SBE Technical Presenters Group

The Society of Broadcast Engineers works with certain technical presenters on a variety of topics of interest to broadcast engineers. These presenters are available for speaking engagements across the country for a reasonable fee and travel expenses. Groups could include state broadcasters associations, companies, SBE Chapters, and other independent groups. This service was developed in an effort to provide a more in-depth look at subjects for a day-long or multi-day conference or other program.  Let us make it easy for you to provide relevant continuing education!

Current topics include:

Understanding the FCC Self-Inspection Checklists, with Dennis Baldridge

Chief Operator Responsibilities - What should I be doing?, with Dennis Baldridge

Networking Technology for Broadcast Engineers, with Wayne Pecena

How do I confirm a specialist for my program?
Contact Kimberly Kissel, SBE Education Director, with the following details:

• Specialist and program of interest
• Date of interest (please also indicate if the date is flexible)
• Location, including city and state
• Desired length of presentation
• Whether or not you are willing to cover travel expenses and honorarium
• Your name, organization and contact information

Dennis Baldridge, CPBE, 8-VSB, AMD, DRB, CBNT

Hillsboro, Wisconsin

Regions willing to travel: Continental United States

Dennis Baldridge has been working in the field of broadcasting for over 30 years. He is a Senior Member of the SBE and holds the following certifications: CPBE, CBNT, AMD Specialist, 8-VSB Specialist, and DRB Specialist. Baldridge holds an FCC Lifetime General License (formerly a First Class FCC License) and Amateur Radio Extra Class License (K0DB). He holds a M.A.E. and teaches science courses for Upper Iowa University. As owner of Baldridge Communications, LLC, he works as a contract engineer and has also authored several articles for Radio Guide. In addition, he holds a PhD in Music, teaches conducting and music history, and directs a youth orchestra.

Baldridge has been associated with the Alternate Inspection Program of the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association for the past four years. His focus has been helping stations verify substantial compliance to the FCC rules though the use of the FCC's Self-Inspection Checklists. Personal goals include educating broadcasters to help them understand the FCC's requirements.

Understanding the FCC Self-Inspection Checklists

Length of Time: 2-4 hours

The FCC publishes a self-inspection checklist for TV and radio stations to help them ascertain their level of compliance with the FCC rules and regulations. An affirmative response to all 100+ questions in the list implies substantial compliance. This presentation covers each question under the categories from the self-inspection checklists. Categories cover include: Administrative and Non-Technical, Antenna Structures, Emergency Alert System (EAS), Technical, Attended VS Unattended Operation, Local Marketing Agreements (LMA), AM Directional Stations, and more.

Chief Operator Responsibilities - What should I be doing?

Length of Time: 2-3 hours

The licensee of each AM, FM, TV or Class A TV broadcast station must designate a person to serve as the station's chief operator (FCC Rules 73.1870). Depending on the type of facilities, there are varying requirements as to who this person may be and their responsibilities. This training will cover the responsibilities of the Designated Chief Operator and the duties necessary to fulfill this position.

Wayne M. Pecena, CPBE, 8-VSB, AMD, DRB, CBNT

College Station, Texas

Regions willing to travel: Continental United States

Wayne Pecena is the Assistant Director of Educational Broadcast Services in the Office of Information Technology at Texas A&M University. In this position, he serves as the Director of Engineering of TTVN: The Enterprise Videoconference and Data Network serving the Texas A&M University System and Public Broadcast stations KAMU-TV and KAMU-FM serving the Brazos Valley area. He is responsible for leading technology implementation for the enterprise network of the Texas A&M University System, supporting over 150 IP data locations and over 350 videoconference sites within Texas and internationally. In addition, Wayne is responsible for broadcast technology implementation at KAMU. He has over 35 years of broadcast telecommunications experience, holds BS and MS degrees from Texas A&M University, is certified by SBE as Certified Professional Broadcast Engineer with AMD, DRB, and 8VSB endorsements and a Certified Broadcast Network Technologist. He is a licensed Private Pilot and holds Amateur Radio Operator License N1WP.

Networking Technology for Broadcast Engineers

Length of Time: 4 hours - all day

This presentation focuses on TCP/IP based networking fundamentals in an Ethernet environment. Topics include TCP/IP and UDP Fundamentals, IP Addressing, Sub-netting Basics, an Introduction to IPv6, Switching Fundamentals, VLAN Use, Routing Fundamentals, Quality of Services (QoS) Basics, and Networking Security Concerns. Where appropriate, the application focus will be oriented towards a broadcast technical plant.

At the conclusion of this presentation, attendees will have:

• An awareness of major networking topics (broadcast focused)
• A basic understanding of topic fundamentals and principles
• Suggestions on where to obtain further knowledge

Questions?

Questions about SBE educational opportunities? Contact Kimberly Kissel, either via email or by phone at (317) 846-9000.