Nearly half of the London Underground’s 270 stations are being outfitted with Wi-Fi access ahead of the 2012 Olympic Games.
London Underground commuters got their first taste of subterranean Internet access in October 2010, when a six-month test funded by U.K. broadband service BT brought Wi-Fi hotspots to the Northern and Bakerloo line platforms, as well as the ticket hall at the central London station.
The test has since been deemed “successful,” and now the London Underground is inviting telecom companies to bid for a contract that would bring Wi-Fi to 120 of London’s stations by June 2012. The winner of the contract will be announced by the end of 2011.
Users of the service will only be able to connect to Wi-Fi on the platforms, and not on the trains themselves. For the past six months, access has only been free for subscribers of BT’s broadband service with unlimited Fon Wi-Fi minutes, and for BT Openzone customers. Tesco Mobile, 02, Vodafone and Orange subscribers have also been able to access the service via bundled mobile packages.
In May 2010, London mayor Boris Johnson promised that “every lamp post [and] every bus stop will one day very soon, and before the 2012 Olympics, be Wi-Fi enabled” as part of an effort by to position London as a world leader in technological innovation.
Meanwhile, Transit Wireless LLC is working with New York City Transit to bring Wi-Fi to New York City’s subway system. Singapore, Berlin and Tokyo already offer Wi-Fi access in their respective underground metros.
Image courtesy of Flickr, paddynapper
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
For somebody who wants to be a real Programmer -great gig!
Content Director
Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Content Director is responsible for the strategic vision, management and implementation of CKUA content, including on-air programming, digital video and web initiatives across all platforms. The Content Director manages a team that includes on-air staff and contractors, web content development, traffic, technical production and creative writing services. The Content Director is responsible for the user’s content experience in engaging with the CKUA both on-air and on-line.
Key Responsibilities:
• Develops and implements a long range, strategic content plan for CKUA in keeping with the following:
o Preserving and enhancing the programming mandate and integrity of CKUA
o The promise of performance requirements & policies of the CRTC
o The directive and vision set forth by the board and CEO
o The needs of the audience
• Develops and promotes strategies to leverage the production and distribution of CKUA content across all platforms
• Monitor, assess and oversee development, production of all content for CKUA and proactively seeks new content opportunities for CKUA
• Contributes ideas for online elements of terrestrial programs and works with station partners to create and maintain a long-term editorial direction and schedule
• Helps define CKUA’s voice in the social media space and works in conjunction with marketing to develop social media strategies.
• Leads, manages and supervises the performance of CKUA staff involved in content creation, which includes announcer/producers, contractors, news team, web team, traffic, technical production and creative writing services. Provides regular feedback and assessment, including conducting formal performance reviews on an annual basis.
• In consultation with the COO, recruits and hires staff to support the mandate of the content plan for CKUA
• Provides regular reports and analysis about CKUA content, to internal and external audiences (ie SOCAN data)
• Keep abreast of industry trends and issues including technological trends and prepare reports as needed for the COO, CEO and Board.
• Manage announcer scheduling
• Develop annual budget and manage expenditures for the content department
• Work with the Director of Marketing and the Executive Producer of Community & Special Projects to develop and promote strategies to strength CKUA’s community relationships and enhance the CKUA brand across Alberta
• Contribute to the senior management team and work with the team to set operational plans and budgets on an annual basis.
Desired Knowledge, Education and Experience:
• Degree or diploma from accredited broadcasting institution, with a focus on Radio
• A seasoned professional with 10+ years of experience in progressively responsible roles in the Radio broadcasting industry. Preference is given to not for profit or non-commercial broadcasting environments.
• Experience in managing a team
• Strong leadership, mentorship, coaching and consensus building skills
• Tech savvy, with a high degree of skills in basic computer applications, including spreadsheets and databases.
• Knowledge and experience with overseeing the production of digital content for the web and mobile platforms.
• Comfortable with social media.
• Excellent writing, communication and presentation skills
• Comfortable with change
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize activities to deliver on commitments.
• Understand the fiscal constraints of a non-profit and is able to deploy resources efficiently to obtain the maximum results given limited budgets.
• Familiar with CKUA’s history, programming and culture
Working Relationships:
• Reports to the Chief Operating Officer
• Works closely with the management team and other staff at CKUA to support departmental marketing needs
• Works collaboratively with the Executive Producer of Community and Special Projects to co-create content from CKUA’s live performance initiatives
Desired Competencies:
The Content Director is expected to demonstrate the following competencies and behaviours in order to successfully meet the requirements of the position and to support the goals and objectives of CKUA Radio.
