D1: Codes & Conventions

In this blog I will be explaining how I followed codes and conventions of my chosen radio genre and research how they are used in Capital FM. It is important to follow codes and conventions to maximise success and achieve audience expectations.

There are many codes I must follow throughout my radio show such as speech, music, sound and the use of silence. The dialogue of the show is fast and exciting as it is a positive, happy and celebratory show about festivity. Music will also be used as it is entertaining and will help to eliminate any dead air at the end of a conversation. I will use fast paced background music throughout the entire advert to create urgency in the audience. Also, the music can be used to signify a change in conversation or segment. The music is remixed so we can se it on our show without fear of royalties. HOW HAVE YOU NOTICED THIS IN YOUR CHOSEN RADIO SHOW

The structure of Capital FM can vary depending on the format and style of the particular show or may vary from host to host. However, most Capital FM shows have a general structure including an introduction with a brief opening segment to introduce the show and the hosts, music segment with popular songs and hits which might include occasional breaks such as adverts or other content, sheduled segments that might include interviews, gossip, updates or discussions of current events. Their shows might also include other thing such as call -ins where viewers can call to participate in the show and share their opinions on a topic or ask the hosts questions. The show also update listeners with the weather and traffic especially during busy drive-time shows. Capital are also well known for including their listeners in games and contests to allow the listeners to interact. This is then followed by more music segments and then a brief closing segment to end the show and than the listeners for tuning in. The structure of a Capital FM show can change depending on the day of the week, the time of day, or special events. Some shows may be live and interactive, while others may be pre-recorded or automated.

In my own radio show I ensured to follow these codes and conventions to make sure my show was entertaining and that it fits the market. Right from the beginning the hosts introduce themselves and welcome the viewers as they state the name of the radio station or show. This gives the listeners chance to become familiar with the hosts and learn which voice is which. The hosts may announce what is coming on the show or just announce one segment at a time. Our radio how follows the codes and conventions of Capital FM as the introduction is followed by a music segment, which is a major form of entertainment for the listeners. This is then followed by a discussion about current events such as Christmas shopping, Christmas markets and annual festivities for families to enjoy. Mentioning families is important as it is clear that our show is suitable for young ages as well as entertaining for our target audience.

Similarly to Capital FM, my show includes a call-in segment to allow the listeners to be involved in the show. The liseners were able to tell the hosts what they had done for Christmas and thanked the hosts for allowing them to call-in. 

Another convention included in my radio is an advertisement. An advert is included in a programme as a way to earn an income. My advert was for the newest experience available at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park. The advert fits the genre of the show and the target audience as the show. The Wildlife Park links to the conversation of family activities as people are able to take children all around to visit lots of animals and experience the newest additions, which mafe the choice of advert even more appropriate. 

In addition, jingles were included throughout my show to separate segments and to eliminate any dead air. This is similar to Capital FM as they announce segments and then use jingles to break them up. If i dont use jingles the show might sound awkward and it could impact listening retention in the audience. This would be bad as it would cause silence and random changes in conversation.

All hosts in my radio show talk broadly rather than mentioning any specific groups of people as it could limit our audience. This is done to ensure no listeners feel left out or feel alienated. For example, in the segment about activities, we refer to listeners as 'you' as the audience are still acknowledged, which helps to maintain engagement. HOW IS THIS DONE ON YOUR CHOSEN SHOW

The outro to my show was small but effective as it rounded up the entire show and thanked the listeners for participating and listening.