Powerhouse Radio: Rough Roads, Radiance, and Rebirth; My True AM - FM - Satellite - and Audio Streaming Survival Story by Kingsley H. Smith is an authentic true story about adversity, failure, and ultimate success. Smith performed on-air as an engaging radio personality and off-air as a program director in the hyper competitive radio broadcasting field.
Despite roadblocks, the author details how he took advantage of growth opportunities offered at both general market and Black commercial radio stations in the Philadelphia radio market. Experiences at Southern New Jersey radio stations are carefully detailed.
When the story expands to Washington, DC and Smith’s NPR management responsibilities, this radio memoir documents what public broadcasting really creates. You’ll learn what listener sponsored media attempts to do domestically and internationally, all in the public interest.
You’ll come along for the ride at the launch of satellite radio when the author and his team prepare two channels for a new world of digital subscribers across the USA.
What you must know to create a memorable internet radio online audio music streaming service is discussed in depth in a chapter about Smith’s fifteen years as a Live365 producer.
Music radio personality hosts have opinions about the music they play for their broadcast audience. So does Kingsley. You’ll get five crafted opinions in reviews about five award winning popular culture music artists expressed by the author in the paperback, eBook, and audiobook.
Radio is a cultural constant that survives despite innovative competitors. Smith’s Powerhouse Radio story begins in New York City, touches down at multiple USA destinations, and passes through Berlin, Germany. The narrative doesn’t end there. Experience the whole journey, in the full story.
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: Powerhouse Radio is a thoughtful, entertaining memoir of Smith's career in radio, complete with anecdotes, advice, and asides for anyone interested in the cherished medium. his story is relevant to anyone looking to overcome career obstacles while pursuing a passion that is more than just a way to make a living.
Prose: Complete with autobiographical detail, anecdotes, advice, and asides, Smith's upbeat prose is a pleasure to read.
Originality: A fresh take on an eventful career that does not often breed celebrities or household names, Powerhouse Radio is also an interesting historical exploration of an evolving industry and one man's journey as he discovers it--and himself--through determination, hard work, and, of course, talent.
Character/Execution: Smith's memoir is multi-dimensional; part how-to, part autobiography, part history, part self-examination of a career in a challenging medium. His character as a narrator is knowledgeable, warm, and ever-engaging.
Date Submitted: January 19, 2024