UNIT 2 RADIO FORMATS

Structure
2.0 Introduction
2.1 Learning Outcomes
2.2 Brief Introduction of Radio Formats
2.2.1 Meaning of Radio Formats
2.2.2 Basic Radio Formats
2.3 Music Programmes
2.3.1 Formats of Radio Music Programmes
2.3.2 Classical Music Programmes
2.3.3 Light Music Programmes
2.3.4 Folk Music and Tribal Music Programmes
2.3.5 Film Music Programmes
2.3.6 Western Music Programmes
2.4 Spoken Word Programmes
2.4.1 Radio Talk
2.4.2 Interview, Conversation and Dialogue
2.4.3 Discussion and Symposium
2.4.4 Poetry Recitation and Poetic Symposium
2.4.5 Short Story Reading
2.4.6 Radio Magazine
2.4.7 Radio Drama
2.4.8 Radio Feature and Documentary
2.4.9 Radio Serial
2.4.10 Radio Quiz
2.4.11 Announcement, Compering and Anchoring
2.4.12 Running Commentary
2.4.13 Interactive and Emerging Radio Formats
2.5 News Programmes
2.6 Let Us Sum Up
2.7 Further Readings
2.8 Check Your Progress: Possible Answers

2.0 INTRODUCTION
Radio has been playing successfully the role of a very popular and loved
mass medium around the globe. India also has a long and proud tradition of
radio broadcasts. We all enjoy listening to radio programmes but to be able
to write for radio and to produce radio programmes, you must be well versed
with the various prevalent radio formats. As you acquire acquaintance with

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 different styles, forms and categories, you will comprehend the fundamentals Radio Formats
of radio writing and production as well.
This Unit provides brief information about the major formats employed in
radio. A conscious attempt has been made to focus more on those formats
which are used more in the Indian radio broadcast scenario. However,
contemporary trends worldwide have also been included. Attention has also
been paid to the emerging changes and evolutions in styles and formats.
The unit describes the meaning of the word ‘format’ in the context of radio
programmes. Music programmes have been discussed and various categories
of these music programmes have been described. After that spoken word
programmes and various formats for these have been discussed and finally,
news programmes have been touched upon.

2.1 LEARNING OUTCOMES

After going through this unit, you will be able to:
●● discuss the major radio formats;
●● describe the main characteristics of these formats as well as their sub-
formats;
●● appreciate the role and importance of these formats in the realm of
radio broadcasting; and
●● conceive, plan and create radio programmes in these formats.

2.2 BRIEF INTRODUCTION OF RADIO FORMATS

What we essentially mean by the word ‘format’? One of the dictionary
meanings of this word, when used as a noun, is “the way in which something
is arranged or set out and presented”. The Cambridge Dictionary defines
it as “a pattern, plan or arrangement”. Of course, these are traditional
meanings. In the digital world, the term ‘format’ has acquired added and
specific connotations. It is derived from the more popularly used word
‘form’, which denotes a sense of shape, size, structure and configuration.
In a creative context, format also encompasses the content being presented
in a particular shape or structure, which endows it with a definite narrative
style. We can understand this better with the help of some more familiar
examples. We say that poetry, short stories, essays and novels are various
formats of literature. Similarly, we define classical and light music as two
musical formats.
2.2.1 Meaning of Radio Formats
It is important to realise that the meaning of radio format is the form of
a programme employed for various broadcasts on radio. Common people
constituting the listeners are concerned with programmes only, which are
also the true expression of the best creativity of the radio medium. Creatively
speaking the sytle, structure and pattern of production denotes a particular
format. However the first and the formost factor for a programme to be
liked is how good or bad it is essentially as a radio programme.
2.2.2 Basic Radio Formats
You read about the meaning and connotations of the word ‘format’ by
invoking the analogy of the literary formats. If we go on in the same vein,
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 Audio Production further reflection will make us aware of the fact that all literature can be
basically divided into two formats and these are poetry and prose. Poetry
can then be further divided into various sub-formats like epic, ballads, blank
verse, free verse etc. based on various factors such as length, subject matter,
lyricism, style, etc. Similarly, prose can be divided into novels, short stories,
essays, etc. Drama is generally considered a prose format although it might
have infusion of poetic elements.
Like literature, radio programmes also have two main formats which are
Music and Spoken Word. On the basis of importance, extensive public
utility and special functionality, some people consider News to be also a
separate and distinct format. Radio formats are governed by the fundamental
and inherent nature of radio programmes. Radio is a sound medium and it
functions within prescribed time-limits. In radio world, the availability or
constraints of time can also be a deciding factor in format selection.
This has provided us the perspective in which we can now discuss at some
length the radio formats.

