David Clements' Bio

While David Clements has experience in audio production, web design, programming, and building computers, he's most interested in discussing how Independent Radio Producers can work together to find new streams of revenue, increase audience size, and establish new outlets for their work.

David currently holds a B.S. in Communications from Fredonia State University, where he got his start at WCVF radio. Throughout his relatively short broadcasting career, he has produced several award-winning radio features and programs in genres as far ranging as news, comedy, radio drama, and poetry/storytelling.

David is currently producing the CPB funded series "Be Connected" which is focused on technology reporting. The series strives to attain high production values and use sound to make potentially complex subjects and ideas come to life. Information is available at BeConnected.org.

David not only enjoys talking about technology, but he also enjoys utilizing it to its fullest capacity. To that end, he programs in PERL, PHP and Java. He recently put together the public radio oriented weblog/portal site AudioExchange.org. The site is designed to be a meeting place for public radio producers, station personnel, program producers, and -- most importantly -- the public. Audioexchange.org can also be used to distribute programming. People can link to and/or upload their work to the site free of charge. The multimedia element makes the site a potentially powerful promotions tool.

"All too often we in public radio have been waiting for people to discover us by flipping the radio dial. That doesn't happen as often as we'd like it to. I know that public radio could garner a much larger audience, independent producers could be more recognized than they are today, and we could all reap the benefits of better promotion and outreach. However, we all have to be proactive and work together towards that goal."

He adds that it's also important to train the future radio public radio listeners to expect more from radio than just Rush Limbaugh or Top 40.

"I'm not sure how many folks in public radio realize the number of people who download most of what they listen to from some Napster-like service. The problem is that people generally look for what they know -- mainly pop music. These people aren't usually reaching out for something new, even if they'd really appreciate it. Many don't know we exist, despite the fact that many Internet connected people are wealthy and educated. I have yet to see public radio really take advantage of this potential opportunity."

As of New Year's Day, David began a new project based at AudioExchange.org that can be heard via Shoutcast streaming audio (which is still a little experimental). The site is starting its own Internet radio station that Independent Producers can participate in. The stream will feature unique public radio programming from around the country and he wants to feature your work new and old!

If that wasn't enough, in his spare time (what little of it there is to spare), David is developing an e-commerce system that anyone can use to help generate additional funds and donations. He expects that to be ready within the next few months.

Audio
  Silophone [segment] (05.24). Download: MP3 [12mb]
  The User [segment] (02.00). Download: MP3 [2.2mb]