M2

 There are 3 different stages when producing a radio programme:

• Pre-production
• Production
• Post-production

Pre-production

These are the assets that must be made before the show is created. Some examples of things that must be created can be actual pre-production documents - such as scripts, consent forms (for interviews), asset logs and call sheets. However, other assets for the show itself must also be created including jingles, adverts and picking the songs to be included in the show's playlist. Also, pre-recorded segments can also be prepared during the pre-production process. These segments can include news reports in order to edit the content together and include real life snippets from interviews etc. as well as phone ins, where the phone calls can be checked to ensure that they are suitable for broadcast.

Production

The production process consists of the recording of the radio programme using the specific equipment, such as microphones, headphones and mixing boards.

Post-production

Post-production involves the editing and creation of the product using professional standard editing software. If the programme is pre-recorded then adverts can be added in, along with the different sections of the specific programme. The audio levels can also be adjusted at this point.

When creating a radio show, depending on whether it is live or pre-recorded, can change the production and pre-production processes. On a live radio show, the production and post-production process can be merged together. Through the different equipment present in the workstation, a dedicated producer or the host of the radio show we be present controlling the show. A mixing desk will be used to adjust the audio levels of all the components of the radio show. Using headphones, the host/producer can hear everything that the audience can hear in order to decide what needs adjusting at the time.

Standard Equipment

When creating radio programmes, there are standard pieces of audio equipment that must be used:

• Microphones - These are used to record the audio.

• Headphones - Producers and hosts are able to listen to the music whilst it is playing and can also hear the other members of the show (e.g. guests and co-hosts).

• Speakers - These can be used to play the audio out to multiple people.

• Workstation - This is the general workspace, including the computer used and the different software used during production and pre-production.

• Mixing desk - A piece of equipment that can adjust the audio levels and dynamics of each audio asset used in the radio show.

Example of Equipment Use in Radio

Previously, I have looked at BBC Radio 1 as an example of a radio station. More specifically, I looked at the Chillout Anthems show that aired between 6am-7am. Throughout this radio show, they will have used the professional recording equipment. 

This show is an hour of music with no talking, therefore is most likely to be pre-recorded. This means that the post-production process will happen after the production process. In the pre-production process, the jingles will have been created in order for them to be easily inserted into the programme. As well as this, a playlist will have been put together with all of the music that will be played within the hour. 

When producing the show, the producer will have used headphones to listen to the show in order to recognize any imperfections throughout the recording. These can then be adjusted using the mixing board. During this show, the songs tend to transition into each other. This effect will have been made using the mixing board, where the dynamics/volumes of each track will have been adjusted in order to make a seamless transition.

As this show is just an hour of music, there will have been no need for it to be live as it is easier for it to be a pre-recorded music show. 

For my own radio show, it will be live, which is different to the programme that I have analyzed. This will be because I intend for the show to have a call in section, which will realistically make more sense to be done live. The show being live will also encourage listeners to interact during the programme and call in themselves. I will follow the principals of a live radio show by creating the jingles and necessary assets