Codes and conventions of radio news:
Codes are the formal things a radio/newscast must have, these are almost like rules. Whereas conventions are the things expected of that radio channel.
As we all know radio is only an audio based media which means engaging the audience must be through audio and not visual sources, thus putting extra pressure on the sounds and voices used in radio.
The tone whilst presenting and the words used are very important as it is a form of communication with the audience and most of all keeping them interested.
The tone whilst presenting and the words used are very important as it is a form of communication with the audience and most of all keeping them interested.
Music and ambience is another crucial element of radio conventions because it forms and creates the atmosphere and particular setting due to the absence of visual media. When the audience cannot hear anything, this is not an accident or technical error this is one of the elements which create a dramatic effect of radio. However, the use of silence must not be abused otherwise the audience will be disengaged and eventually bored. Silence is not just a dramatic device, it also used to signify the ending of a scene or a potential break.
“The radio act comes out of silence, vibrates in the void and in the mind, and then returns to silence” -Donald McWhinnie (The Art of Radio)
This shows the use and importance of one of the conventions of radio- sounds.
Aural Signposting: this is when the background is determined through audio for example: accents (location) vehicle sounds, weather sounds (rain/ thunder).
Cliffhanger Endings: this convention is used across media. This is a way of maintaining the interest of the audience by no presenting to them all the news, also by allowing them to have
Titles & Credits: this is an audio list of all the people involved in running the studio/show, a replacement of the visual ‘titles and credits’ in visual.