• Ability to work cooperatively as a member of the CKUA team, to assist and support other staff, and to facilitate a team environment through work contributions and the sharing of expertise and knowledge.
• Ability to demonstrate conduct appropriate to the occasion, when representing CKUA on a formal or informal basis.
• Ability to support, coach, develop and encourage fellow staff
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills (verbal & written) in dealing with staff, suppliers, sponsors and other stakeholders. Exercises discretion and diplomacy.
• Personal initiative and creativity/innovation to facilitate the marketing of CKUA.
• Excellent planning and organization skills.
• A desire to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
Contact in Confidence
Ed Davies
Partner
Davies Turpin & Associates
780 903-1488
ecd@daviesturpin.com
Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Content Director is responsible for the strategic vision, management and implementation of CKUA content, including on-air programming, digital video and web initiatives across all platforms. The Content Director manages a team that includes on-air staff and contractors, web content development, traffic, technical production and creative writing services. The Content Director is responsible for the user’s content experience in engaging with the CKUA both on-air and on-line.
Key Responsibilities:
• Develops and implements a long range, strategic content plan for CKUA in keeping with the following:
o Preserving and enhancing the programming mandate and integrity of CKUA
o The promise of performance requirements & policies of the CRTC
o The directive and vision set forth by the board and CEO
o The needs of the audience
• Develops and promotes strategies to leverage the production and distribution of CKUA content across all platforms
• Monitor, assess and oversee development, production of all content for CKUA and proactively seeks new content opportunities for CKUA
• Contributes ideas for online elements of terrestrial programs and works with station partners to create and maintain a long-term editorial direction and schedule
• Helps define CKUA’s voice in the social media space and works in conjunction with marketing to develop social media strategies.
• Leads, manages and supervises the performance of CKUA staff involved in content creation, which includes announcer/producers, contractors, news team, web team, traffic, technical production and creative writing services. Provides regular feedback and assessment, including conducting formal performance reviews on an annual basis.
• In consultation with the COO, recruits and hires staff to support the mandate of the content plan for CKUA
• Provides regular reports and analysis about CKUA content, to internal and external audiences (ie SOCAN data)
• Keep abreast of industry trends and issues including technological trends and prepare reports as needed for the COO, CEO and Board.
• Manage announcer scheduling
• Develop annual budget and manage expenditures for the content department
• Work with the Director of Marketing and the Executive Producer of Community & Special Projects to develop and promote strategies to strength CKUA’s community relationships and enhance the CKUA brand across Alberta
• Contribute to the senior management team and work with the team to set operational plans and budgets on an annual basis.
Desired Knowledge, Education and Experience:
• Degree or diploma from accredited broadcasting institution, with a focus on Radio
• A seasoned professional with 10+ years of experience in progressively responsible roles in the Radio broadcasting industry. Preference is given to not for profit or non-commercial broadcasting environments.
• Experience in managing a team
• Strong leadership, mentorship, coaching and consensus building skills
• Tech savvy, with a high degree of skills in basic computer applications, including spreadsheets and databases.
• Knowledge and experience with overseeing the production of digital content for the web and mobile platforms.
• Comfortable with social media.
• Excellent writing, communication and presentation skills
• Comfortable with change
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize activities to deliver on commitments.
• Understand the fiscal constraints of a non-profit and is able to deploy resources efficiently to obtain the maximum results given limited budgets.
• Familiar with CKUA’s history, programming and culture
Working Relationships:
• Reports to the Chief Operating Officer
• Works closely with the management team and other staff at CKUA to support departmental marketing needs
• Works collaboratively with the Executive Producer of Community and Special Projects to co-create content from CKUA’s live performance initiatives
Desired Competencies:
The Content Director is expected to demonstrate the following competencies and behaviours in order to successfully meet the requirements of the position and to support the goals and objectives of CKUA Radio.
• Ability to work cooperatively as a member of the CKUA team, to assist and support other staff, and to facilitate a team environment through work contributions and the sharing of expertise and knowledge.
• Ability to demonstrate conduct appropriate to the occasion, when representing CKUA on a formal or informal basis.
• Ability to support, coach, develop and encourage fellow staff
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills (verbal & written) in dealing with staff, suppliers, sponsors and other stakeholders. Exercises discretion and diplomacy.
• Personal initiative and creativity/innovation to facilitate the marketing of CKUA.
• Excellent planning and organization skills.
