Re: Radio and Y2K

[Donna Halper <dlh@donnahalper.com>]

Dan B wrote--

>but I have been wondering how prepared radio stations are for Y2K.
>Many stations rely on automation to stay on the air, not only for programming
>but for transmitter operations and traffic.  I expect that the major groups
>have made the necessary changes but I wonder how many small stations that
>depend on automation will have major problems on January 1, 2000.

Given the mistakes I still hear (spots not firing, dead air, etc) even on 
major market stations, it's not just Y2K.  Much of today's complex 
automation gear is operated by people who do not always know how to use 
it,  or what to do when it malfunctions.  And don't get me started on 
problems getting tech support-- how many of you have spent ages on hold 
waiting for tech support?  Raise your hands.  <gg>

But I must say for anyone using Results 98 or most recent versions of 
Results Plus-- our music software IS definitely Y2K compatible.  On the 
other hand, many stations buy software (music, traffic, whatever) and then 
don't think about getting any upgrades (I see this with my students all the 
time-- they bought anti-virus software 2 years ago, and haven't thought 
about it since...).   Dan is right-- there are a lot of intangibles to 
consider, and  this may indeed become a problem.   I assume most new 
versions of automation are Y2K compatible, but there are a lot of older 
pieces of equipment out there...