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Builders Radio Overview

What is Builders Radio?​

Builders Radio is a web-based streaming radio service that broadcasts audio content for Builders International. The service is built on AzuraCast, a powerful, open-source radio management and automation platform that provides professional-grade broadcasting capabilities.

Purpose​

The primary purpose of Builders Radio is to:

  • Stream live and pre-recorded audio content to listeners worldwide
  • Maintain a curated library of music, instrumental tracks, and worship content
  • Provide a consistent listening experience with a web-based player interface
  • Enable automated playlist management and scheduled broadcasting

Hosting Infrastructure​

Platform: AzuraCast​

AzuraCast is a self-contained, standalone radio server that handles:

  • Media library management - organizing, uploading, and managing audio files
  • Live streaming capabilities - broadcasting to multiple bitrates and formats
  • Playlist automation - scheduling and rotating content automatically
  • Web player integration - embedding players on websites
  • Analytics and statistics - tracking listener demographics and engagement
  • Remote management - controlling the station via web dashboard and API

Server Deployment​

The AzuraCast instance is hosted on a DigitalOcean droplet, a cloud-based virtual private server (VPS) that provides:

  • Reliable, redundant infrastructure
  • Automatic backups and snapshots
  • Scalable resources for handling concurrent listeners
  • Global CDN support for lower latency streaming

Repository Contents​

The builders-radio repository stores essential infrastructure components:

1. SSH Keys (builders-radio, builders-radio.pub)​

SSH key pair used for secure shell access to the DigitalOcean droplet hosting AzuraCast.

Security note: The private key should only be accessible to authorized team members with deployment responsibilities.

2. Media Files (/media directory)​

Organized audio content library with three main categories:

  • Bilateral - Content for bilateral programming
  • Instrumentals - Instrumental music tracks
  • Worship - Worship-related audio content

These files are synchronized with the AzuraCast media library.

3. Video Integration Code (/vimeo_transfer directory)​

Python utilities for transferring video content from Vimeo to AWS S3 storage, enabling video playback on web properties. This supports the broader Builders International media ecosystem.

4. Public Code (/public_code directory)​

Web-facing code for embedding the radio player on websites:

  • glassPlayer.css - Styling for the radio player widget
  • public.js - JavaScript for video background playback
  • public.css - Additional styling for public-facing elements

Current Status​

The Builders Radio service is:

  • ✅ Operational - actively streaming audio content
  • ✅ Automated - using playlist scheduling and rotation
  • ✅ Integrated - embedded on Builders International web properties
  • ✅ Monitored - regular maintenance and content updates performed

Access and Management​

Who Has Access?​

  • Technical team: SSH access to DigitalOcean droplet for maintenance
  • Content managers: AzuraCast web dashboard for playlist and media management
  • Developers: API access for integrations and custom features
  • Public listeners: Web player access via published stream URLs

Key Access Points​

  • AzuraCast Dashboard: Web-based administration interface
  • SSH/Remote Access: Via key pair stored in this repository
  • Stream URLs: Public endpoints for listener connection
  • API: For programmatic control and integration

Quick Facts​

  • Technology Stack: AzuraCast (Docker), DigitalOcean (hosting), AWS S3 (backup storage)
  • Audio Formats: Multiple bitrates for adaptive streaming
  • Player: GlassPlayer web widget
  • Content: Music, instrumentals, worship tracks, pre-recorded broadcasts
  • Audience: Global listeners via web player