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The Midwest Regional Broadcasters Clinic is just around the corner, and I couldn’t be more excited. Running September 15-17, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin, this conference brings together some of the brightest minds in broadcasting technology. As someone who lives and breathes radio-engineering, I’ve been looking forward to this event for months.
What makes the Midwest Regional Broadcasters Clinic special is its focus on practical, real-world solutions. This isn’t just theory - it’s the kind of hands-on knowledge that makes the difference between a station that sounds good and one that sounds amazing. The Wisconsin and Minnesota Broadcasters Associations have put together a lineup that addresses the challenges we’re all facing in 2025.
The Sessions I’m Most Excited About
Audio Processing: Finding That Elusive Signature Sound with Mike Erickson (Orban Labs)
Every broadcaster knows that signature sound when they hear it. That perfect blend of clarity, punch, and warmth that makes listeners stop what they’re doing and turn up the volume. Mike Erickson from Orban Labs will be diving deep into the art and science of audio processing. As someone who’s spent countless hours tweaking processors, I’m particularly interested in learning about the latest techniques for achieving that sweet spot between competitive loudness and natural sound quality.
Workbench Tips to Improve Engineering Efficiency with Kirk Harnack
Kirk Harnack is a legend in broadcast engineering, and his practical approach to problem-solving has saved me more than once. This session promises to be packed with those little tricks and techniques that can cut hours off common repair and maintenance tasks. Whether it’s organizing your workbench for maximum efficiency or knowing which tools really make a difference, Kirk’s insights are always gold.
Critical Infrastructure and Safety Topics
Hardening the Transmitter Site for Reliability and Protection
Transmitter sites are the heart of any broadcast operation, and protecting them from everything from lightning strikes to equipment failure is crucial. This session will cover the latest best practices for site protection, redundancy planning, and the kind of preventive maintenance that keeps stations on the air when others go dark.
RF Fundamentals and Electrical Safety for Broadcasters
Safety should never be an afterthought in broadcasting. This session will cover the fundamental principles that keep engineers safe while working with high-power RF systems. From proper grounding techniques to understanding antenna radiation patterns, these basics form the foundation of professional broadcast engineering.
Staying Current with Industry Changes
The Case For Broadcasting in 2025 and Beyond
With streaming services and podcasts capturing more attention, some people question broadcasting’s future. This session will explore why traditional broadcasting remains relevant and how stations can adapt to changing listener habits while maintaining their unique strengths.
How Washington Changes Affect FCC Station Requirements
Regulatory changes can sneak up on you if you’re not paying attention. This session will break down recent FCC updates and what they mean for day-to-day station operations. From inspection requirements to technical standards, staying compliant is easier when you understand the why behind the rules.
Project Planning for Studio and Transmitter Projects
Whether you’re planning a complete studio rebuild or a transmitter upgrade, proper project planning can mean the difference between success and disaster. This session will cover timeline development, budget management, and the coordination skills that turn complex technical projects into smooth implementations.
The Value of Vendor Connections
The vendor floor at conferences like this is more than just a sales opportunity. It’s where you can get hands-on time with new equipment, ask technical questions directly to the engineers who designed the products, and discover solutions to problems you didn’t even know you had. The networking opportunities alone make the conference worthwhile.
Why Conferences Matter More Than Ever
In an industry that’s constantly evolving, staying connected with fellow professionals isn’t just helpful - it’s essential. The Midwest Regional Broadcasters Clinic provides that rare opportunity to learn from experts, share experiences with peers, and discover new approaches to common challenges.
The broadcasting industry faces unique pressures in 2025. Listener expectations are higher, budgets are often tighter, and the technical complexity of modern systems continues to grow. Conferences like this help us navigate these challenges by sharing knowledge and building the professional relationships that make our industry stronger.
Whether you’re a seasoned engineer or just starting your broadcasting career, the Midwest Regional Broadcasters Clinic offers something valuable. The combination of technical depth, practical application, and professional networking creates an experience that extends far beyond the three days in Madison.
I’ll be sharing insights and highlights throughout the conference, so stay tuned for updates on the most valuable sessions and discoveries from the vendor floor.
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