Michael Streby of MKStreby Productions recently passed his Certified Broadcast Network Technologist test. Mike does technical work for the Inland Empire’s TV News Net.

At the same time, Shane Fortin of Cox Media channel 4 in San Diego became a Certified Broadcast Television Engineer.

Welcome new member Stephen M. Peters. He is currently looking for technical work in San Diego.

After Qualcomm’s FLO-TV division closed its doors at the end of March, SBE Chapter 36 members Derrick Cullison and Michael Martinez helped transition the Network Operations Center, then moved on to QuickPlay Media, a Canadian-based start-up with another slant on mobile TV.

On May 26th the FCC released its third Notice of Proposed Rule Making regarding Part 11- Emergency Alert System. This document, when adopted, will redefine EAS requirement for broadcasters. Broadcasters are facing a September 30th deadline to have their stations updated with CAP-compliant EAS equipment.

Isn’t it fortuitous the presenter at our June 8th meeting is Bruce Robertson of Digital Alert Systems?  Digital Alert Systems is a leading manufacturer of EAS hardware and software platforms. Bruce will discuss the newly released NPRM as well as other topics such as:

• EAS accessories for multiple station facilities
• Future enhancements such as “Text To Speech”
• The practicality of maintaining FCC required logs electronically
• Compliance monitoring software

Be sure to attend this very important noon time meeting June 8 from noon till 1:30 PM at TV Magic, 8112 Engineer Road in Kearny Mesa. As always, members and guests are welcome.

Engineer Scottie Rice returned to San Diego and KFMB AM/FM March 28th as staff engineer.

Why?

“The climate in Houston was EL STINKO!! [and] the city of Houston was terrible. I started off in Tyler working as a staff engineer at a TV station, moved to Beaumont to become DOE for Clear Channel. Then on to Houston to KHOU-TV as an ENG and morning engineer.”

How’s KFMB?

A: “It’s great here lots of things to work on here, and Bill and Rich have been very good to me. Glad to be back at the Mighty KuFMuB.”

How long did you work for Clear Channel in San Diego?

A: “Two years working for John Rigg. I missed working there so much, that while in Beaumont I named my American Eskimo puppy, KOGO!”

Family here?

“My parents, brother and his wife and kids are here. Not too mention that Shotgun Tom, Linda, Jack Vincent, John Fewell, Gilbert Smith, and all my engineering buddies are all here.”

By the way, Scottie is a collector of old RCA broadcast equipment. If you know of where some might be available, please contact him at KFMB.

Tom Cox, Western Regional VP of Engineering for Clear Channel, recently upgraded to Certified Professional Broadcast Engineer (CPBE). Kevin Schrader, Cox Media (San Diego Cable Channel 4) Chief Engineer, and Jack Herbert, Sales Representative for Fujitsu, joined SBE Chapter 36. Melissa Ljongquist became a Certified Broadcast Technologist (CBT) by license.

It’s a great time to join Chapter 36 as the membership campaign continues through May. Mention a referral in your application to give that person a chance for big prizes. Let me tell you that the odds are very great that you will win something. And it’s always a good time to certify. Applicants for certification now will have their tests given in early August, so there’s plenty of time to study.

Three engineers at Cox Media Channel 4 passed their SBE certification exams in November. According to Chief Engineer Kevin Schrader, Matt Hall is now a Certified Broadcast Technician (CBT), Andrei Taratusky a Certified Broadcast Network Technician (CBNT), and Shane Fortin a CBT and CBNT.

Consider becoming certified or upgrading your certifications in 2011. Certification study materials were updated in 2010, so preparation should now be considerably more straightforward and less time-consuming. Apply online for your next exam. If you apply after December 31, your next opportunity to take the exam will be at the NAB Convention April 11.