KPBS-FM/TV Senior Engineering Manager Kevin Schrader told us that Jeff Crane joined their staff in April as a Broadcast Engineer. Jeff comes from KSWB-TV Fox 5 where he was a Broadcast IT Engineer for three years. He had previously worked with KSTS (TV) in San Jose, and as a freelance entertainment event technician in various roles.

We’ve revised the 10-year-old San Diego County Emergency Alert System Plan and it’s ready for distribution. Changes are minor. You’re no longer asked to fax in your alerts, thank you very much. The old CLERS and San Diego County LIFE system with their radio backbones are gone. KSSX (FM) 95.7 is no longer listed as an LP1 station; you might remember that station had served for a while as a simulcast FM source of KOGO (AM). We cleaned up grammar and layout.

I was the primary editor of the document, but it could not have been properly done without the valuable input of John Rigg of iHeartMedia; Richard Rudman, volunteer Vice-Chair of the California State Emergency Coordination Committee; and Daniel Vasquez of the San Diego County Office of Emergency Services. 

If you are in charge of your broadcast facility EAS execution, you should keep a copy of the revised plan with your other EAS materials. The plan is not publicly distributed, but you can obtain it by sending me a request. Mention what stations in San Diego County you take care of if I don’t already know. 

SBE Chapter 36 Chairman Tony McDaid began his new position as Broadcast Engineer at KPBS-FM/TV last month. Most recently he was a Systems Engineer at KNSD/NBC 7. He has also worked as a broadcast engineer for iHeart Media, KFMB, and Qualcomm.

Tony said, “Among the reasons for making the change was a desire to get back to working in radio, which I had come to miss while at KNSD. KPBS is now the only broadcaster in San Diego with both radio and TV stations. It feels like something of a coming home, having worked for the BBC in the UK. I’m very lucky to be here just as new radio studios are beginning to be installed and look forward to a long and happy career at KPBS.”

The SBE Ennes Workshop is the traditional kick-off for the NAB Show. In 2023, it will span two days on April 14 and 15. It will also be a stand-alone event with separate registration from the convention.

There are two separate educational tracks: RF 101 Boot Camp and NextGen Broadcast. It’s all happening at the Westgate Resort, so it’s convenient to arrive two days early and attend the SBE Ennes Workshop before the exhibits open.

Registration for two days packed with information is only $199. When you register for the SBE Ennes Workshop, you will receive a code for $150 off your NAB Show conference registration. Get all the details and register now.

The NextGen Broadcast track also serves as an ideal preparation for the SBE ATSC3 Specialist Certification exam. A special SBE ATSC3 Certification exam opportunity will be offered following the session on April 15. If you are eligible to take the SBE Specialist exam, you must also register (separately) by March 13.

SBE Chapter 36 will end 2022 with a holiday luncheon and good cheer. Join us Wednesday, December 14 at 12 noon at Del’s Hideout, 5351 Adobe Falls Road, San Diego, near Waring Road off I-8 in Mission Valley. Bring a guest. No host, no presentation. We look forward to seeing you there. 

If you plan to attend, RSVP to rsvp@sbe36.org so that we know how many settings to prepare.