• A desire to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
Contact in Confidence
Ed Davies
Partner
Davies Turpin & Associates
780 903-1488
ecd@daviesturpin.com
Monday, March 21, 2011
Senator McCain wades in to the Coyotes/Goldwater debate
Arizona's United States Senator John McCain was interviewed by Todd Walsh during tonight's Coyotes/Blackhawks game about the Coyotes ownership issues and here is what he said:
"I have been encouraging people to sit down and negotiate and make people understand how important the Coyotes are – not just to Glendale, but to the entire state of Arizona. We are a big league Valley and the economic impact right now would be very devastating to the state of Arizona."
On tonight's news about Matthew Hulsizer concession on the parking issue: "I hope that now the Goldwater Institute’s concerns will be satisfied and they will now sit down and negotiate and make sure that we can have an assured presence of the Coyotes for the next - forever... Long after I am gone."
"It is to the greater good of the state of Arizona that the Coyotes remain here. Obviously, I am not negotiating but I have been encouraging parties – including the board members of the Goldwater Institute itself – we need to have the Coyotes stay here. If they leave, it isn’t just zero sum game. It is a very severe negative impact on the state of Arizona."
Former Arizona attorney general Grant Woods was also interviewed - here is what he said:
"Does this satisfy the gift clause? I think so. If you look at the case law, the Arizona Supreme Court recently interpreted the gift clause and I don’t even think it’s that close of a call now given this pretty significant concession of Mr. Hulsizer."
"They were very clear at the Goldwater Institute – one of their people – their litigator – printed out “this is our concern” and it was this whole parking situation and the shortfall shouldn’t fall on the tax payers. Mr Hulsizer has now stepped forward recognizing that concern – he didn’t have to do it, but he’s done it and I think that really makes this a no brainer. I think it’s significant that the Goldwater Institute has done what they have done. Good for them. They have actually protected the tax payers here. They have performed a good service. Now, we need to have them to move onto other projects. We need to close this deal and keep the Coyotes here."
"I have been encouraging people to sit down and negotiate and make people understand how important the Coyotes are – not just to Glendale, but to the entire state of Arizona. We are a big league Valley and the economic impact right now would be very devastating to the state of Arizona."
On tonight's news about Matthew Hulsizer concession on the parking issue: "I hope that now the Goldwater Institute’s concerns will be satisfied and they will now sit down and negotiate and make sure that we can have an assured presence of the Coyotes for the next - forever... Long after I am gone."
"It is to the greater good of the state of Arizona that the Coyotes remain here. Obviously, I am not negotiating but I have been encouraging parties – including the board members of the Goldwater Institute itself – we need to have the Coyotes stay here. If they leave, it isn’t just zero sum game. It is a very severe negative impact on the state of Arizona."
Former Arizona attorney general Grant Woods was also interviewed - here is what he said:
"Does this satisfy the gift clause? I think so. If you look at the case law, the Arizona Supreme Court recently interpreted the gift clause and I don’t even think it’s that close of a call now given this pretty significant concession of Mr. Hulsizer."
"They were very clear at the Goldwater Institute – one of their people – their litigator – printed out “this is our concern” and it was this whole parking situation and the shortfall shouldn’t fall on the tax payers. Mr Hulsizer has now stepped forward recognizing that concern – he didn’t have to do it, but he’s done it and I think that really makes this a no brainer. I think it’s significant that the Goldwater Institute has done what they have done. Good for them. They have actually protected the tax payers here. They have performed a good service. Now, we need to have them to move onto other projects. We need to close this deal and keep the Coyotes here."
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
My daughters struggles with GRAVES DISEASE!
It's epic in length but I'm so pleased that my daughter got through this horrible experience and that she took the time to chronicle what happened so that others who may have to travel down this horrible path may benefit from her description.
Please read or 'scan' when you can - and feel free to share with anybody you know who may be experiencing Graves disease.
http://rayanneforbes.weebly.com
And my thanks to all our friends who helped keep her spirits up throughout the ordeal. We're so happy to have our 'little girl' back...
Marty and Kim Forbes!
Please read or 'scan' when you can - and feel free to share with anybody you know who may be experiencing Graves disease.
http://rayanneforbes.weebly.com
And my thanks to all our friends who helped keep her spirits up throughout the ordeal. We're so happy to have our 'little girl' back...
Marty and Kim Forbes!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
I love British humor
For a better understanding between nations... by John Cleese
The English are feeling the pinch in relation to recent terrorist
threats and have therefore raised their security level from "Miffed"
to "Peeved." Soon, though, security levels may be raised yet again to
"Irritated" or even "A Bit Cross."
The English have not been "A Bit Cross" since the blitz in 1940 when
tea supplies nearly ran out.
