Cooking on Gas

UPDATE: Please check the FORUM for updates on the progress of scheduling…. click here

We are now firmly cemented onto our new servers, such a shame that these people exist on our tiny planet that want nothing more than to cause grief and misery to others…. I hope that most of you have updated your mobile apps, Internet radios with the new server settings, anybody still experiencing problems should drop me a line and I will see if I can help.

Now lets look forward to the next couple of weeks and there is plenty happening….. So without further ado, here are the exciting developments:

New shows and more episodes of existing programs for your enjoyment

Where shows have already existed in the current library,  I have made a gigantic effort to ensure that all known episodes are made available. For example, we carried 80 episodes of the classic comedy panel game ISIHAC which airs on the British Comedy Channel, I have now added a further 350 episodes. The Goon show archive has been increased from 90 to 160 episodes. The Great Gildersleeve archive has increased from 120 episodes to 468 episodes. I am adding more than 6000 new shows to the archive in the next few days. I could go on but it will take weeks ~:) Check out the new schedules for information on the new programming!

Channel Schedules

Radio Automation

I have finally created a programming grid, it was not simple and has given me several sleepless nights. The problem is that the Pumpkin FM OTR library consists of more that 50,000 shows all of differing length, so I am sure you can understand the complexity of  the endeavor? The second problem is the automation and  play-out 24/7 of five different channels. I have been diligently working in the background writing scripts in PAL (Play-list Automation Language) which has caused even more sleepless nights The new schedules are broken down into 30 minutes slots and the script needs the logic to work out episode lengths and try and fill the hour as near as possible. If there is not enough material to complete the hour, the script fills the remaining time with adverts, promos and jingles to fit. It is currently in test mode and seems stable, but there maybe a few hiccups along the way!

You can see the new schedules by clicking here.  You can also download them to your PC and/or  print them out as I have made them available in PDF and Word formats on the schedule page itself.

The Drama and Western Channel becomes Pumpkin FM GOLD

Blair of the Mounties

The Drama & Western Channel is to be relaunched as Pumpkin FM ‘GOLD’.  GOLD will carry an exciting mix of Adventure, Drama, Comedies, Thrillers, Mysteries, Music and Factual programming. From time to time GOLD will also air special one off plays, productions and events. GOLD will truly be the variety channel of the network, something for everyone. For the frontier  adventure aficionados  we have added Challenge of the Yukon, Blair of the Mounties, Ranger Bill, Tales of Diamond K and the Frontier Gentleman together with hundreds of new Western  episodes.

Vic & Sade

Fans of drama will also not be disappointed with hundreds of new plays added to the archive. We have also reached agreement with the Chatterbox Audio Theater to rebroadcast their excellent entertaining recordings. Old Time Radio soap operas also get a first airing with the excellent Vic & Sade.

Listen to an episode of Vic & Sade
Smelly_Clarks_Big_Date

Superman

If you are seeking excitement & adventure, then you are in for a treat as Pumpkin FM GOLD will broadcast daily episodes of the Adventures of Superman and at weekends tune in to Jungle Jim, Tarzan, Jerry of the Circus, Sonny and Buddy, the Voyage of the Scarlet Queen and the Cruise of the Poll Parrot to name but a few…..

Listen to an episode of Superman
Superman 1945-05-08 Lair Of The Dragon

Something for the lovers of music

Saturdays and Sundays will see the introduction of the ‘Old Time Music Hour’ playing the best of 1930′s and 1940′s music.

For British listeners out there in their 40′s or above, I have decided to recreate the BBC classic radio show, Junior Choice which will air on both Saturdays and Sundays.  Junior Choice rose from the ashes of the BBC show ‘Children’s

Ed 'Stewpot' Stewart

Favourites’ which from 1954 broadcast on the Light Programme on Saturday mornings. In February 1968 Ed ‘Stewpot’ Stewart took over from Leslie Crowther and became the host for eleven years, attracting over 17 million listeners. The style became less cosy and less reverent. As tastes changed, new favourites were added, though some of the old favourites remained for years. Additionally pop music records, as opposed to records specifically for children, were requested more frequently as the 1970s progressed. The show always carried a myriad of now iconic favorites such as Sparky and his Magic Piano, the Laughing Policeman, the Ugly Duckling, Ernie the Fastest Milkman in the West, My Brother, My Boomerang Won’t Come Back and Their Changing Guard at Buckingham Palace to name but a few…

Listen to the Children’s Favourites theme tune
01 – Various Artists – Captain Kangaroo (Puffin’ Billy)

The Green Hornet

Pumpkin FM Gold will also carry the Whistler, the Shadow, the Green Hornet, the Blue Beetle, Secret Agent K7 Returns as well as premier  British and American comedy shows before they make there way to the British & American Comedy Channels!

The Pumpkin FM OTR Network has a large archive of series that do not warrant a fixed slot due to so few episodes being produced or remaining in circulation. In the next few weeks, Pumpkin FM GOLD will start a showcase to air these rare shows from the golden age of radio.

Vincent Price

The Science Fiction Channel becomes the Science Fiction and Supernatural Channel

There are some fantastic old time science fiction shows available, but unfortunately compared to other genres the amount of content does not warrant a dedicated sci-fi only channel, things are really starting to repeat too often, so moving forward the channel will include Horror, Tales of the Wierd, Wonderful, Supernatural  and the Unexpected. See the new programming schedule for full details!

Listen Now: Vincent Price comes to the Science Fiction and Supernatural Channel
The Price Of Fear – 01 – William And Mary

So I think I have said enough for now, need to get back to programming and updating the library ready for the relaunch. I have really been moved by the level of support during the past couple of troublesome and stressful weeks and the genorosity of our sponsors.  I will update you all on the donation situation in my next post.

Happy Listening

John

Pumpkin FM Old Time Radio Network