As Aggieland’s Public Radio, we like to think that every day is radio day! But each year on Aug. 20, we can celebrate like that’s true, because for one day, it actually is. When you set your dial to 90.9 on your car radio, home stereo or listen live from your web browser, you give us the opportunity to do what we love: to bring our community together through local, regional and national public radio content.
To celebrate National Radio Day, we want to give you a behind-the-scenes look at the process of making a KAMU original radio show, highlighting every step a program takes to get from the studio to your ears.
Not familiar with some of our local FM programs? Visit our Local Shows, Series and Podcasts webpage to discover your new favorite. From unfamiliar campus jobs to politics and classic country tunes, we have something for whatever listening mood you’re in.
Getting Started
All of KAMU-FM’s original programs feature a local host. But some shows also include a new guest every episode! Programs like “The Heart of Art” with Hector Niño and “Brazos Matters” with Jay Socol require some preparation prior to showtime. These hosts conduct their own research into the topics listeners may be interested in. Once they find a good interview candidate to discuss the topic, they reach out and schedule a time for the interview. After all the logistics are worked out, it’s time for our favorite part… making the show!
5-4-3-2… and we’re live!
Here at KAMU, our FM studio hosts a wide variety of shows, including live and pre-recorded programs. But before every session, Radio Program Director Matt Dittman heads into the studio to check on all audio equipment. He does preliminary mic checks, makes sure the phone system is ready for any shows that involve listener call-ins (like “Garden Success“) and performs any other troubleshooting.
When it’s time for the show, Matt greets the host or guest and brings them into the FM studio. They perform another series of mic checks, and Matt makes sure the host is supplied with things like a pen and paper or water. He then sets the time clock and faces it in a direction that the host can see. Since each program has to fit in a certain time frame, this clock helps the host keep track of where they are at in the show while recording. When everything is ready, Matt hits record and it’s off to the races!
Throughout their time in the studio, Matt sits at the sound booth listening to the audio levels to make sure everyone sounds good for the whole show. He takes notes on important talking points that will help him write the episode description. He also checks in with the host, making sure they have plenty of water and are comfortable while recording. During a live show, Matt will also field any of the incoming calls from our listeners.
Once the show wraps up, Matt says goodbye to the host and heads back to his desk. He pulls up the recorded audio file on his computer and does some light editing. He’ll add in any music or introduction dialogue and triple checks that the audio sounds smooth and crisp. Once it is ready, Matt publishes the episode to our website and sends it to several streaming platforms so you can listen wherever you want!
Of all the special days our station celebrates every year, National Radio Day is one that is extra close to our hearts. It not only serves as a reminder of our love for radio but also allows us to thank YOU – our listeners – for your endless support. It is because of you that we can continue to bring this unique content to your headphones, stereos or computer speakers.
Please join us in celebrating this special day by tuning in to 90.9 KAMU-FM or listening to your favorite KAMU podcast on your preferred streaming platform. Or tell us why you love KAMU-FM! Visit this page to learn more about how you can show your appreciation by recording a personal statement that will air on our station.
