Programming
Radio Regulation and Format Design
Radio stations can choose their own programming under Section 326 - Communications Act - gives broadcasters freedom from censorship. American Radio has ‘format freedom’
Task - provide attractive programming to meet informational and entertainment needs of audience
Matrix of Radio Programming
Local Programming - original programming produced by radio station
Prerecorded or Syndicated Programming - obtained from a commercial supplier outside the station
Network Programming - obtained from radio nets such as ABC, CBS or National Public Radio
Kinds of Radio Programming
Music - most popular form of radio programming
Prerecorded or syndicated: 9 out of 10 stations use music as programming backbone.
Network music programming has undergone a renaissance
News/Talk: Local shows includes news, sports, weather, traffic. Many popular talk personalities are syndicated via satellite
Modes of Radio Production
Local, live Production - station employs its own announcers and newscasters
Live-assist Production - station uses syndicated programming but retains local announcers
Semiautomation - station uses syndicated producer for majority of programming
Turnkey automation - station is fully automated
Voice tracking - computer automation makes it possible to program more than one station with same personnel
Creating the Radio Format
Format - the overall sound and image of the radio station. It includes station’s approach to talk, music, promotion, ads community relations, personalities, etc
Keys to successful format: To identify and serve a predetermined set of listeners, To serve those listeners better than the competition, To reward listeners both on and off the air, make them consistent customers for the products and services advertised on the station
Finding The “Format Hole”
Programming Strategies: Do a better job at a specific format than the competition and Develop a niche
Radio stations can choose their own programming under Section 326 - Communications Act - gives broadcasters freedom from censorship. American Radio has ‘format freedom’
Task - provide attractive programming to meet informational and entertainment needs of audience
Matrix of Radio Programming
Local Programming - original programming produced by radio station
Prerecorded or Syndicated Programming - obtained from a commercial supplier outside the station
Network Programming - obtained from radio nets such as ABC, CBS or National Public Radio
Kinds of Radio Programming
Music - most popular form of radio programming
Prerecorded or syndicated: 9 out of 10 stations use music as programming backbone.
Network music programming has undergone a renaissance
News/Talk: Local shows includes news, sports, weather, traffic. Many popular talk personalities are syndicated via satellite
Modes of Radio Production
Local, live Production - station employs its own announcers and newscasters
Live-assist Production - station uses syndicated programming but retains local announcers
Semiautomation - station uses syndicated producer for majority of programming
Turnkey automation - station is fully automated
Voice tracking - computer automation makes it possible to program more than one station with same personnel
Creating the Radio Format
Format - the overall sound and image of the radio station. It includes station’s approach to talk, music, promotion, ads community relations, personalities, etc
Keys to successful format: To identify and serve a predetermined set of listeners, To serve those listeners better than the competition, To reward listeners both on and off the air, make them consistent customers for the products and services advertised on the station
Finding The “Format Hole”
Programming Strategies: Do a better job at a specific format than the competition and Develop a niche