NETSLAVES: You're an Internet DJ. Excuse my ignorance, but what exactly is an Internet DJ and how does it differ from being a traditional jock? 

KATHY: There is no explanation needed to differentiate an internet DJ and a traditional DJ. It is exactly as stated. A Net DJ does exactly the same thing as a traditional DJ except for the differences in medium. Of course in the case of a radio station that broadcasts locally and streams on the internet, there is really no difference. 

NETSLAVES: How long have you been doing radio and what made you decide to take it online? 

KATHY: I have been in broadcasting for 16 years, 11 of which were in traditional radio broadcasting as we know it. Five years ago, I accepted the challenge to develop new business for a network of small AM stations in Central Florida which AM owners know is a major task to accomplish. A 5,000 watt AM station will never become a 100,000 watt FM station and so the need to develop new ways to compete and add fresh revenue to a tapped-out market was indeed a major project. 

After researching the needs of current clients and advertisers, the bottom line was obviously to reach more listeners. With AM stations handicapped by geographic boundaries, we decided to break all barriers and conquer the internet. That move in 1995 made us the first radio station in Central Florida to broadcast on the internet. Since then, thousands of other traditional radio stations have taken to the internet as well. We're a step ahead because we have completed the circle. Now, we are developing virtual radio stations that will eventually compete with traditonal stations. 

NETSLAVES: Have traditional broadcasts reacted postively to what you're doing? Or as with publishing and other "old" media have they been scornful at best? 

KATHY: Traditional broadcasting has no choice but to embrace the new media just as traditonal print media has. With the choices available online, traditional media has to sink or swim. The medium of the internet as a very complementary medium to traditional mediums and should really work better for everybody including the consumer and more importantly in the media business, the advertisers. There is really no indication that traditional media has been scornful of new media. The realization is there that everybody has to learn to co-exist with one another or get left behind. 

NETSLAVES: What type of technology do you use to make it all happen? I would imagine that there must be a mixture of the latest streaming software combined with standard radio equipment. 

KATHY: Definitely, there has to to a combination of standard radio equipment with technological breakthroughs in webcasting. Although there are virtual stations which operate in a bare-bones atmosphere of simply uploading files to an existing server and fully automating the broadcast, if one is serious about succeeding in the business, then the station has to operate with some degree of professionalism. Besides, LIVE radio on the internet does follow the same set up of a local radio station complete with a clock for breaks, commercials, promos, ID's etc... It is not advisable to fully automate as you lose touch with your audience. 

Due to the internet's fast pace of development, keeping up with the latest technology is the major hurdle. In a span of two years, the changes have been so rapid. We went from having no choices to a variety of methods. We have decided not to limit ourselves with one way of streaming the audio. We use a variety of methods as a way to stay on top of the situation. 

NETSLAVES: Have there been any major glitches or horror stories you wouldn't mind sharing? 

KATHY: The horror stories we've experienced are largely due to the fact that we depend on other companies to accomplish our goals. There are companies that provide the high speed access. There are phone companies to deal with. There are companies that take care of the servers, and those that deliver your streams. Everything is contingent on the other to fully deliver the product. When one component in the system breaks down, everything gets affected. There could be a power glitch for a half second that can bring your entire set up down in an instant. That small glitch could make it impossible to re-set your servers which will affect your delivery which in turn affects your listenership. Obviously, when you suffer a glitch no matter how short, listeners will have to reset their players as well which could also cause them difficulty in reconnection. The whole process suffers. 

NETSLAVES: What do you see as the future of radio? Will the average person be able to set up his or her own station, just as they've done with homepages? Will all radio be global and Web-based? 

KATHY: The internet will greatly affect radio as we know it. With the rapid growth in technology, we are already able to do internet-related activities outside of our homes. Soon we will be able to listen to internet broadcasts in our cars, an activity which was an exclusive benefit of radio. If radio stations do not accept the wave of the future, they will become extinct. Yes, right now, the average person can already broadcast on their own. More and more have audio and video components on their sites. These developments will definitely set the stage for viewing radio as a global medium which will be web-based. The internet will be the most potent medium throughout the next millennium. 

NETSLAVES: What's your opinion of MP3's? Have you experimented with the format? Or don't you see a convergence there? 

KATHY: MP3's which were the scourge of the recording industry are now here to stay. Just as we were talking about the traditional radio and print mediums, the record companies are learning to embrace MP3's as the new wave of consumer preference over CD purchases. 

Personally, we don't use MP3's in any of our broadcasts. We are not just being conservative but also adhere to some professional protocol such as licensing. And that is a whole different issue to tackle. 

NETSLAVES: Do you consider yourself a NetSlave? Do you expect to get rich from this business or is it just a living for you? Please explain. 

KATHY: I am definitely a NetSlave. Everything I do which relates to work is on the internet. Everything I do which relates to personal hobbies and the sort is also on the internet. I have no life. 

Like the proverbial American Dream, all NetSlaves envision geting rich from the internet. The reality is that for most, it will be another "job". It will definitely bring us a few bucks but we'll never get rich from it. It's time to take that Bill Gates bust down from the mantle. It just won't happen. And while you're at it, try to enjoy what you do. That will spell the difference in how you see yourself as a NetSlave. 

NETSLAVES: What advice would you give our readers who are interested in Net radio? What should they look for? What should they avoid? Is working for a traditional station the answer? 

KATHY: If you are just looking at Net Radio as a hobby, there are so many options available now. You can do anything you want. If you are serious about making it a career or business, it does help to have some formal schooling in broadcasting which will enable you to understand the industry. Knowledge of business skills such as sales and marketing are essential tools. If you have worked in traditional radio stations, this is a natural progression. But if you think you can just walk into it with absolutely no clue of what you are doing and then hope to get rich, forget it. It just won't happen. You're better off getting a life!