Serving today’s remote and blended classroom environments
This page makes reference to and supports
Scripted
The new guide to creating a media program for students
Every School Needs a Radio Station
Why?
Students’ communication skills will improve and confidence will grow
“Students not only learn the basic concepts of operating broadcast equipment but work on skills in speaking, articulation, production, script writing, interviewing, time management and more. You will apply your journalistic skills to access, analyze, evaluate and produce media in a variety of forms as you learn the ethical considerations and laws that affect broadcast journalism.” — KEOM, Mesquite, TX
Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2020
What Equipment Do I Need, and What Does it Cost?
See bundled equipment examples below
That's it? Why so few items?
Unlike old time radio, Backbone’s advanced technology “virtualizes” (in the cloud) all of the expensive production and broadcast equipment, including automation, storage, servers, and even phones. That means you’re no longer tied to the studio, and you can broadcast from home, events, or anywhere you can get a decent Internet connection.
What kind of computer and software will we need?
Backbone Radio is the core broadcasting software, and it runs on Mac® OS X 10.12 to 10.14 computers, which are readily available in most schools. Nothing is as plug-and-play as a Mac, or so easy to use.
When will our station be on the air?
All stations on the Backbone platform are on the air all the time, 24/7. When you are not broadcasting LIVE, your automation system takes over to run your recorded content, like music, old shows, or your podcasts—overnight, weekends, or during vacation. You can program it from anywhere, and you can go LIVE anytime.
Will it make Podcasts, too?
Yes, Backbone Radio is a marvelous platform for creating podcasts, because of its ease of use, powerful automation, and hands-free publishing of podcast episodes to major podcast outlets (example). It can also launch audio “briefings” to Alexa as they are updated. Both features are used by major sports organizations, as well as schools. Podcast hosting, distribution, and publication are included in your Backbone service.
How much does it cost?
Qualified K–12 schools are encouraged to join the IBS Student Radio Network by becoming a member of the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System for only $125/year. As an IBS member school, you will receive a 25% discount on all Backbone software/service. Your annual cost for Backbone Radio software and hosting, Podcast hosting and distribution, and streaming to listeners, becomes only $2,700.
Are there any options available?
Some schools add our multiline broadcast phone system, Backbone Talk, which allows listeners to call in and join the broadcast. This unique cloud-based service requires no extra hardware, and has its own software app for both the Host and Screener. The discounted cost for Backbone Talk is $1,350/year.
Some schools opt for adding studio quality, live remotes and collaborative broadcasts wherein multiple students simultaneously conduct live broadcasts from their respective homes, with Backbone CoHost with LUCI Global, using only their smartphones or laptops. This amazing capability costs $2,475/year.
Hardware Example, All-Purpose
Portable Radio Setup for Studio & Remote
The following is a preliminary example of an excellent, low-cost setup for your classrooms or any other location you decide to originate from. Stay tuned to see special bundle pricing on these and other configurations as they become available
Four-Person Radio/Podcast
$1,250
Includes
- 1x Podcast Production Console
- 4x Microphone with shock mount and carrying case
- 4x Pro studio headphones
- 4x Desktop boom microphone stand
- plus cables, memory card, and more
