Terminology/ Glossary - Radio

General terms used in Radio

1. Air check – it is the tape of a live broadcast.
2. AM – Amplitude Modulation, method of signal transmission using Standard Broadcast band with frequencies between 535 and 1605(1705) kHz.
3. Announcement – Commercial (spot) or public service message of varying length.
4. Automation – Equipment system designed to play pre-packaged programming.
5. Blend – Merging of complementary sound elements.
6. Bridge – Sound used between programme elements.
7. Commercial – Paid advertising announcement
8. Console – Audio mixer consisting of inputs, outputs, toggles, meters, and pots board.
9. Cross fade – fade out of one element while simultaneously introducing another.
10. Cue – Signal for the start of action; prepare element for airing.
11. Demographics – Audience statistical data.
12. Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) – Powerful communications satellite that beam programming to receiving dishes at earth stations.
13. Fade – To slowly lower or raise volume level.
14. Flight – Advertising air schedule.
15. Format – Type of programming a station offers.
16. Frequency – Number of cycles-per-second of a line wave.
17. Headphones – Speakers mounted on ears; headsets, cans.
18. Hertz (Hz) – It is unit of electromagnetic frequency.
19. Jingles – musical commercial or promo.
20. Level – Amount of volume unit, audio measurement.
21. Live copy – Material read over air; not pre-recorded.
22. Master – Original recording.
23. Narrow casting – Directed Programming; targeting specific audience demographic.
24. Play back – Reproduction or recorded sound.
25. Signature – Theme, logo, jingle, ID
26. Spots – commercials, paid announcements.
27. Transmit – To broadcast