(D1) Codes and Conventions for Radio

 In this post I am going to discuss the codes and conventions for radio. here I will talk about how they impact radio as a whole, and my own radio show independently. I will also speak about how these codes will fit into my show and how they can target different audiences and have an effect on how my show will come across.

Radio Codes - 

Radio has a set of codes and conventions that it must adhere to. this is in effect for all radio shows regardless of genre, and will be in effect at all times. These rules are similar to rule and regulations set by regulatory bodies, but they are not legal rules.

Speech - 

One of the codes is speech. The speech on your show is specific to your show, and the pitch and volume of your voices will affect how the show feels and sounds. This can affect a show massively, as if someones voice is louder, the show is less laid back and more of a fun and louder show. This could also be for stations that play heavier music such as rock and metal, as the louder, deeper voices are usually used for this sort of show. When someones voice is quieter and softer, they Amy be used for classical radio shows, which are intended to be more smooth and relaxing, as that reflects the style of music that they play. This also reflects what the listener is looking for in the music, which is relaxation in this case. A moderate voice at a normal volume is usually used for the normal radio shows, the popular shows such as BBC Radio 2 use this as it is in between. This does not fall under any specific category, but is the most popular type of speech.

Music - 

Another one of the radio codes is music. Music defines a radio show, as that is the sole purpose of radio, and his been since it started. The choice of music in a radio show is chosen by the creators of the show. For example, BBC Radio 2 will play pop music, and chart songs, as they play what mainstreamers listen to and the most popular songs of the time, which fall under this category. Radio X play rock music, this means that their audience will be more niche, but still popular. This also shows that the radio show is for an older audience, as the music is usually more explicit than general rock music. The music in a show creates the target audience, and the audience in general of a radio show. This is because people will listen to their preferred shows, based on their favourite music.

Sound - 

The third radio code is sound. Sound is used frequently in radio. This is not speech nor music, and is used for ambience. This could be instrumental or noise created digitally, and is used to create atmosphere or tension throughout the radio show. For example, in a quiz sector, or a give-away, the radio show might use sound to create dramatic tension. This sound is usually played quietly and in the background of the voices, or just to generate a feeling throughout the show.

Silence - 

The fourth radio code is silence. Silence is not used much in radio shows however it can be used as a way to get between segments, to generate tension or just simply between songs. This is used commonly without being noticed much, as it does not usually have a specific reason for being the way it is.

Nitro FM uses these codes throughout their show so that they can stick to the standards of radio, and so that they can classify as a radio show by using these codes. They use Speech mostly, as they commentate the racing throughout the day for about 75% of the show, which is the main point of the radio show as it links directly to the racing. Music is also a big part of Nitro FM's show, as they play music between any breaks they have in racing, such as crashes and cleaning the track. The music is usually played in around half an hour blocks, and for the rest of the night when racing has finished. Santa Pod uses sound throughout their show through speech and music, and rarely uses and adlibs or sound effects, unless they are transferring to the racing so that people know when to come back.

Radio Conventions - 

Radio conventions are the common things that you would hear on the radio. The name is based from 'conventional' radio, which means normal radio. This is when radio stations follow a set of ideas/rules that other stations across the country always use. For example some of the shows and sectors that radio use, and the order of programming. For example, most radio stations will have a weather and news sector to their show, and all stations will have music. This also applies for the ways advertisements are structured and when they play, which maintains similarity among most radio stations across the country.

Structure - 

Radio stations will follow a conventional structure of events and shows which is popular within most shows. This is usually when they start in the morning with an introduction to the radio show, and naming the presenters. They will usually follow with weather, news and traffic updates for people that are commuting in the mornings, as well as some laid back, positive music to play to people in the morning. This gets positive feedback so it is the most used structure, and it also makes people feel better in the morning as they listen to positive music. After this they will move to lunchtime radio. This is where they will do things such as call ins, and radio shows such as games and talking. This is also when they do more traffic and news updates, and the music that they use no longer sticks to purely positivity, and goes throughout whatever music they play own the show. When it gets to the afternoon, they will still play the same music and advertisement blocks, however the talk shows will be more common as people are driving back and cannot be distracted by game shows. They will then stop the shows and slow the music down again when it gets later in the night as people become more calm and relaxed. This is a very common structure among British radio stations, as they all follow this method because it brings in the most views, and it is the structure that viewers like the most due to working hours.

Shows - 

The common radio shows that are broadcasted are news, traffic, weather, gameshows and talk shows. These are played throughout the day within the show structure, and are relevant to the aim of the show. These shows are more commonly used as they are appropriate, and popular among an audience, which means that they can gain a higher number of listeners using these conventional shows that everyone is already familiar with.

In my radio example, Nitro FM, they have occasional shows that can be participated in from home and from the event. One of these events is the awards ceremony at the end of racing for the winners, which is streamed live on radio to listen to.

Jingles - 

The jingles used within our production will be to transfer from music back to the show, or from the show to the competition segments. The jingles will be short and snappy, and will be recognizable. This means they need to be short and simple, not complicated.

These will keep to the theme of our show as they will be a rock style jingle, which is the basis of the music used on our show, as well as the concept of our show which is south Yorkshire bands. These bands usually use electric guitars and drums like standard bands so our jingle will be associated with that kind of music.

The jingles in Nitro FM are not music based, as they just state the name of the show and the sponsor. This is because Nitro FM is a talk radio show, rather than a music streaming show, so their talking jingle suits the show much more. The jingle is also done by the main commentator which means that it is even more relevant to the show.

Dialogue - 

We will be addressing our audience in our show in a more friendly, talkative manner, rather than a more serious show. This is because alot of our show is talking about South Yorkshire Bands in a conversation like way. People are more inclined to watch shows like this as they are more entertaining than other shows that use boring and straightforward speech. People also prefer radio shows like this as it feels more realistic, which is calming and makes the audience feel involved rather than just a listener. This also suits our show as we do a lot of speaking throughout the sections.

It is important to address the audience in a friendly manner as they would prefer this, and would not feel attacked or offended by the way that they are being spoken to in the show. This also maintains a good relationship with the audience, which is very good for keeping listeners loyal and involved with the show.

Nitro FM's Audience treatment and dialogue is very similar to how ours will be. They always treat their audience with respect and often make jokes with them about things to lighten the mood. this is exactly how we would want our radio show to be.