CHAPTER 13 RADIO

In the preceding 12 chapters we covered the subjects that comprise roughly two-thirds of the journalist rating - print journalism and photography. Now we will examine the electronic media, beginning with the radio medium.

Although many of the techniques to be addressed also apply to television (Chapter 14), our emphasis in this chapter is on radio and the unique writing, announcing and technical requirements of which you must be aware.

THE BASIC ELEMENTS OF RADIO

LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Identify the basic elements of the radio medium.

To use radio effectively as a Navy journalist, you must remember the following one essential fact and be constantly guided by it: radio is a medium of sound.

While people might hear without trying, they generally do not listen without being stimulated. Consequently, your job will be to stimulate them - to trigger their imagination so they can picture the event being described, a necessity for an attentive radio audience. To do this, you must use one or a combination of the following three basic elements: l Voice l Sound l Music

VOICE

The most important element of radio is voice, because it is generally the one used specifically to reach the listener with the desired information.

SOUND

When used on radio, sound must be distinguished easily so the listener is able to interpret the sound and understand what is being conveyed. The roar of a jet engine and the muffled sounds of other flight deck activity will help the listener to visualize the scene.

MUSIC

Music has a great suggestive power because it plays on human emotion and colors scenes. It touches the heart and mind and sets a desired mood. When properly used, these elements should accomplish the following three distinct purposes:

l Attracting immediate interest

l Maintaining that interest through a particular presentation

l Satisfying the audience's attention and curiosity