Carl Akins

I have been a professional announcer for nearly 40 years. I began in radio as a DJ and held most every position in the business, including news director, news anchor, copy writer, production director, and operations manager. Along with about 19 years in radio, I overlapped 17 years producing voiceovers for commercials at a TV station. Most of this experience took place in the Binghamton, NY, market (WBNG-TV, WEBO/WWWT/WQXT/WENE/WMRV/WINR), as well as at WTKO in Ithaca. Having written radio commercials for several years, I have a pretty good feel for how copy should be delivered. However, understanding that there is more than one way to read a script, I also take direction well. I hold a permanent FCC General Radiotelephone License (started as a First Class and converted to the general license) with Radar Endorsement. I also have AAS degrees in electrical engineering technology, telecommunications and computer science (and I'm nearing completion on a computer forensics and security degree). My broadcasting training was all self-taught or learned from mentors in the business. I have recently redirected my efforts to being an independent producer of voiceovers by taking a workshop from Voices For All. ADK A51 Mk5.1 large diaphragm condenser microphone Shure 565SD dynamic microphone Mbox Mini2 interface with Pro Tools Mackie 1202-VLZ Pro mixer My wife teaches Physics and Astronomy in college and we both have an active interest in both fields, so I have a good handle on scientific terms. I also recently worked as a technical assistant in the health sciences division of a community college so I can also tackle terms in that area.