2.3 MUSIC PROGRAMMES ON RADIO

Which radio programmes are listened to the most? Ask yourself which
programmes are your favourites. The overwhelming possibility is that
your answer will be music programmes. Actually a great majority of radio
listeners across the world loves listening to music on radio. Now, each
individual is bound to have his or her special likings and these determine
as to which music programmes or which genre of music he or she prefers
more as a part of his or her listening habits. But it is an undisputed fact that
programmes presenting musical selections are globally the most popular
radio programmes.
It would be useful at this point to try and analyse the reasons for the
overriding popularity of music programmes on radio. As radio is first and
foremost an audio medium, i.e. a medium of sound, it naturally becomes
a very good medium for enjoying music. The element of entertainment in
radio programmes emnates to a large extent from this music component.
2.3.1 Formats of Radio Music Programmes
We have seen earlier that music constitutes one of the two major and
fundamental formats of radio programmes. But radio music programmes
can be further divided or categorised into many sub-formats. Now these
sub-formats are not same everywhere. All countries and many societies have
their indigenous preferences in terms of which kind or formats of music are
more prevalent and popular there. These preferences have a crucial impact
on the music programme offerings of radio stations or organisations serving
those populations. As far as our own country India is concerned, the major
formats of radio music programmes here are the following:
1. Classical Music Programmes
2. Light Music Programmes
3. Folk and Tribal Music Programmes
4. Film Music Programmes
5. Western Music Programmes
Now, we shall briefly talk about each of these.
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 2.3.2 Classical Music Programmes Radio Formats

