Hello Everyone,
As of tonight, WWFRN will be ceasing 24hour/7day a week broadcasting. For many months now (in some cases years!) many of you listeners have let us know that the stream was not always convenient for you, as it required an internet connection to tune into. We’ve done some research and had some discussions here at HOTT and feel that the best way to deliver our broadcast to the world in the modern age is through the use of podcasts. We’d done this in the past, but at that time it seemed the majority of listeners either “also wanted a stream” or “only wanted a stream”. For the last year or so it would seem that the vast majority of people feel that podcasts are more to their liking.
Here’s how we came to this decision :
1. It’s cheaper for HOTT. While we WILL keep the streaming capabilities so that we can stream live for time sensitive information or call in broadcasts, we no longer will require a dedicated internet connection for the streaming computer. This had been required simply due to the bandwidth usage this machine required. Some folks had assured us that as soon as we posted all of Bill’s broadcasts the contributions would come rolling in. Well – it’s been since January now and we’ve been paying for the stream out of pocket all summer long. (Except for August – Thanks Titus!) Trimming this expense will help. This will save us almost $800 a year.
2. It’s more convenient for you listeners. With the stream you had to have an internet connection and you were forced to listen to what was being played, even if maybe, you would have liked to rewind or fast forward. With a podcast, you are in control! You can listen wherever and whenever you’d like and on whatever fancy MP3 capable device you have whether that be an iPhone, iPad, Computer, Smart Phone, iPod, et cetera! You can rewind, fast forward, pause, and replay as often as you’d like. Plus you can subscribe via RSS or iTunes and never miss a broadcast again!
3. It’s easier on us. We no longer have to worry about editing each program to be exactly 60 minutes. Someone, everyday, had to edit the broadcasts and manage the playlists. Also, keep in mind that we were used to a 9pm launch time for the show because of the old short wave/satellite days. There were technicians waiting on our link up, and they expected a full hours worth of content daily. Even listening to some of the Classic Cooper broadcasts from the past, I’m sure you’ll agree that sometimes there was only 40 minutes of content, but Bill filled the hour anyhow! These limitations are now gone – we’ll have the ability to post 5 minute mini broadcasts – or – 3 hour and 14 minute epic broadcasts! And everything in between and beyond!
4. Instant access to the current show, playable right in your browser. Every podcast (just like when we used to do this) will feature a play button right on the post. So you’ll never miss a beat or tune in halfway through the broadcast again! Start it when YOU like.
5. It’s the future! Hey, we don’t record the master for the broadcasts on cassettes anymore – that’s all done direct to digital now – so we figured we’d move ahead with the delivery method for the broadcast as well. Welcome to the future ladies and gentlemen! I know it’s a little sad to think that we won’t all be huddled around our radios all at the same time, but sitting back and getting nostalgic doesn’t get the work done.
So, please enjoy the 24/7 stream until later tonight/tomorrow sometime when we’ll switch to the new method of delivery and post our podcast!
HOTT