Broadcasting Terminology Trivia

The audio level of a track gradually becomes quieter until it disappears altogether.

The transition from one track to another.

Small segments in a radio show.

In radio terms, something that is very loud

In radio terms, the finish of something.

Alerts the general public to emergency situations including weather, safety and homeland security. 

A demonstration recording by an announcer to showcase their talent.

The beginning of a track. It's often used as a mark to prepare before starting something.

When a track or DJ exceeds the expected finish time.

A song, music, or another element that signals a transition to or from commercial breaks.

A pre-recorded voice of a radio personality or DJ that is recorded to be played at a specific time.

The type of music and programming broadcast by a radio station.

Radio listeners who actively contact radio stations for requests or contests

The person physically operating a console in the radio studio who makes sure that a live program runs smoothly.

Payola is an illegal practice of taking payment or other benefits to play certain songs on the radio.

On-air silence when there is an error made by the staff or due to equipment failure.

The morning drive is typically from 6 am to 10 am

Promo is short for promotion.

A music bed that leads up to some sort of pre-recorded announcement.

Mic is an abbreviation for microphone

Evening drive is usually 2 pm - 7 pm

The length of time that a DJ works on the air at any given time

A commercial.

Compress audio so that it conforms with specific settings

When you talk about what's coming up.

A piece of entertainment on a radio show typically scripted or highly planned

WPSR's Positioning Statement is "Evansville's Real Variety"

A jingle that starts with singing, music in the middle, and singing again at the end.

Software or equipment, like mixers and soundboards, loaded with pre-set audio to automate shows

Adjusts the volume to compensate for the level. It helps reduce noise when a presenter gets too loud.

Part of a jingle that is just voices without any music.

Abbreviation for advertisement. Usually, it's a recorded piece of audio to promote a business or event.

Contains multiple tracks, often balanced, and ready for playback.

 Federal agency that is responsible for issuing licenses, regulations, & overseeing all radio, tv, and phone.

The consistent way a radio station presents itself on the air

What does CHR stand for?

Our legal ID at the station is WPSR Evansville

Protects its members' musical copyrights by monitoring public performances of their music and compensating them.

The rush hour commuter periods when radio stations usually have their largest audience.

The frequency range is 530 to 1710 kHz.

In radio terms, the start of a broadcast element.

The first sentence of a news story, which should concisely reveal the story's basic events.

A short audio clip played on a radio show used for promotion.

What does AC stand for in radio?

Pieces of audio showcasing a new track from a band or presentation techniques from a DJ.

A brief phrase spoken immediately before playing a spot, songs, etc. to tell the listener about a story coming up later.

A smooth transition between elements.

When you talk about what was just broadcast

Noises played during shows to add a layer of creativity, like car horns and lighting are called pots.

A console desk with several inputs for audio equipment.

Station's call letters followed immediately by the city of license.

Different times of the day you can run programming

A song or piece that comes to an abrupt end.

The source or generator of any signal on a transmission medium.

A radio announcer who plays music on air.

A signal from one device to another.

The part of the audio console that can make things get louder or softer.

A liner is an announcement read by a radio announcer or personality.

When the sound quality of an audio signal is poor.

This refers to the slots for commercials during the broadcast hour. They may be recurring and of the same length.

A signal for which an AM/FM radio station is broadcast on.

The unique designation of transmitter broadcast stations.

How a radio station places itself in the market. "Your station for variety."

A splice is when you join or edit audio together.

A sliding dial on a mixing desk to control the audio levels.

A clip of audio that is used in a larger audio piece.

An on-air presentation by a disc jockey

A branded radio station jingle played between two tracks.

Audio that is used to talk over by the DJ.

A public service announcement is a paid, commercial advertisement.

Record a radio station's entire output.

Instrument found on audio equipment that shows how loud sound levels are.

The audio level of a track gradually becomes louder until it reaches its proper level.

Reduces the intensity of a sound signal, much like a volume control dial