India has a very old and glorious tradition of classical music. It is the most
developed and refined of all the music genres. All India Radio accorded
a prime place to classical music in its programming. It went a long way
in satisfying the yearnings of classical music lovers. But what is more
important, it contributed in multiplying swiftly manifold the number of
people who became fond of classical music. Further, it encouraged a very
large number of young artists taking up this difficult and complex performing
art with utmost enthusiasm, devotion and commitment.
But there is more to how this process unfolded. Classical music performances
as radio programmes had to be adapted to the medium of radio and this
required some reorientation and adjustment in the parameters of how it was
performed. For example, traditionally there was no fixed time limit for the
presentation of a ‘raag’ in classical vocal or instrumental recital. But, when it
comes to radio broadcasts, each programme has a definite time limit. Hence,
when classical music is broadcast on radio, the artist has to ensure that he
or she performs to the best of his or her ability within the pre-decided time
duration. Ordinarily, on AIR, about half an hour is allocated for performance
of a particular ‘raag’. In special programmes such as National Programme
of Music the available time limit could be one hour or even more. But,
artists have to present more than one ‘raag’ for such programmes.
Hindustani and Carnatic (Karnatak) music are two main styles of
Indian classical music. These two can also be divided into the sub-formats
of classical vocal and instrumental. Hindustani classical vocal again
has styles – Dhrupad, Dhamar and Khayal. The singer is supported by
accompanying artists on different instruments such as Taanpura, harmonium,
Sarangi, Tabla (for Khayal, etc.) and Pakhavaj (for Dhrupad and Dhamar).
In carnatic music normally the accompanying instruments are Violin,
Mridangam, Ghatam, etc. In classical instrumental recital, the main artist
plays any one instrument such as Sitar, Sarod, Santur, Violin, Guitar, Flute,
Shahnai, etc. and this too is supported by accompanying artists playing
mostly rhythm instruments such as Tabla, Mridangam, Ghatam, etc. A very
popular presentation style is Jugalbandi, which consists of playing two
instruments.
A very popular format in the family of classical music programmes is that
of Light Classical Music. Thumri, Dadra, Tappa, Chaiti, Kajri, etc. are
its prominent styles.
2.3.3 Light Music Programmes
Light music programmes are heard and liked by a large number of radio
listeners. Compared to classical music, light music genre pays more
importance to the words or text sung in the composition. This added
emphasis on literary component helps those people to enjoy this music who
are not much familiar with the purely musical nuances and intricacies. This
format also has Geet, Bhajan and Ghazal as sub-formats. They not only
differ from each other in the content and style of text but have distinctive
musical characteristics as well.
Some of the best lyrical writings of the leading poets of Indian literature
have reached the masses through radio’s light music programmes. A special
mention needs to be made of Rabindra Sangeet, a distinct light music
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 Audio Production style consisting of Bangla songs written and set to music by the great poet
Gurudev Rabindra Nath Tagore. In recent years Sufi Music Qawwali,
emanating from the Sufi spiritual tradition, has been in vogue in our country
for many centuries as a musical form performed and appreciated widely.
Mention must be made of Samooh-Gaan or Vrindgaan (choral singing)
also as a distinct style under the Geet category. All India Radio has been
broadcasting a large number of such choral compositions full of patriotic
fervour and exhorting people to move ahead on the path of progress and
development of the country.
2.3.4 Folk Music and Tribal Music Programmes
Folk music emanated from the collective life experiences of humanity.
Its speciality lies in its direct connection to the joys and sorrows of an
entire community, which is expressed in simple and earthy language and
uncomplicated musical composition. Folk songs are taken as a collective
and gradually evolving expression of the feelings and emotions of the entire
community and usually these are not credited to individual writers and
composers. Thus these songs carry the collective musical tradition of the
concerned community.
India is a country possessing a wonderful diversity of cultures. This diversity
is most manifest in the myriad colours of our folk cultures. Folk music
expresses the feelings and experiences of the common people. Hence, it is
natural that it is sung mostly not in refined languages but has lyrics in dialects
used by the common folk and also employs folk musical instruments only.
Folk songs are organically connected to all major occasions and rituals of
our lives such as childbirth, wedding, etc. as well as to all physical labour
intensive livelihood activities.
India is home to a large number of tribal communities, which have still
maintained their respective lifestyles. Music and dance occupy a prime place
in the tribal cultures. Truly speaking, we are able to identify and explore our
linkages with the origins of human civilisation through our tribal cultural
practices. Hence, getting to now and also nurturing these takes us to our
own basic identities.
2.3.5 Film Music Programmes
Essentially, film music is light music only but in our country it has carved a
special niche for itself owing to its immense popularity and great creativity
of film music composers. Without any doubt, film music reigns supreme in
popularity amongst all radio music programmes. Thus, it is but natural that
almost all radio stations pay a lot of attention to the broadcast of film music.
This trend has further been strengthened with growing commercialisation
of radio broadcasting and coming of age of private radio operators.
2.3.6 Western Music Programmes
In recent years, western cultural influences have risen a lot in our society. That
has paved the way for the growing popularity of western music also. This
is particularly true of the upper and upper middle class affluent youngsters
living in the cosmopolitan big cities. Naturally, it has led to more of such
music featuring in our radio music programmes. It needs to be mentioned
here that due to the legacy of the British and other European influence, a
western music loving class has always been there in our country, which has
resulted in broadcast of such programmes.
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 Check Your Progress 1 Radio Formats

Note: 1) Use the space below for you answers.

2) Compare your answers with those given at the end of this unit.
1. What are the major formats of radio music programmes?
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2.4 SPOKEN WORD PROGRAMMES

