In the late 50's two young friends built and ran their own low power AM broadcast band radio station. The Voice of America doccumented this venture. This is that documentary. It's narrated by Bob McHone, a well-known and respected announcer/spokesman/narrator.
I talked to Jerry. He says there was actually no license and that the video was wrong. His answers to my questions were very short and he doesn't seem to like talking about it for some reason.
jerrysch 2 years ago
This was a carrier current station which uses the electrical wiring to transmit its signal. Therefore there is no antenna and only radios connected to that wiring area can receive their braodcast.
wb5oxq 2 years ago
I was unaware that you could get a license for a QRP (I was under the assumption that Part 15 required no licensing). Thank you for correcting me.
MrUnidyne 2 years ago
Excuse me MrUnidyne. The boys/station were licensed by the FCC (albeit maybe under their father's name & supervision). Today one can still obtain a broadcast license for QRP in the AM & FM broadcast bands. The "knock" only comes when you broadcast over 100mW without a license and or when rules of a license are disregarded.
siouxieblair 2 years ago
We don't see talent like that today because it is regulated away from sight.
dus777 3 years ago
5 Watts? It was quaint then, but today they'd have the FCC knocking on their door!
MrUnidyne 3 years ago
WOW!
Jerry & Bobby are 2 quite talented young men.
I wonder what they did in the future?
They seem like they have quite a head start on the world of broadcasting.
Too bad we don't see that kind of talent in young men these days. I guess I should speak for myself...I don't remember seeing anyone I can remember. Of course I'm jaded living in the concrete jungle of L.A..
radiorob1 3 years ago
Wow--I thought KWVR in Enterprise, OR was the tiniest radio station on the planet...until it was vastly expanded with new management in the early 1980's. The station had a studio, news center (complete w/noisy teletypewriter), production facility and transmitter/reception nook in a room about the size of a walk-in closet. They never needed a heater even in the dead of winter as the old Gates tube xmtr kept the place toasty warm.
mellotrongirl 4 years ago
Respect.
lewisldurham 4 years ago
This is the BEST thing I've seen on Youtube YET!!!
GO Jer!
G
scamommie 4 years ago