Interview with EIC William Bitrate: Is He Paranoid, or Just Prepared?

In the world of high-stakes broadcast engineering, being prepared is key. But at what point does preparation turn into paranoia? We sat down with William Bitrate, the Engineer in Charge (EIC) who’s been keeping the airwaves alive for over 12 years at ESPN and KVHS Channel 8 in Boise, to find out.

Meet William Bitrate: The Man, The Myth, The Legend

William Bitrate is not your average engineer. With a vivid imagination and a penchant for worst-case scenarios, he’s the MacGyver of the broadcast world, except with more duct tape and less hair. “I always say, you need a backup to your backup,” William quipped, as he gestured to a rack of equipment guarded by a BB gun and a baseball bat. “You never know when a squirrel might decide to take a joyride through your cables.”

When Squirrels Attack: The Origin Story

It all started one fateful afternoon when a rogue squirrel infiltrated the equipment rack. The chaos that ensued was nothing short of a rodent apocalypse.

“After that day, I decided that the only way to ensure uninterrupted broadcasting was by arming myself,” William explained. “The BB gun is for precision, and the baseball bat… well, that’s just handy in general.”

Disaster Planning: From Earthquakes to Zombie Squirrels

While most engineers plan for typical disasters, William’s plans include an array of highly unlikely scenarios. “Sure, I plan for earthquakes,” he admitted. “But what if there’s an earthquake during a wildfire while a squirrel with a taste for destruction is on the loose? You gotta be ready for anything.”

The Backup 'Genny' Conundrum

Despite his best preparations, there’s one area where William feels vulnerable: power backups. “I’ve been asking for a backup generator for years. Someday we’ll lose grid power, the battery backup, and the generator all at once. Then everyone will say, ‘William was right!’”

But until that day comes, William continues to do what he does best: be overly prepared for everything except a normal, uneventful day at the office.

Conclusion: Genius or Paranoid?

So, is William Bitrate paranoid, or is he just exceptionally prepared? Perhaps the line between the two is thinner than we think. But one thing is for sure: when the squirrel apocalypse comes, you’ll want William on your team.