How to Make a Radio Show

Thứ sáu - 26/04/2024 23:11
Radio is still a great technology used to reach a wide audience, whether in your local area or across the country. Radio shows can feature music, interviews, journalism, stories, or other audio content created or curated by a radio DJ or...
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Radio is still a great technology used to reach a wide audience, whether in your local area or across the country. Radio shows can feature music, interviews, journalism, stories, or other audio content created or curated by a radio DJ or host. Learn how to get involved in this exciting and varied field, and produce a quality radio show yourself.

Part 1
Part 1 of 4:

Obtaining a Show

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Part 2
Part 2 of 4:

Planning

  1. Step 2 Decide on the basic components of your show.
    Think about and write down all the basic information about the radio show you want to create. Decide on the following key elements of your show:
    • Name: Consider carefully the name you choose for your show, as it is the only thing that will stay the same in your broadcast.
    • Objective: What do want to accomplish with your show? Is it to inform (informational programs, documentaries), to entertain (musical shows, radio theatre), to do a public service (interviews, reviews, special programs), etc.?
    • Theme: What will you talk about? Decide on a theme or category for the type of content you produce.[5]
    • Schedule: Decide on a length of time for each broadcast, how often it will air, and for how many weeks or months. Of course, this will be decided by a radio station if you broadcast through one.
    • Audience: Who’s listening? Consider what age group, location, and other demographic categories you are hoping to have as key listeners.
    • Show elements: What are the features of your broadcast? Are there interviews? Music? Live callers? Special guests?
    • Advertising: If you need or want advertising to support your radio show, you’ll need to seek out sponsors, record advertisements, and decide how and when they’ll be placed within your show.
  2. Step 6 Schedule out your show's time beforehand.
    Don't "wing it" in the studio unless you're an experienced broadcaster. Scheduling (or "blocking") out the time you have available for your show is a must, especially if it's your first show. Having a plan beforehand allows you to keep the momentum of the show high and makes it harder for you to run out of things to talk about. During your first few shows, you'll inevitably discover that your schedule doesn't perfectly match with reality — some segments may take longer than you anticipated, while others take less time. Take note of these differences and adjust your schedule as needed.
    • Let's say that we've just gotten our first 90-minute political talk radio show. Here's an example of a schedule we might have for our first show:
      • (5 minutes) Theme song and introductions.
        (20 minutes) Guest interview: Author Jane Smith.
        (15 minutes) Discussion topic 1: Minimum Wage — too high or too low?
        (5 minutes) Ads.
        (10 minutes) Take calls.
        (15 minutes) Discussion topic 2: Gerrymandering — how big of problem is it in the modern age?
        (5 minutes) Ads.
        (10 minutes) Take calls.
        (5 minutes) Allow guest to plug upcoming events. Follow with farewell and outro music.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 4:

Broadcasting

  1. Step 2 Speak carefully on a live broadcast.
    Speak slowly and carefully on the radio so that listeners aren’t guessing at what you say or having to adjust their volume. Remember to follow guidelines for appropriate language on the radio, and consider what’s appropriate content for your target audience.
    • Consult the FCC’s guidelines and your station’s own rules for what words are prohibited live on air. This should also inform what song lyrics you need to edit or not use if playing music.
    • Note that while your intended audience may be adults commuting to work during your morning show, you may have listening children at that hour as well, for whom adult themes wouldn’t be appropriate. The FCC prohibits obscene content on the radio from 6 am to 10 pm.[10]
    • If something goes wrong, like a live caller who’s using inappropriate language or topics, know the procedures in place with your studio and equipment on how to take yourself or a caller off the air and start playing music or another segment.
  2. Step 3 Remember to announce your station’s call sign and frequency.
    Make sure to repeat the basic information about the radio station you’re broadcasting from, as well as your name and/or the name of your show. Remember that listeners could tune in at any time during your show segment, and want to identify what they’re listening to.
    • A radio call sign is the string of four letters that designates the unique transmitting station. The frequency is the number that listeners dial on their radio to get the station’s broadcast. Usually both of these are used to announce and market the station.
    • Consult the staff at your station for their guidelines on how often you should be reiterating the station’s information, as is may vary by station or show. In general, you should introduce the station and your show’s name at the beginning of every wrap portion between music or advertising.
    • Even if you have a pre-recorded show or podcast, you may want to repeat your show’s name after any advertisements you may have included. While you aren’t “marketing” your show or a station as you would with live radio, you can still get the name of your show out there to help get more listeners talking about it on social media, blogs, etc.
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Part 4
Part 4 of 4:

Broadcasting Online

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