It is necessary to have an encoder or another third-party automation application in order to go live on your station. Below are 15 of the most-used applications...
AltaCast
AltaCast is available on Windows. It runs as a standalone encoder, but also works with various media players that are compatible with Winamp plugins.
Audio Hijack was recommended by the folks at Nicecast after it retired in early 2018. It is available on MacOS and offers features like Volume Overdrive, live stream capabilities, VoIP Recording, and more.
BUTT can be configured on Mac, Windows, and Linux. If you plan on doing live shows with voice, BUTT may just be the software for you.
LadioCast runs on MacOS. Users like LadioCast to mix their mic with their music. This software has four inputs and four outputs.
LiveWebDJ is cloud-based, meaning all administration of your station is done right from your browser.
MegaSeg is available on MacOS. Some key features are the option to choose from auto crossfade or manual control, a Playlist Browser, smart volume sensing, and more.
Mixxx runs on Mac, Windows, and Linux. It’s a great option for DJs as it allows you four microphone inputs and four auxiliary inputs among many other great features.
NextKast runs on various versions of Windows. Playout, music scheduling, sound processing, voice tracking, and more are included and there are never any extra charges for the features you need.
PlayIt Live requires the Windows operating system. This is another great option for DJs as it is easy to use and users are able to upgrade with plugins such as mixing microphone input with PlayIt Live output.
RadioBoss works with Windows. The software can convert and manage audio assets, build playlists, hourly blocks, and rotations, and has crossfade as well as automatic leveling capabilities.
RadioDJ runs on various versions of Windows. This software allows you to organize all sound files by category, making it easier to find and maintain what you want to play.
Rocket Broadcaster works with Windows. Among the many great features is the ability to manually update metadata and automatically capture audio metadata from another window, helping keep the broadcast compliant.
SAM Broadcaster PRO requires the Windows OS. The program provides you with built-in advanced audio processors, and SAM’s smart cross fader can automatically detect the best points to crossfade songs and gives you the ability to lay the needle down right where you want it, giving your station a professional sound.
StationPlaylist works with Windows. This software has several different versions, so users have a good chance of finding something that works for them.
VirtualDJ is available on both Mac and Windows. This software offers an advanced mixer, equalization & filter, effects, and more.
15 Talk Radio TopicsHobbies
Everyone has a hobby, if not several hobbies, and they can also make for interesting talk radio content. You can talk about your experience with your hobby, gather audience experiences, talk about related news, do related reviews, and so forth. What are you interested in? Gardening? Gaming? Car mechanics? Reading? Art? Sports? Fishing? Crafting?
Health
Are you passionate about healthy living? Lots of people are! You might consider chatting about mental health, nutrition, fitness, meditation, or self-help tips.
Animals
You can tackle the topic of animals on your radio station by telling stories about pets, giving advice on pet ownership, or sharing your expertise on certain animals.
Food
Food applies to everyone and it can be an especially interesting topic because it is different in each culture. You might consider talking about:
Fashion, beauty, and home decor are all topics of interest for many people. Have you got tips or stories to share?
Travel
Are you well-traveled or just really interested in traveling? Why not discuss travel tips, interesting destinations, important cultural differences, or the history of certain places?
Culture
We all participate in culture and culture encompasses so many different things, including but not limited to:
If you're a tech expert, you might be interested in talking about online security or artificial intelligence. If you're super interested in the newest tech, maybe reviewing apps or new gadgets is right up your alley. Technology is such a central part of our lives, so why not talk about it!
Education
Are you passionate about education? Maybe you'd like to help those learning a new language or you're excellent at explaining how to complete certain tasks. Maybe you have a passion for language and want to help your listeners expand their vocabulary. Whatever the case may be, you have an opportunity to share your knowledge!
Science
Interested in chemistry, biology, zoology, psychology, astronomy, physics, math, statistics, computer science, engineering, or another branch? If you're an expert, you can share your expertise, and if you're just interested in learning more, why not make your learning a community event!
Relationships
Are you good at giving relationship advice? We've all sought out advice on a family, friend, or romantic relationship at some point, so if you've got the skill, you can take this opportunity to use it!
True Crime
True crime is hugely popular no matter the medium, so why not look into some true crimes that fascinate you and examine the cases on-air!
