustrations

"After spending 20 years in radio, this is the best book I have ever come across on broadcasting. Unquestionably, this writer knows the business inside-out. A wonderful job!"
-John J. Pietro, Worcester State College

Book Description

The only text that provides students with an in-depth overview of the inner workings of a radio station. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Focal Press; 5 edition (March 22, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0240803884
• ISBN-13: 978-0240803883
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,980,894 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Michael C. Keith was born in Albany, New York. After serving in the Army, he spent a decade as a broadcaster and then became a college professor and eminent radio studies scholar. He has authored dozens of books, articles, and short stories. Among the former are a critically praised memoir (The Next Better Place), the most widely used text on radio (The Radio Station), a young adult novel (Life Is Falling Sideways), and two collections of stories (And Through the Trembling Air and Hoag's Object). His short stories have appeared in countless webzines and printed anthologies and have been nominated for the Pushcart Award and PEN/O.Henry Award.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A great guide to the inner workings of radio stations., November 6, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Radio Station, The, Fourth Edition (Paperback)

A concise and candid guide to the internal workings of radio stations and the industry. A comprehensive blueprint, this book details the functions performed successfully within well run radio stations.

This new edition updates and expands a classic text acclaimed by radio educators from around the world. New sections on radio and the Internet, AM stereo, cable and satellite radio, niche formats, mergers and more. Includes illustrations, feature boxes and quotes from industry pros.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Introduction to Radio, November 14, 2003

By 

Dr. W. G. Covington, Jr. (Edinboro, Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Radio Station, Fifth Edition (Paperback)

If you want to know what the radio industry is all about read this book. It is written by a veteran in the field who has published extensively on the subject, presented research at conferences, and worked in the radio business before entering academe. Dr. Keith knows the business.

He traces trends and provides historical perspective on how things came to be as they are. Station managers would find this to be a useful resource manual. There are all kinds of subjects covered that they would face on a daily basis.

I recommend this book. I've used it in teaching at the university level over the years. Student feedback has been positive.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Intro to the 'World' of Radio, February 23, 2006

By 

Todd Hawley (San Francisco CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Radio Station, Sixth Edition (Paperback)

As an former DJ, I've wondered about the state of radio in this day and age. Michael Keith has done an excellent job of capturing it with this book. Mr Keith does a great job of describing radio's history, from its humble beginnings to today's world of culture of deregulation and consolidation, as well as also describing all the various departments and jobs within a station. I wish there'd been a book like this around when I was an announcer.

There are chapters devoted to programming (and various formats), sales, news, and research (always important facets that folk don't always think about), promotion, commercial production, even one on engineering (let us never forget the job the sometimes underappreciated engineers perform).

If you want to get into radio broadcasting or (like me) have an interest in the field and where it's headed you need to get this book.