Monday Morning Coffee and Technical Notes

August 17, 2026 View as Webpage

ABA Engineering Academy Update!

Due to seating restrictions, we have reached the maximum number of students for the Radio Engineering Class, scheduled for the week of September 28^th.

We will be posting the dates for classes for 2027 soon. We are encouraged in the large number of engineers interested in continuing their education by attending our Engineering classes.

There are still seats available for our television class scheduled for the week of October 26^th. You can sign up for the TV class here.

EAS Unit Password Upgrade

We have been encouraged by the large number of stations in Alabama that have upgraded the passwords in their EAS equipment.

Broadcasters must comply with the new FCC rule change by September 29, 2026. By then, they should have completed the three-step plan to strengthen security for any internet-connected part of the program chain, including EAS, automation systems, processors, STL, RDS encoders, and transmitters.



The three-step plan requires broadcasters to use strong, dedicated passwords of at least 15 characters with no dictionary words; install the latest security updates on all internet-connected hardware and software in the program chain; and place all program-chain access behind a properly configured firewall.

Take Advantage of the Alternative Broadcast Inspection Program (ABIP)

Each State Broadcasters Association with the approval of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) offers stations in their state the opportunity to have their operation inspected by an FCC approved engineer. This confidential inspection helps stations rest assured that they are operating in accordance with all FCC Rules and their station license.

Once the inspector approves the operation a Certificate of Compliance will be issued for a three year period. If any issue is discovered, the station will be given a period time to address the issue, after which the Certificated will be issued.



For more information about the ABIP join us for our next engineering webinar covered in the article below. 

ABA 80^th Anniversary Tour

The Alabama Broadcasters Association is celebrating 80 years of service to Alabama Radio and Television stations. As a “thank you” for all the support the ABA is hosting a number of receptions around the state.

These receptions are open to all broadcasters, civic leaders and anyone interested in learning more about the ABA.

Make your plans to join us at the next reception in Tuscaloosa on Wednesday August 26^th. 

It will be held at the University Club from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Click here for more information

August Engineering Webinar

The monthly engineering webinar is scheduled for Tuesday August 18^th starting at 10:00 AM central.

This month’s program will feature an overview of the Alternative Broadcast Inspection Program (ABIP). This program is a joint project between the State Broadcasters Associations and the FCC.

An approved engineer will visit your station and review all required current FCC Rules and Regulations. Once the inspector is completed the station will be issued a Certification of Compliance. Should any issues need to be addressed, the station will be given a period of time to correct the issue after which the certificate will be issued.

The ABIP will give the engineer and manager peace of mind that their operation is in complete compliance with all current FCC regulations.



Make sure you to mark your calendars to join in for this most important program. Click here to register.

Pro Audio – Quality Should be #1

Whether you mix audio for live events or in the studio, quality should be the top priority. Some may argue that a mix should first be exciting and powerful, but if the sound quality is poor, listeners will tune out no matter how strong the mix feels.

Creating a quality mix begins with understanding the artist’s or producer’s goals. Work with the producer to identify the mix’s key elements, and take detailed notes throughout the process.

Most mixes have a lead element, such as a vocal or instrument, that should remain the focus throughout the process. The other elements play supporting roles and should complement the lead without getting in its way.

Earl...I thought you said you changed all the air filters