Business
Business is vague, but that's because there is so much potential under that umbrella. You can speak on a particular industry, career, actual business concepts, the economy, business news, the stories of individual companies, and so on.
Money
Are you savvy with money? Many people are looking to learn more about managing their own finances. Investing, saving, credit, and cryptocurrency are just a few things that you might consider talking about on your station.
Parenting
Many parents of all ages seek out content from other parents to learn more and find community around the challenges that are unique to them. If you love opening up and sharing your experience, tips, and challenges you've faced with other parents, then starting a station or segment on parenting might be perfect for you!
With a topic in mind, you can then decide on your programming source and the structure of your shows. You can chat about the topic solo, with a co-host, or with a guest, you can take questions from your listeners, or you can focus on storytelling and creating a carefully curated segment. Also note that this list barely scratches the surface of the talk radio topics you could cover, so with the addition of your structure variety, there's really no limit to the innovative ideas you could come up with for your station.
The cool thing about the potential of talk radio is that if you're interested in something, there's bound to be a community of people also interested in it that would potentially enjoy your station. And, the interest in talk content overall is there, with the increasing popularity of podcasts. So, there's really no reason not to tap into your interests further with a talk radio station or segment. Not only will it be fulfilling for you, but it will also likely make for some really creative and engaging content.
Metadata is important for a couple different reasons. Firstly, accurate metadata is absolutely essential to keeping your radio station legal. Its important for broadcasters to provide the most accurate metadata possible so that the necessary royalty reporting can take place.
Not only is correct metadata important for being in compliance with our music licensing though, it's also vital to ensuring that the artists get paid for the plays on your station. By providing the most accurate metadata possible, you can be sure that the artists that write and perform the songs that you're playing on your station are getting paid for those plays.
On top of all of that, metadata helps you as well! With accurate metadata, you will be able to easily search and find tracks, jingles, and other audio within your library. Also, metadata is important when it comes to your programming, as your playlists and AutoDJ must pass the DMCA check. So, accurate and complete metadata helps you ensure your playlists easily pass the DMCA check and helps AutoDJ function properly, giving you a wider selection of songs and much better track rotation.
And, when it comes to listeners, that metadata will then appear on your station profile page when the song plays, so it also helps your listeners get an idea about what to expect on your station and identify what they're hearing once they've tuned in!
Long story short, accurate and complete metadata is essential to running your station. We've got you covered on the music licensing end, but we can only guarantee legality and artists receiving their royalties if you have the proper metadata attached to each track. (And yes, only one song per track for accurate reporting!)
What information is required for accurate metadata?
In order to provide us with the most accurate metadata possible, make sure that each track that plays on your station contains the following correct information:
If a specific track does not belong to an album, the album title needs to be composed of the track title and the word "Single." For example, for the song "Whatever" by Oasis, the album title would be "Whatever (Single)." Please note that you should always avoid having tracks with blank metadata or labels like "untitled artist" or "untitled album."
Where's this information located?
Most commercial CDs and downloads will have metadata already, and that information is then included in the track file that you upload to your Live365 library. However, there are tools, such as MusicBrainz Picard, that you can use to check metadata and edit the information prior to uploading your tracks. Therefore, we generally recommend adding or correcting your metadata before uploading to ensure you never have to re-edit the metadata for any reason.
The holy grail, if you will, of your online presence is a great website. A great website doesn’t have to be complicated. All you really need is a domain name, a platform to build your site, and basic content.
Domain Name
Start with a great domain name. It needs to be unlike any other web address out there. Keep it short, keep it simple, keep it memorable. The best domains incorporate your station’s name to assist with discoverability and brand consistency. You can choose a traditional domain name extension like .com or .net, or you can really make your website stand out by going with a .fm or .am extension.
Website Builder
Don’t worry if you’re not a web developer or designer! Building a website doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. There are tons of affordable options out there that make it easy to create and personalize your website by yourself, like Wix and Weebly.
If that approach isn’t right for you, you can always hire a web designer to build you a custom website for your station.
Website Essentials
What are the goals of your radio station’s website? Above all, your website should explain what your station is about and encourage people to tune in.
Some things to include on your site are:
Website Extras
Beyond the essentials listed above, you may want to include a few extras on your site.
