Radio Reference Works

The radio industry has changed so drastically in the past few years that it is difficult for reference works to keep up.

Two works that remain valuable are the Broadcasting & Cable Yearbook, HE8689.B77. and the Standard Rate and Data Service (SRDS) guide, HF5807.S73. Both works are available in the Morris Library. WVUD also keeps a copy of the Broadcasting & Cable Yearbook.

Other valuable works include Duncan's radio market guide, HE8698.D86, and Radio in the United States, 1976-1982 : a statistical history compiled and edited by James H. Duncan, HE8698.D853 . The Morris Library discontinued its subscription to these publications but should be able to help you get current editions if necessary. See also Duncan's American Radio

You can check overall ratings for markets on the net by referring to Radio &Records online site and checking the ratings page.

Also check the FCC's database http://www.fcc.gov.

Radio Locator which is an offshoot of the WMBR Radio station list developed at MIT is an excellent research too.

Other useful sources for information are the Airwaves MediaWeb http://www.airwaves.com/ and the rec.radio.broadcasting newsgroup. news:rec.radio.broadcasting.

The radio directory allows you to search for stations using a variety of parameters.

You can also use the search engines to find out about particular markets. For example if you wanted to find out about radio in Albany, go to Google type Albany "radio market". The search engine will deliver a list of links to information about radio in Albany. Try it for the market you are researching.