Latest Articles
Antenna basics
When you set up a radio, the first thing you notice is how the antenna sticks out of the room or climbs a pole. Its size, its height,…
Radio Sports Commentary: The Art of Painting a Picture
Sports commentary on radio is a distinct craft. Without the visual support of television, a radio commentator must describe action accurately and vividly enough for the listener to…
Unlicensed and Low-Power FM: What You Need to Know
Not all FM radio transmissions require the same level of licensing. Across many countries, there are provisions for very low-power FM operation. In the United States this includes…
The Music Scheduling Software Behind Radio Playlists
Modern radio stations do not simply press play on a random selection of songs. The music you hear on a commercial or public service station is the product…
What Is HD Radio and How Does It Work?
HD Radio is a digital broadcasting technology used by AM and FM stations in the United States and a number of other countries. Unlike a full replacement of…
Hospital Radio: Volunteers at the Heart of Broadcasting
Hospital radio occupies a unique position in the UK broadcasting landscape. It is not commercial, not funded by a licence fee, and not required to chase ratings. Its…
Music Licensing for Radio Broadcasters
Playing music on radio is not simply a matter of having access to recordings. Every song broadcast requires permission from the rights holders, and the system for managing…
How Radio News Differs From Television and Print
Radio journalism has its own distinct conventions, pace, and demands that set it apart from every other news medium. Whether you are a regular radio news listener or…
The Role of the Radio Programme Director
Behind every successful radio station is a programme director — the person responsible for shaping everything listeners hear. It is a role that combines editorial judgment, music expertise,…
RDS: The Hidden Data Layer Inside Your FM Signal
When you look at your car stereo and see the name of the radio station displayed alongside the current song title, you are reading data carried by a…
Radio Drama: A Golden Age Worth Revisiting
Before television arrived in most homes, radio drama was one of the most popular entertainment formats in the world. Millions of families gathered around their sets to hear…
Understanding Radio Transmitters: From Studio to Antenna
Every radio station you hear depends on a chain of equipment that takes audio produced in a studio and converts it into an electromagnetic signal capable of travelling…