A blog is a great place for your audience to stay up-to-date with station announcements and news. You can even use this space to write album reviews, recap that concert you went to, or promote community events. Additionally, you might consider writing your own news articles on things happening in music, pop culture, etc. or you can compile links to external sites like Rolling Stone and Billboard.
Putting repurposed talk radio content, such as transcripts and show notes, on your website is an excellent strategy for boosting your SEO, reaching new audiences, gaining authority and credibility, developing brand awareness, and increasing the value that you deliver to your audience.
If you're looking to add a more visual element to your website, you can add a gallery. Then, you can post behind-the-scenes pictures, photos from events, and anything else you'd like to share with your audience.
Additional Ways to Strengthen Your Online Presence
you can build your presence even more by submitting your station to additional online radio directories beyond Live365. This way, your station will be more discoverable, meaning you'll be in front of more potential listeners.
In addition, social media is an incredibly easy (and free!) way to get your station's name out there on the internet. It's also a great way to interact with your audience. While promoting your station using social media does take a little bit of time, it's definitely worth it.
Setting up a website for your station might seem like a big and complicated task to take on, but when it comes to marketing your station, nothing compares. It helps elevate your station to a brand that's valuable, discoverable, and credible. Long story short, don't neglect your online presence.
Genres may never truly capture what your station is, but they are one of the most powerful ways to brand your station. Genres are listed on your station profile page and provide organization to the Live365 directory as well as other directories. So, for those reasons, genres are really key to discoverability. Not only that, but many listeners generally look to genres to get a quick synopsis of a station to decide whether to tune in or not. That means genres are naturally influential when it comes to growing your audience, even if genres are not your intended point of focus.
Outside of the importance of genres to listeners, genres that you list on your station profile page could be a source of information for promotional opportunities, whether that be on social media, at events, on websites, or otherwise. For example, Live365 may want to feature your station in an ad on social media, but without complete and accurate genres (as well as a station description and logo), it may not be possible to include your station in an ad. Ultimately, genres are important, even if they feel restrictive.
How to Write Engaging Descriptions of Your Radio Station
As a broadcaster, it is incredibly important that you know how to promote your radio station properly. One simple, but extraordinarily important way to promote your station is through your descriptions of your station that you post to various websites. With that said, we've broken down why station descriptions are so important and what makes a description great below.
Why are the descriptions of my station important?
As mentioned, writing descriptions of your radio station is an important part of promoting, marketing, and branding your station. Descriptions of your station can appear in the "About" section of your station profile page, on social media, in directories, and in interviews and articles. There are also many other instances where a description of your station could appear for a promotional opportunity, such as at events, on other various websites, etc.
Aside from the fact that your station description is so prominent in a variety of places, station descriptions are a very significant part of a potential listener's first impression of your station. For example, consider if someone is selecting between two different stations and one station profile page is completely filled out with a descriptive, enthusiastic, and differentiating "About" section while the other station profile page is somewhat filled out, but the "About" section includes one sentence that says "(Station Name) plays all the best (genre) hits." Which station do you think the listener is going to pick? If you guessed the station with the comprehensive profile page and well-thought-out description, you're right. While the other station has something in their "About" section, which is certainly better than having a blank "About" section, just mentioning the genres on the station isn't very compelling.
Writing descriptions may seem straightforward, but it is truly not as simple as writing one sentence with the genres that are featured on your station. So, we are going to discuss some of the most important qualities in an engaging station description.
What are the qualities of an engaging radio station description?
Descriptive
Your station description should be as descriptive as possible, including featured genres, moods, vibes, and sounds, example artists, any featured decades, live shows and the schedule for those shows, on-air host(s), and any other information that you can provide about your station to give potential listeners a good idea of what to expect from your station. If you are struggling to get really descriptive, think about your own vision for your station and your niche and aim to put that into words.
Enthusiastic
Having a fully detailed description will likely convey your enthusiasm for your station, but you should ensure you are expressing how excited you are about your station and the programming you are providing listeners. If you showcase your enthusiasm and believe in your station, that will rub off on your listeners. Now, of course, as with anything, you don't want to overdo the enthusiasm, but you do want it to come through that you are passionate, excited, and confident in your station.
Differentiating
Aside from being as descriptive as possible, you should also work to differentiate your station in your description. Things that you can include to differentiate your station are noting your station's origin, station's location, goals and/or vision for your station, values as a station, special things about your programming, host(s), schedule, etc., and anything else that makes your station stand out from the crowd.
