Test One Study Guide

Introduction to Broadcasting

Communication 260

Unit One: History of Radio Broadcast Media

Be familiar with the importance/contributions of: Guglielmo Marconi, Reginald Fessenden, Lee de Forest, Edwin Armstrong, Frank Conrad/KDKA.

Unit Two: How Audio Works

Transduction

Signal and Noise

Properties of both digital and analog audio

Frequency

Amplitude

What an amplifier does versus what an equalizer does

Properties of AM and FM radio

Types of mechanical and digital storage/retrieval methods

Facsimile technology

Fidelity quality

Unit Three: Using Your Voice

Know the four variables of voice technique
Know how to improve your voice
Know the properties of vocal cadence
Difference between pronunciation/enunciation

Unit Four: Radio Today

Know the “Three C’s” of radio
Percentages of commercial/non-commercial radio stations in the U.S.
Number of stations a company can own nationwide and each marketplace (city)
Percentage of radio advertising versus other mass media
Importance of target audience, demographics, psychographics
Top radio formats in the U.S. today

Unit Five: Radio Programming

Target audience

Format wheel/hot clock

Radio Dayparts

Modes of radio production

Demographics/Psychographics

Creating successful radio formats

Miscellaneous

There will be several lab related questions dealing with VU meters, the audio board, and proper technique when speaking into a microphone.

GOOD LUCK!!!