Computer America
The Computer America Show is a talk radio/video program about technology ranging from consumer level to cutting edge developments. Airing every weeknight (with exceptions for certain holidays) for two hours, it features exclusive interviews with tech community insiders, regular correspondents which specialize in various fields, and review of the latest developments in technology news. The show offers many ways for the audience to interact and works with providers to give away the latest products on the air via contests. Computer America is entering its twenty-fourth year of production.
History
Craig Crossman began as a professional entertainer and singer. He later attained a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Florida Atlantic University. Additionally, Craig was a contributing editor for several tech magazines. His articles grew to a weekly column in the Miami Herald in the 1980s, one of the top ten newspapers in USA at the time. The column was picked up by Knight Ridder (acquired by McClatchy Tribute) and the column reached a national readership once syndicated.
In 1991, Craig approached a local radio station, WJNO, about starting a tech radio program which eventually became Computer America. After a few years, the American Forum Radio Network approached him about syndicating during weekends. The national show entertained live audiences from several venues in South Florida, including The Roof Garden club and Palm Beach Atlantic University.
The show changed networks several times as a result of various mergers and acquisitions, and in 2012 the decision was made to self-syndicate, and Computer America is now brought to a global audience by multiple networks.
Content and Distribution
Distribution
Historically, The Computer America Show has been more of a conventional talk radio program in which interviews and dialogue were conducted by phone and were audio only. Switching to an internet distribution model has allowed the show to include a video component which has been used for on-air demonstrations and an overall more complete show experience. The audio is still broadcast live via terrestrial and internet radio networks, while the live video is hosted live on the show’s website and archived episodes are available through YouTube.
Interviews
Computer America has the privilege of interviewing some of the most innovative and impactful guests in the industry, from companies ranging from established giants (Microsoft, Intel, AMD) to the latest in the field (D-Wave Systems, FaceRig, Thalmic Labs, Poieo3D) and even some special guests (Big Data [musician]). The interviews typically run for the first hour of the program, with occasional half-hour interviews during the second hour.
Correspondents
The show features a list of some fellow industry observers and insiders which appear as monthly guests of the show. During the visits, they discuss recent developments in their domains and broaden the audience’s exposure to the latest in technology. A full list can be found on the show’s website.
News Review
The host and co-host comb the internet for the latest happenings in the tech industry and discuss the nuances during the latter portions of the show. Of particular interest is not just the subject of the article, but what the implications of the development are within the context of the scope of developing and existing technologies.
Audience Interaction
Guests are encouraged to participate directly with the show in several ways; by signing up for the weekly newsletter which announces the guest line-up for the upcoming week, by submitting their questions for guests by email, by joining the live IRC chat during the show and asking questions or giving comments, and by signing up for the regular show contests and winning some loot.
Show Staff
Host
Craig Crossman has been the host of the show since its founding in 1991. Prior to hosting Computer America, he worked as a professional singer in Las Vegas, and later as a manager of one of the early Apple stores. In addition to his showmanship and consumer technology credentials, Craig holds a degree in Computer Science from Florida Atlantic University. Craig’s expertise and passion for consumer technology over the past several decades have made Computer America one of the most persistent talk-radio programs.
Co-Host
Craig Crossman has been joined by several co-hosts over the show’s history. Each one of them has been involved in the tech industry and has brought a unique view to the show dialogue. The current co-host of the show is Benjamin Crossman, Craig’s son and a young tech-enthusiast. He is currently studying Computer Science at Florida Atlantic University, while balancing his involvement with the show and his prodigious gaming habit.
Support Staff
- Aaron Crossman, Executive Producer and Webmaster; Craig’s other son who helps with the development of content, the show’s website, and the show in general.
- Corissa Greene, “Booking Goddess” and Producer; The Booking Goddess is the go-to individual for scheduling an appearance on the show, and recently has started handling the show’s syndication.
- Kyle Kalbarczyk, North American Sales Director; An avid consumer-tech consumer and chemist, Kyle is the liaison for North American companies who wish to advertise with or sponsor the show.
- Rachael Williams, International Sales Director; A multi-lingual genius, Rachael is the liaison for International companies which want to introduce their products to the competitive American technology marketplace.
Correspondents
- Ralph Bond; An industry veteran of 30 years with a keen eye for up and coming products.
- Marcel Gange; A food, wine, and Linux enthusiast and author of “Cooking with Linux” column.
- Greyson Hamilton; A video game journalist and editor at large of Popzara.com.
- Sandy Berger; A technology communicator working to bring the latest to the oldest.
- Dick DeBartolo; A consumer technology journalist and editor of Gizwiz.biz.
- Mike Cermak; President of TechGuy.org, one of the largest free tech-support communities.
- Charles Tendell; A certified ethical hacker and decorated specialist in cyber security.
- Michael Miller; Prolific author of explanatory books written for the average reader.