Music radio

Music radio is a radio format where music is the primary source of broadcast content on both commercial and non-commercial stations. After the rise of television brought about the decline of old time radio and its dramatic content, music formats became one of the dominant forms of radio in many countries, though radio drama and comedy continues, often on public radio. Music has been one of the driving factors in the advancement of radio technology, from the adoption of wide-band FM to the current upswing in digital media.

Programming by Time

Most music stations have DJs that play music from a playlist determined by the program director, arranged by blocks of time. Though practices differ by region and format, what follows is a typical arrangement in a North American urban commercial radio station.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The first block of the day is the "drive time" block in the early morning (typically 5 or 6AM) to midmorning (9 to 11AM). This block usually includes news bulletins and traffic and weather advisories for commuters, as well as light comedy from the morning DJ team (many shock jocks started as or still work on drive time radio). Some stations emphasize music, and reduce gags and call-ins in this period.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The midday block is mostly music. For a period around noon a station may play nonstop music or go to an all-request format for people eating lunch.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In the early evening, the evening rush-hour programming resembles the midday programming, but adds traffic and weather advisories for commuters. Some stations insert a short snippet of standup comedy around 5 o'clock when commuters leave work.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The evening block, if present, returns to music.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The overnight programming is generally low-key music with quiet announcing. Some stations play documentaries or even infomercials, while some others play syndicated DJs like Delilah. It is not uncommon to play more adventurous selections during late night programming blocks, since late night is generally not considered significant for ratings.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Weekends, especially Sundays, often carry different programming. Common syndicated programming includes music countdown shows from DJs such as Rick Dees and Casey Kasem, retrospective shows, and world music such as the Putumayo World Music Hour. Stations may carry shows with different genres of music such as blues or jazz. Community affairs and religious programming is often on Sunday mornings. In addition, weekend evenings are particularly specialized; a dance station might have a sponsored dance party at a local club, or a classical station may play an opera.

Related Topics:
Rick Dees - Casey Kasem - Putumayo World Music

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Many music stations in the United States, do news and timechecks only sparingly, preferring to put more music on the air. News is often restricted to the talk-heavy commuting hours. The BBC takes a different approach, with all of its stations giving news updates. BBC 1xtra produces its own news segments under the name TX.

Related Topics:
BBC - 1xtra

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~