Radio Club Back on the Airwaves After Uncertainty
Steve Dini returns as head of radio program after a two year absence to get the club broadcasting
By Maxwell Moiseff
Steve Dini returns as head of radio program after a two year absence to get the club broadcasting
By Maxwell Moiseff
In the words of Principal Herbert Espiritu, “Hey, Radio’s comin’ back, fellas.”
Former drama teacher and Radio Club adviser Steve Dini will be returning this year to run the Radio Club, which broadcasts on KMTG, 89.3. Dini’s return will add some stability to the club, which has been in flux after the previous radio adviser, Catrina Galloway, took a leave of absence.
Dini has been involved in the station from the beginning, even going so far as to build the equipment himself.
“After getting the station from another high school, myself and several volunteer radio engineers literally put the station on the air,” said Dini. “We built the studio, raised funds and even laid cement and put up the transmitter tower.”
Dini’s experience in the radio industry is an important part of why he runs the club.
“I had a 25-year run in radio and TV before coming to Pioneer to be the drama director,” said Dini. “I have the experience, talent and love for the medium to know how to be a professional broadcaster. My heart has been with KMTG all these years and, when I got the chance to get the station back to its former status, I jumped at the opportunity.”
Espiritu, who is working with Dini to formulate a plan to get the radio back on air, hopes to begin broadcasting in the second semester.
“We’re going to have Dini work with the radio kids to get the radio back up and running,” said Espiritu. “Hopefully we can start programming again by Jan. 1.”
Dini stressed the unique nature of Pioneer’s radio program, including the professional standards to which it is held.
“This radio station is a rare asset and very few high schools have a working FM station, which is completely licensed and authorized by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and needs to be run in accordance with federal law and professional standards,” said Dini.
According to Dini, there are still a few complications that need to be taken care of before broadcasting again.
“First order of business will be to get the studio back into broadcast condition,” said Dini. “Then, the district will look into purchasing the necessary gear to get the transmitter and production studio back up to professional broadcast standards. This may take some time, but we are making progress.”
Radio Club Vice President Christopher Giacinto, 12, feels that the radio club is an important outlet for students.
“It’s a way for kids to express themselves and just have that outlet of creativity,” said Giacinto. “If they want to share their music with someone, they can.”
Giacinto also said that the Radio Club could help students who want to pursue broadcasting after high school.
“A lot of colleges do have options of radios and by taking away radio club you’re going to be taking away that opportunity and that creative outlet for those kids,” said Giacinto.
The Radio Club may be important to students and staff alike, but Dini emphasized his personal connection with the club.
“It’s my baby and I want to nurse it back to health.”
Former drama teacher and Radio Club adviser Steve Dini will be returning this year to run the Radio Club, which broadcasts on KMTG, 89.3. Dini’s return will add some stability to the club, which has been in flux after the previous radio adviser, Catrina Galloway, took a leave of absence.
Dini has been involved in the station from the beginning, even going so far as to build the equipment himself.
“After getting the station from another high school, myself and several volunteer radio engineers literally put the station on the air,” said Dini. “We built the studio, raised funds and even laid cement and put up the transmitter tower.”
Dini’s experience in the radio industry is an important part of why he runs the club.
“I had a 25-year run in radio and TV before coming to Pioneer to be the drama director,” said Dini. “I have the experience, talent and love for the medium to know how to be a professional broadcaster. My heart has been with KMTG all these years and, when I got the chance to get the station back to its former status, I jumped at the opportunity.”
Espiritu, who is working with Dini to formulate a plan to get the radio back on air, hopes to begin broadcasting in the second semester.
“We’re going to have Dini work with the radio kids to get the radio back up and running,” said Espiritu. “Hopefully we can start programming again by Jan. 1.”
Dini stressed the unique nature of Pioneer’s radio program, including the professional standards to which it is held.
“This radio station is a rare asset and very few high schools have a working FM station, which is completely licensed and authorized by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and needs to be run in accordance with federal law and professional standards,” said Dini.
According to Dini, there are still a few complications that need to be taken care of before broadcasting again.
“First order of business will be to get the studio back into broadcast condition,” said Dini. “Then, the district will look into purchasing the necessary gear to get the transmitter and production studio back up to professional broadcast standards. This may take some time, but we are making progress.”
Radio Club Vice President Christopher Giacinto, 12, feels that the radio club is an important outlet for students.
“It’s a way for kids to express themselves and just have that outlet of creativity,” said Giacinto. “If they want to share their music with someone, they can.”
Giacinto also said that the Radio Club could help students who want to pursue broadcasting after high school.
“A lot of colleges do have options of radios and by taking away radio club you’re going to be taking away that opportunity and that creative outlet for those kids,” said Giacinto.
The Radio Club may be important to students and staff alike, but Dini emphasized his personal connection with the club.
“It’s my baby and I want to nurse it back to health.”