We need to understand what is meant by ‘Spoken Word’ before we discuss
these programme formats. As per its dictionary meaning, the term ‘Spoken
Word’ is used to refer to language expressed in speech in contrast to written
text. It is literally spoken or pronounced language. Radio is a medium of
sound and hence whatever has to be communicated is spoken and heard.
Basic elements of ‘spoken word’ are (i) employing short and simple
sentences as against long and complex and compound sentences; (ii) using
natural conversational vocabulary in place of difficult words and phrases;
(iii) not using at all typical written language terms and expressions such as
‘above’ and ‘below’ mentioned; and (iv) avoiding data and statistics to the
extent possible or using approximation for making comparatively round off
figures. For instance, instead of saying ‘33 lakh, 89 thousand, 7 hundred
and 93’, saying ‘about 34 lakhs’ will be more suited to spoken word style.
Naural flow of language in both writing and then reading the script along
with appropriate stresses and emphasis also are elements of spoken word.
The main formats of the radio spoken word programmes are as follows:
2.4.1 Radio Talk
Radio talk can be called as the basic format of the radio spoken word
programmes. It is alsmost the same as an article or essay in written word.
The person presenting a talk is called a talker. Talk is generally a systematic
as well as lucid exposition on a given subject or topic, which can concern
a large number of fields such as current affairs, culture, history, economy,
environment and ecology, development activities, legal and legislative
matters, etc.
Earlier AIR used to have a kind of standard time duration of 10 to 15 minutes
for its talks. As our pace of life has increased, the patience, attention span
of the audience, particularly the younger segment has been reduced and
hence now the general trend is for shorter duration radio talks. Moreover
interviews and dialogues are now preferred over straight single voice talks.
2.4.2 Interview, Conversation and Dialogue
Straight radio talks featuring a monologue by a single person are now going
out of fashion. Conversational programmes are now the in thing. These can
have two or more particpants. First, we shall look at the formats involving
two participants.
Of these, the most widely prevalent and simplest format is interview. In
this format one participant, the interviewee, is generally the subject matter
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 Audio Production specialist. He/she could be a scientist, an economist, agriculture expert,
government official or a celebrity. Information on the subject of the interview
is extracted from this specialist/expert using a question-answer method. The
person asking the questions is called the interviewer. When the level of
the discourse goes up with enhancement in depth and sweep, it becomes a
conversation. Here, the interviewer also needs to have a better grasp of the
subject matter in order to sustain the intellectual level. When two scholars
of almost equal eminence discuss a subject, it becomes a dialogue.
The reasons for the growing popularity of interview as a spoken word radio
format are obvious. These have the potential for being livelier than straight
talks. As these are not based on completely written scripts, these are likely
to be more spontaneous and have a better chance of incorporating spoken
word elements.
2.4.3 Discussion and Symposium
When a subject has the scope for multiple points of view, it can be best
handled in the formats of discussion or symposium. These have the
participation of 3-4 experts specialising in different aspects of the subject.
During a discussion, they analyse the subject matter in detail from separate
perspectives and various dimensions. They might agree or differ. Arguments
and counter-arguments take place. There is a moderator to steer the discussion
in a balanced and fair manner. S/he tries to ensure that the discourse remains
focussed on the topic, maximum possible aspects are touched upon and only
one or two particpants do not monopolise the discussion. In the beginning,
the moderator introduces the subject and the participants and at the end s/
he does a summing up.
There are many similarities in a discussion and a symposium. A symposium
provides the opportunity for an in depth analysis of a thought provoking
subject having many dimensions and its participants also can express
mutually different views. However, these are distinct from each other in the
style of execution. In a discussion, all the participants sit together and talk in
a largely spontaneous manner. In a symposium, the participants are invited
one by one by the moderator to speak. At times, they can take the support
of written script as well. The modertator’s role here evolves into stringing
these different statements together and providing interpretation wherever
needed. Often, a symposium facilitates a more systematic analysis of the
subject. However, liveliness is more in a discussion due to the spontaneous
interaction between the participants.
2.4.4 Poetry Recitation and Poetic Symposium
There is a time honoured tradition of literary programmes on radio. These
include poetry recitation by both established and up coming poets. Besides
recitations by indidual poets, radio also organises and broadcasts poetic
symposia with the participation of many poets together.
2.4.5 Short Story Reading
Literary programmes on radio also feature regular broadcasts of renditions
of short stories of seniors as well as new talents in fiction writing.
2.4.6 Radio Magazine
A print magazine provides its readers a variety of material such as articles on
different topics, short stories, poems, interviews, etc. The same is true of the
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 contents of a radio magazine. However, generally radio magazines focus Radio Formats
on a particular field. Thus we have science magazines, literary magazines,
sports magazines, film magazines, cultural magazines and so on. A lierary
magazine may comprise poems, stories, articles of literary criticism, book
reviews, interviews, etc. The same is true of other kinds of magazines. Thus,
this is a radio programme format which can have a collection of various
other formats.
2.4.7 Radio Drama
Radio drama (also called radio play) has been one of the most popular radio
programme format. The challenge here is portraying a visual art form using
only sound. This is achieved by proper and creative amalgamation of various
components such as dialogues by the performing artists, suitable musical
interludes and appropriate sound effects. As it requires listeners to create
mental images based on the audio inputs, this is also called ‘theatre of the
blind’. Interestingly, the apparent limitation of a radio play of the absence of
ready visuals becomes its unique strength. It spurs the imaginative faculty
of the listeners and thus makes it possible to visualise and communicate
a lot more than what is possible through visuals. This advantage of radio
drama can be seen easily in plays on historical and mythological themes,
science fiction, suspense and mysteries, etc. Radio plays of shorter duration
are called playlets and if these have humour as the main element, these are
also called radio skits.
2.4.8 Radio Feature and Documentary
Radio feature & documentary is a format unique to the radio. It involves
creating a collage of different sounds with the intent to present a subject
in a more effective and comprehensive manner. It allows us the freedom
and the choice to put to use many radio techniques and styles to suit the
requirements of the subject. For instance, issues concerning the climate
change, could be portrayed through a talk an interview or a discussion or
even a radio play. But, for making a radio feature on this very theme one can
have sound excerpts of appropriate concerned people, suitable sound effects
and also musical interludes. All these components are strung together with
an evocative narration script to make the presentation much more effective.
Radio feature thus holds a place of eminence amongst the most creative
radio formats with countless possibilities. Radio features have further many
distinctive categories such as musical feature, docu-drama etc.
One of the most popular and respected category is radio documentary which has
authentic documentation on the subject with emphasis on real facts illustrated
with actuality sounds of a varied nature. The difference between Feature and
documatary is that documentary has to have actuality sounds/interviews/
statement whereas the feature can totally be produced in studio with facts
presented in an interesting manner with sound effects, music and narration.
2.4.9 Radio Serial
As the nomenclature itself indicates, radio serial involves serialised
presentation of a programme divided into many episodes over an extended
period of time. We also have serialised reading or rendering of great novels
and other major books.

