Continuity announcer

A continuity announcer is a broadcaster whose voice (and, in some cases, face) appears between radio or television programmes. Continuity announcers tell you which channel you are watching now (or which station you are tuned to), what you are about to see, and what you could be watching if you changed to a different channel, thus:

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"You're watching BBC1. In a moment is the News, while just starting on BBC2 is the first in a new series of 'Owl Watching for Beginners'". At the end of programs, they read out information about the previous program, for example who presented and produced it. They also play any music during the interval, and give details of programs later in the day. If there is a breakdown they make any necessary announcements and play music for its duration.

Related Topics:
BBC1 - News - BBC2

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In the UK, there has been a marked change in the role continuity announcers play on the main terrestrial channels. In the past, announcements pertaining to the present on-screen programme would be all that was broadcast, either briefly over the ending credits or on a still caption after the show had finished. In more recent times, with the increase in the amount of satellite and cable programming, there is now a policy to have announcements over the end credits of almost every single TV show or movie. This purpose being to stop viewers from changing channels immediately and to inform them of their viewing choices. However, the main strategic intention is to keep viewers watching the same channel for as long as possible.

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Although the BBC does not in general have in-vision announcers, many other UK channels and the services of other countries use them exclusively.

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With most radio stations now broadcasting only music, few networks retain continuity announcers. Exceptions include BBC Radio 4 and the BBC World Service: in the case of Radio 4 they have the extra tasks of reading the Shipping Forecasts and gale warnings. Many double up as newsreaders.

Related Topics:
BBC Radio 4 - BBC World Service - Shipping Forecast - Newsreaders

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See bumper music for a similarly functioning idea used in talk radio in the United States.

Related Topics:
Bumper music - Talk radio - United States

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