STUDIO DESIGN OF RADIO STATION

STUDIO DESIGN OF RADIO STATION

Studio Design of radio is different from the television. It is extremely sensitive because the medium completely involves ‘audio’ as the massage in the process of Communication.  the following main segments are discussed below:

LOCATION

The building of radio station should be located at reasonably quite site. It should be free from busy roads factories markets and railway tracks in order to prevent the studio from external voices as much as possible.

Other main features in the design of radio station carries following

1.       Walls and Floor

Thick and heavy walls constructed by solid bricks or concrete. Sometimes it is carpeted by wood or ceramic to absorb the sound waves. Sound absorption in walls is directly related to the resonant behavior of the walls. Therefore wood is considered to be a better protection against the external sound. Gypsum board is also used for this purpose.  There is a cubical room which is called console or control room, presenter has to enter in that room then he will enter into the studio to avoid external hindrance. There is a plush carpet over a thick pad on the floor so as to avoid the noise of foot. The room is centrally air-conditioned so as to avoid the noise of the wings of fan. A flat rubber material is used in a door that doesn’t fit well so as to move the door smoothly. A brush material is use for the sliding surfaces.

2.       Studio acoustic

Studio must be design to break up the sound waves to prevent the building momentum and to make a room good for hearing music and sounds which is called acoustics. All acoustic problems can be controlled by making every surface absorptive, completely deadening the room. The problem is that all absorptive materials are frequency selective. As a general rule, high frequency sound is absorbed more readily than low.

Echo

Echo is defined as a faint sound resembling the original sound. Which must be avoided in the studio of radio for this the walls of the studio are not plain which could reflect the voice in a regular path.

Reverberation

It is the persistence of sound in a particular space after the original sound is removed. Reverberation, or reverb, is created when a sound is produced in an “enclosed space” A reverberation is perceived when the reflected sound wave reaches your ear after the original sound wave. Since the original sound wave is still held in memory, there is no time delay between the perception of the reflected sound wave and the original sound wave. The two sound waves tend to combine as one very prolonged sound wave. To avoid reverberation in the studio the walls of the studio are designed to break the regular path of the sound waves which is similar to the avoidance of echo.

3.       Internal sound

Internal sound includes sound of bangles, anklet, clock, mobile phone and noise of shoes that must be avoided. For this the presenter must remove all the accessories which they are carrying, switched off their mobile phones, and remove their shoes before entering into the studio. Wind screen (upper part of the microphone) is covered by foam in order to silence the speaker’s sound of breath.

4.       Glass window

A triple glazed glass window is placed between the control/console room and the studio. It is useful to have a non-verbal communication so that the presenter can easily be in contact with the control room likewise the audio controller and producer can take a look inside the studio.

5.          Microphone

Microphone converts the sound wave into electromagnetic wave. It magnifies the frequency of sound. Stationary microphone is used in the studio which is attached to a stand. It is placed at a specific distance and presenters do not need to hold it.

*Cough key

A switch which is under the control of the presenter through which he may disconnect the microphone from the console room.

6.          Turntable

These are the high quality record players. A studio may have 2 to 3 turntables.

7.          Cue sheet

It contain schedule of programs which is to be broadcast .It is in the control room. The detail of all the programs is written in the cue-sheet except the advertisements.

8.        Log book

It contains the records of programs which have been transmitted. If there is any program which has not been aired due to some technical hindrance then it has to be mentioned in log book. Likewise sometimes producer cancels the program as if he wants to make some changes in that. Sometimes the producer use fillers between the gaps of the programs. These all are mentioned in the log book.

9. On-air warning light

Light indicates that a program is being broadcast/on-air

10.  Editing

Editing has to be done for both speech and music. For this we use editing software nowadays. Another method is done by dubbing or copying, it took place through reel to reel.  Editing is done to :

        I.             Remove the unnecessary material

      II.            To enhance the quality of sound  

    III.            To add sound effects

    IV.            For inserting actualities

      V.            To compile the recording for certain time duration.

Difference between radio script and television script

Difference between radio script and television script

Radio is an aural medium which involves only hearing sense of people where as T.V has both audio and visual impacts on mind. It is necessary for a radio program  to create a mind picture for listeners. And to convey the message in the right direction.

There are the key differences between radio script and television script

Scenes and Sequences

Radio plays are divided into sequences. Every sequence should end with a fade or a cut. The passage of time may be indicated by music or a silence leaving no doubt in the mind of listeners as where and when the action is taking place. Whereas T.v play is divided in scenes and every scene appeared with establishing shot. Every scene is on the screen.

Characterization

An essential element in a radio play. Limit the number of characters to maximum four at a time. And the story should revolve around single person. Beware of characters that are very much a like to avoid the confusion for the listeners. Such as mothers of two friends. Unless there is some obvious difference in terms of temperament or accent. Whereas, in T.v play there is not such limitation of characters. Story may revolves around more than 8 or 9 people it will not be difficult for the viewer to remember the character as every character is on screen.

Dialogue 

Dialogue writing is another important element of radio plays as it involves verbal communication so it must be expressive as much as possible. The delivery of words creates a mind picture so that the play must be written by keeping the visual sense. An attracting opening is necessary which can grab the attention of listeners. Avoid using such words which cause tongue twist and the unnecessary dialogues should also be avoided. Every dialogue must make its contribution for the story as a whole and move the plot onward. Where as in TV play viewers can see movements of characters the face expressions, body language as far it is concerned. It embraces the non-verbal communication as well. For example a tragic scene can be shown only through tears on t.v but on radio emotions should be shown through words.

Stress and Pause

In radio plays it is very necessary to mention the stress and pause in a dialogue. Because the meanings can be changed through a wrong stress and pause in speech. For example there is a sentence “I did not say that you are a liar” which can be delivered through 4 different ways. Where as in TV plays it is not as much necessary because the audience can judge the situation through visuals.

Creativity

In radio plays sound effects and actualities bring expressions to the script. Such as sound of applause, cheers, clapping, opening of door, pouring water in glass or sound of boots etc. it may also include sound of waves, blowing of winds, rainfall or thunderstorm. These all make a script alive. Where as in TV plays creativity is the art of camera shots. More over TV play can be made artistic through special lights, video graphics, wardrobe, set design, make up, jewelry and props etc.

Visual sense

In radio plays the script must be written to keep in view the visual sense. Such as movements should be written in words for example “Nadia – you are doing ninety! Slow down the car” (which means Nadia is going at the speed of 90 km per hr) where as TV carry both audio and visual sense for the audience. Any weakness of script can be overcome through visuals. Although script must be powerful but there is no need to tell the movements in words.

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