Terrorists have been re-categorized from "Tiresome" to "A Bloody
Nuisance." The last time the British issued a "Bloody Nuisance"
warning level was in 1588, when threatened by the Spanish Armada.
The Scots have raised their threat level from "Pissed Off" to "Let's
get the Bastards." They don't have any other levels. This is the
reason they have been used on the front line of the British army for
the last 300 years.
The French government announced yesterday that it has raised its
terror alert level from "Run" to "Hide." The only two higher levels
in France are "Collaborate" and "Surrender." The rise was
precipitated by a recent fire that destroyed France's white flag
factory, effectively paralyzing the country's military capability.
Italy has increased the alert level from "Shout Loudly and Excitedly"
to "Elaborate Military Posturing." Two more levels remain:
"Ineffective Combat Operations" and "Change Sides."
The Germans have increased their alert state from "Disdainful
Arrogance" to "Dress in Uniform and Sing Marching Songs." They also
have two higher levels: "Invade a Neighbor" and "Lose."
Belgians, on the other hand, are all on holiday as usual; the only
threat they are worried about is NATO pulling out of Brussels.
The Spanish are all excited to see their new submarines ready to
deploy. These beautifully designed subs have glass bottoms so the new
Spanish navy can get a really good look at the old Spanish navy.
Australia, meanwhile, has raised its security level from "No
worries" to "She'll be alright, Mate." Two more escalation levels
remain: "Crikey! I think we'll need to cancel the barbie this
weekend!" and "The barbie is canceled." So far no situation has ever
warranted use of the final escalation level.
The English are feeling the pinch in relation to recent terrorist
threats and have therefore raised their security level from "Miffed"
to "Peeved." Soon, though, security levels may be raised yet again to
"Irritated" or even "A Bit Cross."
The English have not been "A Bit Cross" since the blitz in 1940 when
tea supplies nearly ran out.
Terrorists have been re-categorized from "Tiresome" to "A Bloody
Nuisance." The last time the British issued a "Bloody Nuisance"
warning level was in 1588, when threatened by the Spanish Armada.
The Scots have raised their threat level from "Pissed Off" to "Let's
get the Bastards." They don't have any other levels. This is the
reason they have been used on the front line of the British army for
the last 300 years.
The French government announced yesterday that it has raised its
terror alert level from "Run" to "Hide." The only two higher levels
in France are "Collaborate" and "Surrender." The rise was
precipitated by a recent fire that destroyed France's white flag
factory, effectively paralyzing the country's military capability.
Italy has increased the alert level from "Shout Loudly and Excitedly"
to "Elaborate Military Posturing." Two more levels remain:
"Ineffective Combat Operations" and "Change Sides."
The Germans have increased their alert state from "Disdainful
Arrogance" to "Dress in Uniform and Sing Marching Songs." They also
have two higher levels: "Invade a Neighbor" and "Lose."
Belgians, on the other hand, are all on holiday as usual; the only
threat they are worried about is NATO pulling out of Brussels.
The Spanish are all excited to see their new submarines ready to
deploy. These beautifully designed subs have glass bottoms so the new
Spanish navy can get a really good look at the old Spanish navy.
Australia, meanwhile, has raised its security level from "No
worries" to "She'll be alright, Mate." Two more escalation levels
remain: "Crikey! I think we'll need to cancel the barbie this
weekend!" and "The barbie is canceled." So far no situation has ever
warranted use of the final escalation level.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Astral's "National Day of Caring for Kids Radiothon" - May 5/2011
If you've been reading my blogs - and Twitter - and Facebook over the last little while you'll know that I'm in high gear planning for this years Radiothon for Astral.
Mark the date down as Thursday, May 5th!
To highlight, more than 60 radio stations literally from 'coast to coast' stop their regular program for about twelve hours on that day and raise money for children's charities in their community.
Many of the stations are members of the Children's Miracle Network while others have either their own Station Children's Fund or a special cause that is near and dear to them in their particular city.
My job is to 'put it all on one page' for the company.
As such I visited several of the operations over the past few weeks to talk with what we call the "ground level crew" putting together this years event.
Although it is a giant National event the local aspect is what drives the success of the project.
In checking around the 'world' I can't find a radio station project anywhere as large as this one. About a thousand people are part of it - from the on air team; engineers; promotion people; Foundation people; clients, etc. and thousands upon thousands of listeners and clients 'donate' during the event.
It is probably the most 'touching' day a person can be involved in - especially when you're sitting in a hospital room with sick children, their parents, and the Doctors and Nurses watching the stations team's hard at work.