Promotional
In your description(s), you may also want to plug your social media, website, newsletter, business, email for suggestions and other inquiries, or anything else that you want listeners to know. The point is not to plug everything you have going on, but this is a great opportunity to quickly mention your most important call to action so it is always there for reference.
Error-Free
This should go without saying, but your description should be completely error-free. This includes being free of spelling and grammar mistakes, as well as factual inaccuracy. Ensure that you proofread your description and comb through it to catch any mistakes before you use it for any promotional opportunity. If your description is mistake-ridden, it will not be engaging, even if it is detailed and enthusiastic.
Keep in mind that you most likely want to have several different station descriptions written up for the various promotional opportunities you come across. Consider creating a short description of about 2 sentences, a medium description of 3-4 sentences, and a more comprehensive description that covers everything about your station. Using those as a base, you can use them as is or slightly alter them as needed whenever an opportunity comes your way. While you want the descriptions to be similar for consistent branding, it is a good idea to have some variation across the station descriptions that are posted in various promotional places. This slight variation helps to avoid the copy and paste feel in order to keep them engaging, but still consistent.
As you can see, writing great station descriptions is a very valuable skill to have as a broadcaster. In many cases, your promotion opportunities rely on your station description, so it is important to really put the time and effort in to write an engaging description. A vague and generic description does nothing for your station, in fact, it can really negatively impact people's first impression of your station. So, don't push off writing your station description any longer. Do yourself a huge favor and take a look at your "About" section on your station profile page to find ways that you can improve upon your description.
"(Station Name) plays a mix of (genres) with the goal of (insert your mission)!"
"Broadcasting from (location), (Station Name) plays only the best (genres), ranging from the (decade) to the (decade). You'll hear legends like..."
"With the passion for (genre or your mission), (Station Name) launched in (year). Since then, we've been curating the perfect playlists for your work out (or insert another activity), no matter the time of day!"
"Featuring some of the newest and hottest (genre) artists as well as the legends, you can trust that (Station Name) is your #1 spot for (genre) music 24/7!"
"Check out (Station Name) for tunes from the (decades) with segments like..."
"Broadcasting since (year), (Station Name) has been providing the best mix of (genre) music for (number) years. (Station Name) is dedicated to providing the biggest hits as well as the deep cuts, so the mix is always unlike anything you've ever heard!"
"Featuring (on-air host), (Station Name) offers up in-depth discussions on current events (or insert your talk programming) as well as your favorite artists, such as..."
"In search of music for your work day (or insert another activity)? Look no further than (Station Name)! We've got (genre) on tap all day everyday, making us the perfect work day (or insert another activity) companion!"
"Chill out (or insert another activity/mood) with (Station Name)! We play a 24/7 mix of (genres), bringing you the perfect vibe to relax to (or insert another activity)."
"Need some (genre) in your life? Tune into (Station Name) for your fix! You can also catch us live at..."
"Get back to the good old days, like driving around town worry-free with your friends, with (Station Name)! We play (genre) hits from the (decade) to take you down memory lane."
"If it's from (location), (Station Name) plays it! We've got all the best (genres) tracks from (location) artists, including..."
"(Station Name) plays a blend of (genres) to boost your mood and creativity (or insert your mission)!"
It's important to note that effective radio station descriptions can play off of your radio station name. In fact, these kinds of descriptions are often the most engaging because they are so unique. So, take some time to brainstorm to see if you can come up with the perfect custom description!
Also, aside from mentioning things like genres, artists, moods, activities, sounds, vibes, memories, decades, your mission, etc., your description is a great place to promote live shows or any special programming you do, so don't forget to add those in as well as their times (with the time zone denoted)!
Ineffective:
"(Station Name) is the best (genre) station out there!"
"Check out (Station Name), we play the hottest (genre) hits and more."
"We play a top-notch mix of (genres)!"
"(Station Name) is the #1 spot for (genre)!"
"Tune into (Station Name), where we play independent as well as mainstream (genre) artists from around the world."
"(Station Name) is music for everybody! You name it, we play it."
"For (genres) music all day everyday, listen to (Station Name)!"
