Sound Codes
There are four types of sounds in radio: Music
Speech
Silence
Sound effects
Music
Music is what makes a radio newscast. Music is
very important as it sets the atmosphere of the radio station. Due the radio
being only audio, it is crucial that the audience feel involved and get a real
insight into the setting and the vibe the radio station wishes to set. E.G:
When there is hard news the kind of music typically listened to would be
violin/piano songs which are slow creating a sense of empathy and sadness.
Music is very important in radio news because it acts as the substitute to all
we see (visually) when a scene is being presented.
Speech
Speech is another important element of radio news
(obviously). The tones in which radio presenters use is what engages and draws
their target audience in. The choice of words will often reflect the story
being presented. Also if there is only one tone running throughout the newscast
eventually the audience will get bored therefore the tones and voices used is
crucial.
Silence
Silence is used for many effects as it can be
used to indicate the beginning of a new story or the end of a newscast. It is
also used for dramatic effect usually to create suspense or generate a sense of
tension in which the audience will understand that the stories are sensitive
and serious therefore creating sympathy.
Sound effects
Lastly, sound effects are the things in the
background and in the scene and is equally important to all the other sound
codes. It offers the audience a slight insight into where the presenter is-
for E.G.: if a presenter is presenting form a crime scene there may be
police sirens and people screaming. Also sound effects such as the
artificial ones created by technology may be used for comedy purposes also to
signify the theme of the newscast.
This goes to show the importance of sound codes and how they make up radio life, therefore I will need to learn how to use these in the correct context. I will apply all of these codes to my own newscast to enhance and produce an interesting newscast for my target audience.
Source:
R6