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 Audio Production 2.4.10 Radio Quiz
Radio quiz format comprises broadcast of questions and their answers.
This can be a recorded or live programme with the physical presence of the
participants. Another variant has questions being asked during broadcasts
and answers recived from the listeners through postal mail, e-mail or text
messages are then broadcast.
2.4.11 Announcement, Compering and Anchoring
A radio announcer provides relevant information about a particular
programme such as its topic or title, format and name(s) of the participant(s)
before and after the broadcast. These are opening and closing announcements
which are the most basic of the radio announcements. Besides announcements
about programmes, the identity announcements of the station/channel are
also repeatedly given so that listeners know which station they are tuned into.
Radio announcers keep on telling time also and these are called time-check
(sometimes with scheduled commercials). Many other announcements of
public utility such as information about road traffick, train timings etc. are
also made regularly. These days PSAs or public service announcements
are much in vogue. These could be on various issues of topical nature. An
example would be a PSA about the requirement of a rare blood group for
some patient. There are announcements about missing persons during a
natural or man-made disaster. Critical rescue and relief information is also
disseminated through PSAs. Stations/channels also have regular and special
publicity announcements for their programmes.
Compering is a format which can be deemed as informal announcements.
Its basic function is that of announcements only but it is done in a more
friendly, natural and intimate manner. Earlier, this was confined mostly to
special audience programmes such as programmes for women, children,
rural audience, youth, industrial workers, etc. but now often the preference
is for announcements to be done in compering style. Compering now has
many popular styles. The term radio jockey or RJ has caught on in a big
way. It has its genesis in the term ‘disc jockey’ or DJ which meant a person
playing music records with some interesting chatter. Sometimes, somewhat
serious subjects too are moderated in chat shows by the presenters. This is
called ‘anchoring’.
2.4.12 Running Commentary
Sports lovers amidst radio listeners are great fans of running commentary.
Cricket, hockey and football commentary occupied place of pride in this
genre in our country. Radio commentary provides live description of an
event from the place where it happens as it happens. This undoubtedly is
one of the most popular radio programme formats. Running commentary
can be of both sporting and non-sporting events. The Republic Day Parade
and accompanying cultural paegents from Rajpath in New Delhi is a prime
example of the non-sports commentary. A good radio commentator needs to
possess deep knowledge of the event, command over language, capacity to
provide almost pictorial description of the happenings and also the presence
of mind to deal with any unforeseen situation cropping up suddenly.

