P3. Describe the multi-platform distribution methods
There are multiple ways to distribute radio using different radio broadcasters such as FM, AM, MW, DAB and Internet radio.
(Frequency modulation radio)
Pros: FM is less prone to interference unlike other radio broadcasting methods like AM. FM also has better sound quality due to higher bandwidth.
Cons: However, FM signals are impacted by physical barriers. An example of something that would affect the signal are large mountains and tunnels. Another disadvantage of FM signal is that it is more local and cannot be transmitted over long distance, this can be a drawback for those who wish to listen to the same radio station when travelling very long distances.
(Amplitude Modulation Radio)
Amplitude Modulation Radio otherwise known as AM is method of audio transmission.
Pros: AM radio is cheaper and can be transmitted over long distances. It has a lower bandwidth so it can have more stations available in any frequency range.
Cons: AM has poorer sound quality compared with FM, this can be a big drawback as quality of sound is important for listeners.
(Medium Wave radio)
Medium Wave radio or MW is the part of the medium frequency (MF) radio used mainly for AM Radio Broadcasting.
Pros: Works well when used in rural areas and easy to set up as it works through established radio stations.
Cons: This radio transmission has shown to be quite expensive to use and better options exist for radio broadcasters.
(Internet Radio)
Using a smartphone or a laptop to listen to the radio is something that is becoming more common today as people prefer to have their smartphone do anything they need instead of going out of their way to purchase a radio.
Pros: The pro is that the consumer can use their smart device for radio whenever they want as long as they have a radio connection.
Cons: The phone or laptop won’t receive internet radio if it isn’t connected to data or the internet.
(DAB Digital Audio Broadcast)
Digital Audio Broadcast or DABis a digital radio standard for broadcasting digital audio radio services.
Pros: DAB is generally more efficient in its use of spectrum than Analogue FM Radio, and thus can offer more radio services for the same given bandwidth.
Cons: However the sound quality can be noticeably inferior if the bit-rate allocated to each audio program is not sufficient
Pros: FM is less prone to interference unlike other radio broadcasting methods like AM. FM also has better sound quality due to higher bandwidth.
Cons: However, FM signals are impacted by physical barriers. An example of something that would affect the signal are large mountains and tunnels. Another disadvantage of FM signal is that it is more local and cannot be transmitted over long distance, this can be a drawback for those who wish to listen to the same radio station when travelling very long distances.
(Amplitude Modulation Radio)
Amplitude Modulation Radio otherwise known as AM is method of audio transmission.
Pros: AM radio is cheaper and can be transmitted over long distances. It has a lower bandwidth so it can have more stations available in any frequency range.
Cons: AM has poorer sound quality compared with FM, this can be a big drawback as quality of sound is important for listeners.
(Medium Wave radio)
Medium Wave radio or MW is the part of the medium frequency (MF) radio used mainly for AM Radio Broadcasting.
Pros: Works well when used in rural areas and easy to set up as it works through established radio stations.
Cons: This radio transmission has shown to be quite expensive to use and better options exist for radio broadcasters.
(Internet Radio)
Using a smartphone or a laptop to listen to the radio is something that is becoming more common today as people prefer to have their smartphone do anything they need instead of going out of their way to purchase a radio.
Pros: The pro is that the consumer can use their smart device for radio whenever they want as long as they have a radio connection.
Cons: The phone or laptop won’t receive internet radio if it isn’t connected to data or the internet.
(DAB Digital Audio Broadcast)
Digital Audio Broadcast or DABis a digital radio standard for broadcasting digital audio radio services.
Pros: DAB is generally more efficient in its use of spectrum than Analogue FM Radio, and thus can offer more radio services for the same given bandwidth.
Cons: However the sound quality can be noticeably inferior if the bit-rate allocated to each audio program is not sufficient
Radio survey on Survey Monkey
Here bellow is my radio survey
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Here bellow is my radio survey results
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Here bellow is my demographic survey
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Here bellow is my demographic survey results
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After conducting my research, I found that the people who took the survey listened mostly to the radio through DAB and FM. This shows me that this audience most likely listens to radio through smart devices and some within a car. Music and news was a popular topic in radio picked by the audience. This is shown as they selected picked out Heart Radio the most, and many of the BBC radios.
M1. Explain the processes and technologies involved in producing a radio broadcast
The whole media class went on a trip to check out the nearby Cambridge heart radio headquarters. They showed us some of the equipment they use for when going on air.
Software - We found out that Genesis was the preferred software for radio broadcasting as it already stored all the necessary soundtracks, sound effects and jingles for when broadcasting radio. The programme also informs the user the exact time a certain sound file may take, this is important as in radio keeping track of time is essential for success, the consequences could involve messing up the advert time schedule. Another feature would be the ability to record calls from guests who dial up the radio show. |
Work Station - The work station is where the radio presenter will be sitting when speaking on the radio show. It contains everything the presenter will be needing such as audio equipment, computer software, mixer and telephone unit. The work station is a custom built for radio and stores everything neatly for the presenter shaving a messy desk would distract the presenter from their job. |
Microphone - As this is a radio show, having an excellent quality mic will be mandatory for success. In the heart studio, the presenter will have professional mic covered in a large foam cover to prevent air blowing on the mic as microphones can easily distort. Usually words with the letter P create pops on the mic, having a think foam cover can prevent this. |
Speakers - Speakers are useful for the people in the studio to know exactly the progression of the radio programme. Another benefit of having speakers during the broadcast is that you can hear tracks play and know if there are any problems with the feedback. The speaker that are shown to be used in the radio studio seem to be very high quality. |
Music log - The music log shown is the real music log that was being used by heart radio, it tells the presenter and the team all the songs, adverts and announcements that will be placed in the broadcast. It also states at what time it is meant to be said on air. The music log also shows to provide some information on who the song artist is and when will the radio start playing the song after the intro. |
Studio Clock - The studio clock is the most crucial piece of equipment in the studio as knowing the time exactly is necessary for the whole broadcast of the radio. The studio clock helps the radio producers ensure that the show is going on time and it finishes on cue. With the help of the log, the presenter can find what song should play depending on the time displayed in the studio clock. |