Middle-earth Network Continues to Grow with A Well-known Addition

Middle-earth Network, a newly launched radio station of fantasy-based content, has gained a new member. Michael Kaiser of Middle-earth Minutes which podcasts Tolkien News, has joined the management team and will be overseeing the technical side of running an internet-based radio station. When I asked Michael how he felt about his new job description, he replied, “Our whole family is excited about Dunedain Radio. We are all fans of Fantasy Fiction - whether J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, or J.K. Rawling and Rick Riordan, etc. etc.... Being integrally involved in an entire network dedicated to the things we love and enjoy is an honor. To have a small part in providing other fans with an Internet community based in New Media is a venture that we are both humbled and thrilled by.” He went on to say, “We are dedicated to helping make the Middle-earth Network the best that it can be, and will work to continue the vision set-forth in the building of the premier destination for Fantasy fans. They deserve no less.”

Any fan of Middle-earth Minutes knows Michael’s son is a vital part of the podcasts, and in his statement to me, he made sure to include him, saying, “I'm excited, also, to have my son (and co-host of Middle-earth Minutes) integrally involved during his formative years. I honestly believe that being surrounded by so many talented and good people that share his interests will go far in continuing his already manifested good character qualities as he grows!”

Among the others who manage Middle-earth Network, are Candace McCarty of The Green Dragon Inn, John Di Bartolo of The Lonely Mountain Band, and  Mark Ostley the founder and head-honcho of Middle-earth Network, who had this to say about their new addition: “I am pleased to have Michael join us as an integral part of Middle-earth Network. He brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to what all of us are working towards. John, Candace and myself are all of the same mind that Michael is what is needed to bring our efforts to the next level. All of us are honored to share this journey with such an outstanding individual and friend.”

All images have been used with permission.

Middle-earth Network’s Launch Party

2,634 - That’s the official number of listeners that tuned into Middle-earth Network’s Launch Party last Friday, March 25th. Scads of fans and well-wishers poured into the station’s chat room, anxious to be a part of what was going on. Many of the guests signed in and talked for hours with the listeners. And just as Middle-earth Network promised, the calls started coming in. Among the guests to call in were David and Andy (Mad Dwarf Workshop), Michael Kaiser of Middle-earth Minutes, Author P.G. Holyfield, Artist Ted Nasmith, The Lonely Mountain Band, The UK Band Gandalf's Fist, Michael Martinez (Middle-earth Radio), Dr. Corey Olsen (The Tolkien Professor), Kate Madison (Born of Hope), and Rick Heaton (Turbine). Author Doug Adams and Artist Jef Murray where both unable to attend, however their pre-recorded well-wishes where broadcasted for the listeners.

Over all it was an amazing night! One of the spotlights was Corey Olsen (The Tolkien Professor) interviewing Rick Heaton (Turbine)—a “Tolkien meets the gaming world” type of moment. Truly entertaining! If you missed the Launch Party, don’t panic! The schedule is soon to be posted on Middle-earth Network’s site, and I hear tales of a Bird and Baby interview with Doug Adams is soon to be aired. So stay tuned!

Middle-earth Network can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.

Image is copyright Middle-earth Network and is used with permission.

Dunedain Radio Has Set A Launch Date!

It’s official! Middle-Earth Network, aka 

Dunedain Radio, will go live March 25th, at 8pm CT, so mark your calendars. The Tolkien/fantasy based station is run by three geniuses and fellow Tolkienists: Mark aka Maerech, Candace McCarty of The Green Dragon Inn, and John Di Bartolo of the Lonely Mountain Band. The station offers everything from rock to classical and has had an impressive lineup of podcast interviews, including the most recent, Doug Adams, author of The Music of the Lord of the Ring Films. The Tolkien Professor (Corey Olsen), Ted Nasmith, Kate Madison, Mad Dwarf Workshop, and Gandalf’s Fist are among some of the others to grace the station with their presence. Even Weta Workshop in New Zealand has agreed to let the station re-air their podcasts.

And that’s just the beginning. To kick off their launch date, they have been hard at work, creating their very own Map inspired by Middle-Earth! From February 25 until March 25th you can get your hands on one, for a donation of $15 or more. Once the 25th has gone and passed, you may still receive one for a donation

of $20 and up.

Besides a major revamp of their website under way, Dunedain Radio is now an affiliate of Amazon.com and Audible Books, launching a “One Stop Shop” on everything Tolkien/fantasy-related. It’s a Tolkien lover’s dream, and much needed as there are not many places where you can find such a vast network of Middle-Earth-centered material.