DHS Radio Projects
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Format
In most of broadcast radio, there is a format or schedule of what occurs
in the program at certain times. This format is something that lends
consistency to the various hours and programs being broadcast. Examples
of things that would be included in a programming format are: Timing
of: breaks (when the announcer talks), playing of production pieces,
reading of Public Service Announcements, recognition of funding, production
credits, types of music played at certain times and more.
Legal Id every radio and television broadcaster in the United States
is mandated by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) to state the
call letters and location at the top of the hour. This is called
a Legal Id. For radio station WDBY, located in Duxbury Massachusetts,
it would be a phrase that includes the exact statement "WDBY Duxbury".
It can include information before and/or after the Legal ID, but it must
include that exact phrase.
Production
Radio production is the creation of original short recordings that help
promote ideas that are central to the programming and community service
mission of the broadcaster.
Essential to these recordings are several qualities:
They have to have a certain broadcast quality
They communicate a message that is consistent with
the goals of the station
They are recorded to timing specifications
They make appropriate use of sound
Public Service Announcements (PSA's)
A public service announcemtent or PSA is a brief message that tells the
listener about an idea, service or event that would help some or all people
listening. They are one of the ways that the radio or television
station can help to inform or educate the listening public. These
PSA's can be recorded, in which case they are referred to as production.
They can be written as scripts that are read by the announcer, and called
Live Copy.
PSA's fall under a few categories:
Timeless
These are announcements that could be aired indefinitely because the
script makes no mention of events in the future or past.
Seasonal
These announcements make seasonal references only, but could be used
annually during the season in reference.
Time-sensitive
These messages refer to a specific time period and have a definite
date after which it would not be appropriate to broadcast. This date
is called the Kill Date.
Engineering
In broadcasting, the skills of engineering come into play in the cofiguration
of electronic components that make up the studios and other broadcast facilities.
Broadcast engineers also manage the transmission of the signal. To
transmit the signal, there are several systems: transmitter, microwave
link, webcasting. Each of these systems requires certain skills in
hardware and software configuration and maintenance.
Studio Design
The design of broadcast studios incorporate knowledge and practice of sound
control, ergonomics, and the building and placement of cabinetry and electronic
equipment. Before creating permanent arrangements, the designers
of the studio must plan for the use and occupation of the studio space.