I've recently gone through a couple of personal weeks in that scenario with my own daughter, and I can safely say that 'all' of these people are amazing and when you deal with life threatening situations on a day to day basis I can assure you that the people who work in and around hospitals and care centres are very special people.
Over the past two years we have raised $14.6 million dollars with our Radiothon. That money has gone to much needed equipment, research, and individual hospital needs.
If you were one of the people who donated "I" thank you - Astral thanks you - the Foundations thank you - the hospitals thank you - and the parents and children also thank you.
This year we hope to blow last years $7.3 million dollar level out of the water and make some more magic happen with Radiothon.
Whether it's in Terrace, BC - or Toronto, Ontario.
Whether it's Edmonton, Alberta - or Pembrooke, Ontario 'every penny' goes to a good cause.
I know we're all asked to donate to many good causes throughout the year and that, as always, dollars are tight - but if you are a friend, a member of the media, or just an interested person reading this blog YOUR donation is needed and appreciated 'greatly.'
Please help us this year - and if you can't donate just do me a favour and "LIKE" our Astral Media "National Day of Caring Radiothon" page on Facebook and help spread the word to your friends, office workers, and associates.
If you can put together a donation from your office or work place - bonus - that works too.
The Facebook page is a one stop information centre for each and every market involved in Radiothon III - and you can donate on line 'any time' as well.
Thanks for reading.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for making 'somebody's' life better.
Often that somebody is in your own household or circle of friends who unexpectadly needs this assistance.
And by the way the person who gets the 'most' reward out of this day - is me!
I'm so damn proud of the talented people who do the front line work on this amazing day - and when they announce the final total at the end of the broadcast as it wraps up in Vancouver I feel great rewards for my small contribution to this most worthy cause!
My thanks!
Marty Forbes
President
Radiowise Inc.
Mark the date down as Thursday, May 5th!
To highlight, more than 60 radio stations literally from 'coast to coast' stop their regular program for about twelve hours on that day and raise money for children's charities in their community.
Many of the stations are members of the Children's Miracle Network while others have either their own Station Children's Fund or a special cause that is near and dear to them in their particular city.
My job is to 'put it all on one page' for the company.
As such I visited several of the operations over the past few weeks to talk with what we call the "ground level crew" putting together this years event.
Although it is a giant National event the local aspect is what drives the success of the project.
In checking around the 'world' I can't find a radio station project anywhere as large as this one. About a thousand people are part of it - from the on air team; engineers; promotion people; Foundation people; clients, etc. and thousands upon thousands of listeners and clients 'donate' during the event.
It is probably the most 'touching' day a person can be involved in - especially when you're sitting in a hospital room with sick children, their parents, and the Doctors and Nurses watching the stations team's hard at work.
I've recently gone through a couple of personal weeks in that scenario with my own daughter, and I can safely say that 'all' of these people are amazing and when you deal with life threatening situations on a day to day basis I can assure you that the people who work in and around hospitals and care centres are very special people.
Over the past two years we have raised $14.6 million dollars with our Radiothon. That money has gone to much needed equipment, research, and individual hospital needs.
If you were one of the people who donated "I" thank you - Astral thanks you - the Foundations thank you - the hospitals thank you - and the parents and children also thank you.
This year we hope to blow last years $7.3 million dollar level out of the water and make some more magic happen with Radiothon.
Whether it's in Terrace, BC - or Toronto, Ontario.
Whether it's Edmonton, Alberta - or Pembrooke, Ontario 'every penny' goes to a good cause.
I know we're all asked to donate to many good causes throughout the year and that, as always, dollars are tight - but if you are a friend, a member of the media, or just an interested person reading this blog YOUR donation is needed and appreciated 'greatly.'
Please help us this year - and if you can't donate just do me a favour and "LIKE" our Astral Media "National Day of Caring Radiothon" page on Facebook and help spread the word to your friends, office workers, and associates.
If you can put together a donation from your office or work place - bonus - that works too.
The Facebook page is a one stop information centre for each and every market involved in Radiothon III - and you can donate on line 'any time' as well.
Thanks for reading.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for making 'somebody's' life better.
Often that somebody is in your own household or circle of friends who unexpectadly needs this assistance.
And by the way the person who gets the 'most' reward out of this day - is me!
I'm so damn proud of the talented people who do the front line work on this amazing day - and when they announce the final total at the end of the broadcast as it wraps up in Vancouver I feel great rewards for my small contribution to this most worthy cause!
My thanks!
Marty Forbes
President
Radiowise Inc.
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