Let’s dive into the world of recording for the radio! We’ll start with the quickest and easiest kind of recordings. You’ll do 3 different kinds:
At least once an hour, Canadian radio stations need to identify the station, legal call letters, and location. These are called Station IDs. (ex: CKUW 95.9 fm, Winnipeg, or CJUM 101.5 fm, University of Manitoba) (Click for Examples)
In addition, most shows like to have short little identifiers for that particular show, usually called a ‘splitter.’ They come in handy during long sets of music where someone might tune in during the set and not really know which show is on. Some shows have hosts that don’t talk, so it’s good to let people know what they’re listening to, so they can tune in again or contact you. These tend to be more creative. They can be silly, fun, or weird, and they often contain the voice of someone famous. (eg: This is Bono from U2, and you’re listening to Jimmies Radio.) (Click for Examples)
One more thing that we use a lot are show introductions. These would be a little recording that is played at the beginning of a show. Some people have a theme song, some a little routine, and some have a more produced recording. (Click for Examples)
You’re free to be as creative as you want with these, so you can make up shows and stations if you like. I do, however, work at 101.5 UMFM at the University of Manitoba, so if you would like to do something for the station or one of my shows, I’ll be sure put it on the air for you!
Information:
CJUM 101.5 UMFM at the University of Manitoba
Tell the Band to Go Home, Sundays, 2-4 pm (mostly folky singer/songwriter show. Ever been to Folk Fest? My show’s like that.) (sample)
Steel Belted Free Range Radio, Thursdays, 6:30-8pm (new & notable, upcoming events, information. That show focuses on roots (folk) music, country-ish (think of Steve Earle type stuff) and roots rock (sample)
Remember, sucking up to the teacher can be a good thing…
Write a bunch of scripts and pick the best of each type to record. Use the voice recorders and then edit in Adobe Audition (Trisha and Alexis have done this, and I’m sure would love to help! Or if you’re more familiar with another editor (Audacity, etc.) feel free to use it.
We will add music, so feel free to figure out what might work for you. If you brought in music that might be appropriate, great, but if not, find some good background music online. Here’s a great source, and best of all, it’s all totally legal for you to use and us to air! dig.ccmixter.org/tags/instrumental