ELEMENTS OF RADIO PROGRAMME

INTRODUCTION

                    A radio show is any type of program broadcast on the radio, or on the Internet in the case of Internet radio. Radio programmes can be spoken word programmes or music programmes. In spite of the type of programme aired on the radio, the elements of the different programmes remain the same; such as –
 Voice,   Music,   Script, and   Sound effects.                    
                      Whether music or speech based, radio relies on the human voice to connect with its audience. It is the voices of presenters and RJ’s that we respond to on a radio. They are the personification of a radio providing a personality with which we identify and connect.
                     The style of music each station plays is a crucial aspect of the station’s identity. In any event, the music played on most radio stations is not randomly selected by individual presenters or producers, but it is governed by a music policy that has been developed to appeal to the station’s target audience.
                      A radio show script is a norm in the stations across the nation. While it may seem that things are flowing naturally on your favorite radio station you can bet that a radio show script is being used. Most radio shows are live, and to avoid catastrophe they will utilize a radio show script for the guests and the personalities alike.
                      In short, Good audio content is anything that keeps your listener through the next minute. Audio quality is determined by two main factors – the quality of the microphone and the proximity of the microphone to the person speaking.

THE ROLE OF VOICE IN RADIO

                       For our voice to be recorded in a studio, we use a microphone. They amplify or in other words, increase the volume of your voice. When you speak before a microphone, you don’t have to shout. You speak normally and it will be made louder if you use a loudspeaker to listen to.
Voice is important in the following ways:
 Voice conveys meaning.   It stimulates our visual imagination: it creates visual images in our minds.  
When we think of radio, the microphone is the most important element using which you present your programme. The main stay in any radio programme is the human voice. Think of the voice of an announcer or newsreader on radio. You often find them very pleasant and nice to listen to. That is because of the quality of their voice and the proper use of it. There are two aspects of the use of human voice in radio production:
 Firstly, there has to be a well written script to be spoken and   Secondly, someone has to speak or read it before a microphone in a studio.

SOUND EFFECTS IN RADIO PROGRAMME

                               Sound effects in a radio programme give meaning and sense of location. It adds realism to a programme and helps a listener to use imagination. Sound effects describe the circumstances of a dramatic audio situation. They can be used for such things as setting and place, conveying action, solving certain narrative problems and evoking characteristics. Effects should sound as though they were being heard by the character. Dubbing adds extra sound effects or bring disparate sounds together.
Sound effects can be used in two ways:
(a) Spot effects or effects that are created as we speak and
(b) Recorded sound effects.
Categories of Sound Effects:
a) Ambiences: It provide a sense of place, “where”, and perhaps of time “when”, events occur. b)  Discrete Effects: Indicates individual events; “what”, “how”, and “how much”. c) Crowds: Sounds of many people in a crowded situation, without specific voices or words being distinguishable.  d) Dialogue: Dialogue is sound too. The character of the voice indicates a lot about who the character is. Give importance to vocal contrast. e) Silence: A dramatic element.  

MUSIC IN RADIO PROGRAMMES

Music is the soul of radio. Film songs and classical music programmes are independent programmes on radio. Music is also used as signature tunes or theme music of various radio programmes. It enhances the programme in the following ways:
a. Music adds colour and life to any spoken word programme. b. Music can break monotony. c. Music is used to give the desired effect of happy or unhappy situations, fear or joy. d. Music can suggest scenes and locations. For example, you have to create a bright early morning situation. This can be done by playing a pleasing note on the flute along with the sound of chirping birds.
Most music based stations operate a playlist that is updated every week. The playlist determines what will be played and how often it will be played. The selection of music is not done on personal taste but is a professional judgement that takes into account a variety of factors including the stations target audience, how appropriate a track is to certain times of the day, and increasingly how well it has scored in audience research.

THE ROLE OF SCRIPT IN RADIO PROGRAMMES

A radio script is a writing which gives the detail of how an entire programme should be. A script takes some of the pressure off presenters doing live broadcasts. It provides them with the reassurance that they know what they
are going to say next so that they can concentrate on how they say it. Scripts also ensures that an item is covered fully, in a logical manner and to set time. A radio script for a presenter is largely a safety measure but it needs to contain certain characteristics to make it effective.
 Though it is written, it is spoken  It is written for the ear not the eye.  It is heard only once. The listener normally does not get a second chance to listen.  It is conversational.  It should be simply worded without any difficult or unfamiliar words.  The sentences should be short and simple and not complex.  There should be only one idea in a sentence and not many ideas.  Though there are thousands of listeners, what is written should be meant for just one listener.  The words chosen should denote the exact meaning and not be vague.  The words should make pictures in the minds of the listeners.  Abbreviations or short forms should be avoided. If an abbreviation is used, then its full form should be given.  While referring to more than one person, avoid using ‘he’ or ‘she’. It can confuse the listeners.  

CONCLUSION
                                      Radio differs from other media because it is for the ears, not for the eyes. Therefore, sound, voice, script and music plays a vital role in a radio production. In fact, the strength of a radio programme is that it speaks to individuals, and the way it does this by talking to them, not reading to them. This means that whatever is said on the radio – whether it is a link in a magazine programme, a film review, or even a voice piece in the news – needs to sound as if it is coming from the mind of the speaker – almost like part of a conversation – rather than something that is being read. The human voice in any radio broadcast is the main element that helps the listener construct their own image and picture the person behind the microphone.
                                    Music is the straightest path to the emotional centres of the mind. Other sounds, dialogue or effects must be translated and understood first. It makes significant contribution in radio but must be used with great discretion. Suitability is an important factor.          

REFERENCES

 Broadcast Media, 4th Edition.  www.audiographics.com  www.wikianswers.com  The Radio Handbook, Carole Flemming.