M2: Explain the processes and technologies involved in producing a radio broadcast

In this post I will be discussing the uses of different hardware and software and how they will impact the production of my radio show. I will discuss both strengths and weaknesses of each.

Hardware:

Microphones & Headphones:

The microphones are used to record the talking of the hosts and guests. The microphones shouldn't be too close to the people as it may pick up the breathing or movements and the microphones have wind protectors to make sure the breathing isn't picked up and so that other noises aren't picked up while recording.

A radio show cannot be created without microphones as it is needed for the audio.

Headphones:

Headphones are required when including guests on the show so that you can hear what they are saying. Also, if you are talking to someone in person or have multiple hosted then everyone will need there own pair. It's better to have a audio splitter incase the computer only has one audio jack. 

Just incase the guests have preferences to do with ear-wax, its better to have overhead headphones rather than earphones to ensure all guests are comfortable.

Mixer:

A mixer is used to change audio levels, play audio from now press, mixing and balancing different signals, before it is sent into the software to be edited. This will mainly be used on Capital to fade between songs and add their sound and effects to the audio being streamed live.

Software:

Myriad:

Myriad is used to store different audio files on access such as jingles and adverts. It allows the stations to play them live and when a show is pre-recorded.

It acts as a digital cart wall, where it is accessible with one click. It c an store music, jingles, adverts and news reports and more.

Music service (e.g. Spotify):

If the show includes music then there needs to be a music playlist to ensure the music playing is suitable to the show.

 Radio shows are created using pre-production, production and post-production.

Pre-production

Radio shows must create scripts, audio assets, have playlists ready, have adverts prepared and they must set up equipment however not all shows use these. The show I am looking at is TalkRadio which is an improvised live conversation between the presenters and the viewers who 'call in', where the conversations may include news, politics, sports, music etc. Segments in the show are split up into multiple parts which are separated by advert breaks. TalkRadio may prepare scripts to plan out topics and competitions, which may help making sure each conversation is within the time limits of the segments. From researching, I found that each segment is 29 minutes per segment and 1 minute of adverts, so per hour there are 2x 29minute segments that make up 58 minutes. However, in public and non-commercial radio shows, the segments may instead be split up by music. the variations of TalkRadio include but don't limit to conservative talk, hot talk, liberal talk and sports talk. 

Audio asset such as the jingle and any music used must be prepared before the show to make sure it can be used live on air because if it is added in post-production then the live audience won't be able to hear it. The jingle is almost a form of brand identity as it is entertaining and catchy. Also any pre-recorded audio must be prepared before the show airs as the presenters need to be able to access it at the correct time. 

Playlists must be prepared as the music needs to appropriate and the presenters must know when to return as the song is ending. Also, the studio must pay royalties to stream the songs to their audiences, as they pay a certain fee for each time it is played. 

The adverts would also be prepared to ensure each segment is enough time and make sure they split each segment up correctly so that they don't go over time when it is played. The adverts could include competitions, promotions, products and more. The reason public radios don't have adverts is because they are funded by the public through taxes and TV licences. 

All equipment would be set up as the show will need microphones, headphones, workspaces, computers and monitors to see the tabs what they will need open such as music software and the call such as discord so that each host can hear each other. 

Production:

For the production of the show they must tie everything into the pre-production such as the recording of audio as well as using the assets like music and adverts and the jingle. As soon as the radio station becomes live it is too late to pre-produce the assets. The jingle would be used in the introduction to the show to welcome the audience. Also some songs may be used before the transition into the show. 

Post production:

For a live radio show, the post production is done at the same time as production as it mainly entails changing audio levels of people talking and music playing. 

For shows that are pre-recorded, software like myriad are used to produce audio, place the audio together in chronological audio so that the audio can be exported and played as a file.

As pre-recorded shows have different segments, the audio is cut up and switched around to ensure the podcast is in order.

Also, songs may be edited to add censor sounds or. cut up to save time as the show has be a specific time.

The show will be edited to follow the script to make sure the show followed the schedule as well.