RADIO PROGRAM MATERIALS

LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Identify the radio program materials available from AFRTS.

This section briefly describes the various radio program materials available from AFRTS-BC. It is important for you to know the contents and abbreviations for each package, since you will rely on them for most of your day-to-day radio programming needs. If you need more detailed information, see the

Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS) Program Materials, DoD Directive 5120.20-R, Appendix F.

AFRTS-BC ships 80 hours of radio program materials to their AM outlets per week. More than half of the weekly package consists of current music programs featuring major-market DJs. The music heard on these programs is the same as played on many popular music FM stations across the United States. Another portion of the weekly package consists of recordings of the latest hits according to various music charts. To provide the widest possible variety of radio programming, AFRTS-BC includes religious, talk, drama, variety and other program formats in the weekly package.

FM stations also are furnished with program packages. The stations receive a basic FM package along with taped stereo music shipments consisting of vocals and instrumentals.

RADIO UNIT PACKAGE (RU)

The radio unit package (RU) contains approximately one-half (30 hours) of the total radio programming package and is generally undated. It is routed through circuits of one or two outlets. In the RU package you will find weekly religious shows, dramas, features, variety shows and information "fillers." Under normal circuiting (routing), one unit is available for broadcast and two other RUs are either at the station or enroute.

RADIO PRIORITY/LIBR4RY PACKAGE (RP/L)

Teaming with the RU package to provide full AFRTS radio entertainment is the radio priority/library package (RP/L). This weekly package has two parts - the radio priority package (RP) and the radio library package (RL).

Radio Priority Package (RP)

The RP package contains approximately 45 hours of timely (dated) materials, including chart music programs, and is shipped to each authorized radio station for immediate broadcast. Because the RPs contain timely material, they have no value after they are aired and include instructions for immediate local destruction. RPs are authorized only for stations that receive the RU package.

Radio Library Package (RL)

The RL package contains approximately six hours of individual recorded music cuts on CD for retention as permanent library material. Because RL material is designed for permanent library retention, shipments continue during temporary periods when other programming may be suspended. A computer floppy disk, containing artist and title information, is included in each shipment. The CDs in the RL package are accountable items and periodic inventories are mandatory.

40-C

Stations authorized to receive the RP/L package also receive the American Top 40 and the American Country Countdown programs as a separate RP shipment labeled 40-C. Like the RP unit, materials in 40-C are destroyed after airing.

RADIO TAPE PACKAGE (RT)

The radio tape package (RT) is a weekly audiotape shipment consisting of approximately 84 hours of RU, RP, 40-C and special information items for authorized ships and selected shore-based stations. Packages contain 14 7-inch tapes recorded at 3 3/4 ips in a fro-track monaural format that can be run on simple automation or manual playback systems. At the end of each recorded track, a 25-hertz tone cues tape reversal and automatic switching to the next track, enabling small radio operations with the proper equipment to automate a full broadcast day. RT units are returned to the duplication contractor after airing so the tapes and shipping containers can be recycled. Outlets authorized to receive the RT package will not receive the RU, RL or 40-C shipments.

RADIO MATERIALS (RM)

Occasionally, your station may receive the radio materials (RM) shipment. It may contain entertainment or information programs, holiday specials, special features, spots or production aids. The type and timeliness of the material will determine whether the RM is shipped on CD or tape and which outlets will receive it.

FM TAPE SERVICES

The three packages available under the heading of FM tape services are FM library (FML), FM program (FMP) and FM religious (FMR). These tapes provide alternate programming for authorized outlets with second broadcast frequencies or cable distribution channels. Tapes are recorded in four-track stereo at 3 3/4 ips on 10 1/2-inch reels. Cue tones are prerecorded on the tapes for automation equipment.

FML

The FML unit is a monthly shipment of roughly 24 hours of library music in three formats - beautiful music, adult contemporary and country. It is designed for permanent retention by the station.

FMP

The FMP unit is a quarterly shipment consisting of about 26 hours of hosted stereo programs.

FMR

The FMR unit is a religious music program service that includes 12 55-minute hosted programs in each shipment.

HANDLING INCOMING SHIPMENTS

When a shipment of radio program materials arrives at your station, make sure you take the following actions:

l Inspect the exterior of the packages. Make sure the boxes are not torn, ripped, crushed or otherwise damaged.

l Double-check the address to make sure your station is entitled to receive the shipment.

l Carefully open the boxes or containers.

l Locate the packing list and inventory the contents of the packages against the packing list.

l Check each tape or CD label. Make sure that they match the packing list.

l Inspect each item for damage. Look for scratches and defects.

l Note all shortcomings on the packing list.

l Sort tapes and CDs according to the types of units (RP, RU, etc.).

l File the tapes and CDs according to local guidance.