P3: Describe the multi platform distribution methods
FM, AM, MW and DAB
- What is the difference between FM, AM, MW and DAB?
FM: Stands Frequency Modulation
MW: Stands for Medium Wave.
AM: Stands for Amplitude Modulation
DAB: Stands fro Digital Audio Broadcasting
- What is the pros and cons of DAB radio? How does it impact on FM, AM and MW?
- Clearer sound
- Truer sound
- Expensive equipment for both parties
- Latency in transmitting, the DAB broadcast is 2 seconds behind AM & FM
- What would you rather listen to? Why?
Survey Monkey:
I researched Radio 2 and have found out that they broadcast on FM and DAB. I then reproached to see what the publics preferred radio is and the type of radio they listen to.
Audience Research:
Audience Research:
My Vox Pops:
Considering my feedback I received from my Vox-Pops and my Survey I created on radio and its audiences, I have discovered that young radio audiences don't listen to the radio very often. I researched on audience 16 - 18, and I have found that the most popular stations are BBC Radio 1, Heart and Kiss FM. This is for a few different reasons, firstly, these stations play chart music and discuss topical stories and news which is relevant to an audience of this age, which means that the audience would be attracted to this show. I also discovered that most people of this age listen to music in the car, and rarely through other forms of radio platforms.
M2 - Explain the processes and technologies involved in producing a radio broadcast
Photos by Will Stepney
Technologies used for a radio presentation:
Usually, there is a main focus of the show, the presenters. This can be one or more people, and they are the direct connection between the show and the audience. They usually control the show as well, they control things like the music, beds, sound effects and jingles. They also control the faders which allows them to select what the audience are hearing and connect different segments for the program such as advertisements or musical segments. The mixing desk is the most important tool for the show as this controls everything. The mixing desk also controls the volume and levels of microphones, these are used by both the presenters and the guests. This also controls telephone units and the musical playlists which are played to the audience or the jingles / sound effects for the show. As all of this control is done by the presenters so if there are any mistakes made then the broadcast will suffer as all the control is instant to the audience and the presenters will be in charge of everything produced. Playlists are used in a radio broadcast to allow the presenters to queue up the songs they wish to play. This means that they don't have to search for the song and then play it as soon as possible. They are also able to add songs which have been requested by the audience and queue those up too. The use of a playlist ensures that they are less likely to make a mistake when creating the show live. A Digital Play out System is a device which is used to play sound elements on the air. These are usually operated through a touch screen device and it is a quick way for a presenter to play a sound without having to queue up sounds though their mixing desk. This means the show will flow more and therefore be more appealing to the audience.
Usually, there is a main focus of the show, the presenters. This can be one or more people, and they are the direct connection between the show and the audience. They usually control the show as well, they control things like the music, beds, sound effects and jingles. They also control the faders which allows them to select what the audience are hearing and connect different segments for the program such as advertisements or musical segments. The mixing desk is the most important tool for the show as this controls everything. The mixing desk also controls the volume and levels of microphones, these are used by both the presenters and the guests. This also controls telephone units and the musical playlists which are played to the audience or the jingles / sound effects for the show. As all of this control is done by the presenters so if there are any mistakes made then the broadcast will suffer as all the control is instant to the audience and the presenters will be in charge of everything produced. Playlists are used in a radio broadcast to allow the presenters to queue up the songs they wish to play. This means that they don't have to search for the song and then play it as soon as possible. They are also able to add songs which have been requested by the audience and queue those up too. The use of a playlist ensures that they are less likely to make a mistake when creating the show live. A Digital Play out System is a device which is used to play sound elements on the air. These are usually operated through a touch screen device and it is a quick way for a presenter to play a sound without having to queue up sounds though their mixing desk. This means the show will flow more and therefore be more appealing to the audience.
Headphones: Headphone's are very important druing the radio production proccess. They are worn by multiple people across the stuido. Mainly, the presenter for the show will wear these to monitor what they are actualy broadcasting to their audience. They will be able to hear all the differnet sounds that they are producing, whether that be music, SFX or their monitor their voices. With this, it means that they can ensure that the best sound possible is being produced to their audience, and that if there are any mistakes then they can fix them. |
Microphones:
The radio presenters need to be able to talk to their audience, and a microphone allows them to do this. The microphones in radio studios are special designed to make the production process as easy as possible. Usually, the microphones that the producers use are put on special crane devices, this means that the presenter has the ability to move the mic around freely without having to worry about cables or effecting the sound quality. To increase the quality of the sound produced by these microphones, the studio usually puts a Pop-Shield in front of the mic, this helps to prevent the Pops which some microphones can produce if they don't have one. This all means that the audio coming from the studio is best as possible. |
Speakers: Sometimes, the presenters or other listners in the stuido would prefer a louder and more emersive audio expereience. So, they may use speakers/studio monitors to get this playback. This could also be done if there are multiple people listening to the show in one room, then they can all hear what is being aired. |
Mixing Desk: The mixing desk is one of the key pieces of equipment needed for a radio production. This helps to control what is actually aired on the show. The mixing desk has all of the individual tracks, and from there the producer is able to change the volume, and play with different audio effects to enhance the show. This is useful as all the different tracks need to be at different volumes for different times to ensure that the listener can hear what is going on and to make sure that the audio is the best quality possible. |
Work Stations: The work station is the section of the room where the presenter actually stands and creates the show. This is where all of the equipment is kept and is in reach for the presenter to use and alter at any time necessary. This means that the presenter never has to leave this space to do anything, all the things and equipment needed for the show are right there. |
Computers: Computers have many uses during a radio production. Usually, a presenter will have a computer with them to control audio via software, but to also help with research and interaction with the audience. This is because they can interact via the radio's website or social media. Computers are also used around the office for the research team, this is so the show can produce the most up to date information and also provide relevant news. |
Monitors: Monitors are used through out the radio studio. They can be used by both the presenter for the show and also the rest of the office. The presneter can use them to help with research whilst presenting the show. And the reserechers in the office can use them to help with research for the actual show. |
How does a radio station use this technology to create their broadcasted programmes?
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Video Supplied by Will Stepney
Production Process:
The process is quite simple when creating a radio programme, however there are many different controls and aspects the presnter/s need to use and consider when creating their programmes. Fistly, a show will start after adverts have been played, so the show will need to introduce itself once these have finished. Once these are finsihed they run along the planned scheduel for the programme, which includes them discussing topics, playing content or engaging with the audience. They use the mixing desk to create the elements and change the levels of the audio and to fade out differnet sounds. After about 10 mins of air time, they will cut to adverts again (depending on the station) and reset their mixing desk and audio equiptment. This allows the presenters and guests to have a quick discussion about what they are doing next and prepare themselves to repeat this process. Once this is done and the show is finished, the presenters and guests will sign off and end the show, where they will fade into adverts or the next show.
The process is quite simple when creating a radio programme, however there are many different controls and aspects the presnter/s need to use and consider when creating their programmes. Fistly, a show will start after adverts have been played, so the show will need to introduce itself once these have finished. Once these are finsihed they run along the planned scheduel for the programme, which includes them discussing topics, playing content or engaging with the audience. They use the mixing desk to create the elements and change the levels of the audio and to fade out differnet sounds. After about 10 mins of air time, they will cut to adverts again (depending on the station) and reset their mixing desk and audio equiptment. This allows the presenters and guests to have a quick discussion about what they are doing next and prepare themselves to repeat this process. Once this is done and the show is finished, the presenters and guests will sign off and end the show, where they will fade into adverts or the next show.