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 2.4.13 Interactive and Emerging Radio Formats Radio Formats

These days owing to impact of technology and changing tastes of an

increasingly yonger audience, one way radio broadcasts are losing out on
their appeal and impact. The trend now is of such interactive programmes
which have active and spontaneous participation of the listeners also.
These again have various categories. One popular format is that of the
talk or chat show, in which subject matter experts are physically present
in the studios. Sometimes a few listeners may also be invited there. The
programme begins with introduction of the subject and guest specialists by
the moderators/anchors followed by the experts speaking in detail. Then the
audience members can ask questions which are replied to by the experts.
Another variant is the phone-in programme, where listeners can record
or ask their comments or questions during live broadcast telephonically.
Another versions is phone-out or dial-out programme where the anchor
from the studio asks questions and replies and responses are from experts or
audience from outside. With the advances in technology, now text messages,
e-mails, OTT platforms are also used to facilitate active participation by the
listeners. The final take away is that such formats provide an opportunity to
listeners for immediate and spontaneous participation including interaction
with the presenter, anchor, RJ or the expert. These are the most popular
contemporary radio formats.
Today’s hectic lifestyle has led to the the emergence of podcasts, where
listeners have the convenience to listen to their favourite programme at the
time of their convenience. Digital revolution has made such accessibility
possible. Digital technology now also provides many value added services
such as accompanying texts and graphics, making radio somewhat visual
also. It is a rapidly evolving field undergoing continuous transformations
and thus new formats are also coming into existence.
Check Your Progress 2
Note: Use the space below for you answers.
Compare your answers with those given at the end of this unit.
1. Describe any two Spoken Word Programme formats with examples.
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2.5 NEWS Programmes

The great importance of news amongst radio programmes is evident.
News programmes essentially make use of spoken word formats only.
For instance, News Bulletins can be said to be radio talks. But, these are
special kind of talks as their very nature enjoins timeliness, objectivity and
factual accuracy. These special attributes are present both in their scripting
and rendering. Similarly, interviews, discussions, live reporting, direct
broadcast, radio documentary and radio report formats are extensively used
in news bulletins and other news based programmes.
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 Audio Production Radio report format is used to provide detailed information of an event to
the listeners. This involves doing spot recording of the event, also called OB
(outside broadcast) recording. Then, suitable excerpts are chosen and linked
together by a narrative script. This is essentially a radio documentary but is
almost always topical. Newsreel is another format in which news items and
stories are presented in documentary form.

2.6 LET US SUM UP

This Unit has familiarised you with various existing, popular and also
emerging radio formats. Now you have a glimpse of the grandeur of the
radio programmes. A variety of spoken word and music formats have been
discussed at length. A few news formats and other emerging and upcoming
formats were also discussed in the unit.

2.7 FURTHER READINGS

McLeish, R., & Link, J. (2015). Radio production. CRC Press.
MacFarland, D. (2013). Future radio programming strategies: Cultivating
listenership in the digital age. Routledge.

2.8 CHECK YOUR PROGRESS: POSSIBLE ANSWERS

Check Your Progress 1
Music Formats
i. Classical Music Programmes
ii. Light Music Programmes
iii. Folk Music and Tribal Music Programmes
iv. Film Music Programmes
v. Western Music Programmes
Check Your Progress 2
Radio talk can be called as the basic format of the radio spoken word
1. 
programmes. It is alsmost the same as an article or essay in written
word. The person presenting a talk is called a talker. Talk is generally
a systematic as well as lucid exposition on a given subject or topic,
which can concern a large number of fields.
Discussion: When a subject has the scope for multiple points of view,
it can be best handled in the formats of discussion. These have the
participation of 3-4 experts specialising in different aspects of the subject.
During a discussion, they analyse the subject matter in detail from separate
perspectives and various dimensions. A moderator introduces the topic and
participants and also keep a check on the flow of discussion.

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