Radio Analysis

When Bonnie M. Miller says ‘Pictures are better on radio.’, I can understand what she means. Audio alone leaves the visuals up to the minds’ eye, interpretation. This can be an advantage when projecting through radio by utilizing this form of interpretation to veer the listeners’ understanding of the song, product, story, anything that can be encapsulated in radio. (very similar to advertising strategies)

Analyzing elements present within radio programs, one aspect I always notice is the tone of voice the broadcasters take. How they reach a certain timbre on vs. off-air. Similar to most other forms of media, this sources from understanding the audience a station is purveying for. Doing research into the psychology behind radio stations, an article by Joseph Cardillo caught my attention, ‘I turned our discussion to how radio stations, in general, might intentionally target audiences.  He cited considerations like age, gender, and economics as criteria for determining playlists—at WVCR and other stations.  “Some stations,” he throws in, “want high incomes—e.g. a business station may target ad sales toward banks, insurance agencies, for certain cars, etc.”‘ Cardillo speaks on how radio shows are curated for a specific audience, using every detail to their advantage.

Growing up, I always listened to country music stations. Reflecting on the repetitions like commercials for Bass Pro Shop, Cracker Barrel, and American football, along with the selected hosts with thick southern accents within the broadcast, I did not find it difficult to conclude that they were catering to an American audience from the south. Constantly introducing themselves and reminding everyone to have a good day or stay safe, the hosts attempt to create a relationship with the listener. I can see this strategy used especially in local radio stations. For example; when the bomb went off in Nashville on Christmas this past year, an easy and reliable source (aside from news stations) was a local radio station where someone will be reporting constantly and giving an honest opinion because they themselves are locals.

One of my favorite aspects of radio I think is the intimacy and the general anticipation of what is coming next. In our current generation, we curate our own playlists and queues on different platforms, erasing the potential surprises radio can bring. From this, streaming platforms have created ‘radio stations’ that scan what your library contains, and produce a personal radio station with music that might align with what you listen to. As convenient as this is, it takes away the personality behind what is collected for an actual radio set (for me at least). Just like DJs, radio hosts still work hard to collect and produce a good show, and it is something that deserves appreciation.

Cardillo, Joseph. “Gender | Psychology Today.” Psychology Today, 2019, www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/gender.

“The Bobby Bones Show – A Bunch Of Friends.” The Bobby Bones Show, bobbybones.iheart.com/. Accessed 20 Jan. 2021.