Introduction to Radio
Objectives
1. Define radio in the field of communication in the digital age (convergence, niching, synergy)
2. Enumerate the aural platforms (terrestrial radio, online radio, CD’s, mobile phone, podcasting, etc.)
3. Describe the characteristics of radio and related media (portable, intimate, etc.).
4. Compare radio and related media with other forms of media (consumption and production).
PART 1: THE RADIO
Basically, a radio is an electronic technology that enables communication between two points without connecting wires or cables. Radio waves can carry a signal representing sounds or other information along the ground or through air or outer space. These signals travel at the speed of light, so messages can reach any place in the world in about a second or less.
The Radio in the field of Communication in the Digital Age
Digital Age + Radio = Digital Radio
In the 1990’s the radio industry began to adopt a new broadcasting technology called DIGITAL RADIO. Traditional broadcasts use analog signals, which are similar, or analogous, to the sounds they represent. In digital radio, sound waves are changed into digital code before they are combined with the carrier wave sent through air.
Digital broadcasting (which includes not only the radio but also terrestrial radio, online radio, CD’s, mobile phone, podcasting, portable, intimate, etc.) produces clearer sound; digital signals are less likely to be damaged by interference from other stations. Digital broadcast technology lets stations transmit more information than they can with analog signals. * Media convergence is the merging of mass communication outlets – print, television, radio, the Internet along with portable and interactive technologies through various digital media platforms. Media convergence allows mass media professionals to tell stories and present information and entertainment using a variety of media.
* Niching is the growing intensity in the specialization of information to
1. Define radio in the field of communication in the digital age (convergence, niching, synergy)
2. Enumerate the aural platforms (terrestrial radio, online radio, CD’s, mobile phone, podcasting, etc.)
3. Describe the characteristics of radio and related media (portable, intimate, etc.).
4. Compare radio and related media with other forms of media (consumption and production).
PART 1: THE RADIO
Basically, a radio is an electronic technology that enables communication between two points without connecting wires or cables. Radio waves can carry a signal representing sounds or other information along the ground or through air or outer space. These signals travel at the speed of light, so messages can reach any place in the world in about a second or less.
The Radio in the field of Communication in the Digital Age
Digital Age + Radio = Digital Radio
In the 1990’s the radio industry began to adopt a new broadcasting technology called DIGITAL RADIO. Traditional broadcasts use analog signals, which are similar, or analogous, to the sounds they represent. In digital radio, sound waves are changed into digital code before they are combined with the carrier wave sent through air.
Digital broadcasting (which includes not only the radio but also terrestrial radio, online radio, CD’s, mobile phone, podcasting, portable, intimate, etc.) produces clearer sound; digital signals are less likely to be damaged by interference from other stations. Digital broadcast technology lets stations transmit more information than they can with analog signals. * Media convergence is the merging of mass communication outlets – print, television, radio, the Internet along with portable and interactive technologies through various digital media platforms. Media convergence allows mass media professionals to tell stories and present information and entertainment using a variety of media.
* Niching is the growing intensity in the specialization of information to