Radio and Semiotics

Don't forget sound has a set of codes, just as the visual language we have studied has. Radio is called a blind medium (i.e. it has no visuals). As such, it stimulates the imagination through the soundscapes it creates. This is using the combination of sound signs - music, voices, sound effects.

You can write about the connotations of the sound signs that are used in the radio programmes you are blogging about. Here, as a reminder, are some of the areas you are writing about, with some terminology:

- Music. Music can be broken down into: signature tunes, incidental music, live performance, jingle/trail music (see sound effects below).

- Voices. Presenters' voices (through the paralanguage - inflection, tone, speed, timbre) are a vital part of creating the mode of address of a radio programme. Radio/Podcasting is unique in being able to create a more intimate relationship with its audience - speaking to you as one person, or including you into a group of people within the studio. (Uses and Gratifications theory is relevant here).

- Sound effects. Sound effects can be used generally during the programme, or as part of a jingle. Jingles can be: stings (2 second burst of music between items); idents - a jingle, with music, that identifies the station; sweepers are longer versions of an ident (station name, programme title, presenters name). Trails - advertisements for another programme.