Please note that these descriptions may not be completely ineffective, but they are typically ineffective when they are your entire description. When these short generic sentences stand alone as your description, they do not help with differentiation and your branding generally. If you do a search for another station within your genre, it's highly likely that you'll see short descriptions like these, meaning they are not unique and therefore not very engaging.
With the above examples in mind, please remember that while descriptions that are a few sentences long are the most detailed and can be pretty effective if your description is more than 2-3 short to medium-long sentences, it may be too long and lose its effectiveness. This is why having a short sentence like "(Station Name) plays the perfect mix of (genres) hits" as well as a longer, more detailed, and customized sentence may be an optimal description for many stations. You are giving a quick description while providing a little more detail to stand out from the crowd.
This is by no means a complete list as there are tons of directories, so some Google searches may provide more options that you can submit to. In fact, there are many specified directories, so if your station fits into some different categories, look for directories that are aimed at those categories.
If your station largely revolves around your on-air DJs (whether you have 1 DJ or several DJs), this might be the right marketing tactic for you. Of course, if you have an on-air personality that already has a following or is known at all, then focusing your attention on promoting your on-air DJ(s) is a must. Even if your on-air personalities aren’t already known or have a following, you can still focus on promoting them, especially if you feel they are a strong suit of your station. Some people are especially interested in hearing an on-air DJ when they tune into a station, so this can be differentiating and thus a powerful marketing approach regardless of whether your DJs are already known or not.
When doesn’t on-air DJ promotion work?
If your station doesn’t have on-air DJs or they are a relatively minor part of your programming, promoting on-air personalities doesn’t make sense for you. This is where a more broad approach of promoting your station is better. You might consider focusing on genres, artists, decades, your mission, and even segments on your station. For more information on writing general station descriptions, see our article here.
What does on-air DJ promotion look like?
On-air DJ promotion varies based on your programming as well as the personality of your DJ(s). When focusing on DJ promotion, it is best to utilize the personality and the general tone of your DJ's segment. For example, if a DJ is very loud and excited, your promotion should reflect that kind of energy, perhaps using capital letters, punctuation, phrases the DJ uses, pictures, and so forth. Or, if a DJ is known for their humor, a joke, funny story, meme, or sarcastic remark might be the best way to promote the DJ. If the segment itself is particularly interesting or unique, aside from mentioning the segment's name, describe it so people can actually understand what makes the segment so special and worthwhile.
With on-air DJ promotion, you might find videos and pictures even more useful in your marketing efforts than anything else. Have your DJ(s) create quick videos showcasing their personality and promoting their segment as well as the station generally. There is so much room for creativity when it comes to promoting on-air DJs because you have one or more personalities to utilize. So, don't get lost in the same old copy and paste social media posts, let the personalities shine!
As a general rule of thumb though, your promotional messaging, whether it be on social media, in a newsletter, on your station profile page, or anywhere else, should mention the name of the DJ you're promoting as well as their segment and the day and time (with the time zone denoted). This should be the basis of many of your posts to ensure people know when to tune in and what to expect. However, you'll want to include the personality aspects as well in all promotional messaging because without the personality, why should anyone be interested in tuning in to hear the DJ?
Regardless of your current marketing strategy, always remember that every station's marketing efforts look different. And, some things work for stations whereas those exact same things might not work for you. The beauty in having your own station is the complete creative control of every aspect. So, get creative, including with your marketing! Try things that you've never done as well as things you've never seen done before. If you have DJs on your station but haven't tried promoting them in your marketing efforts yet, try it out! You might just find a new approach that is successful for you.
Turn Your Mic Off
In the beginning, the microphone can take some getting used to. Always remember to turn it off if you’re done with your segment! While the conversations you might be having could be amusing to some listeners, you probably don’t want to broadcast your personal details out to everyone.
Avoid Dead Air
On the other end of the spectrum is dead air. It’s bound to happen every now and then (we’re all human), but avoid it at all costs. Have a backup plan though, in case it’s ever unavoidable. One way to ensure that you never experience dead air is to always have AutoDJ enabled. That way, if there is ever a disruption, AutoDJ will take over.
Play Fresh Content
It's also important to make sure your content is consistently fresh. Don’t play the same songs in the same order every few hours or even every few days. Listeners will pick up on that. Mix things up a bit. Put yourself in a loyal listener's shoes. If they were to listen nearly every single day, would they consistently hear a pretty fresh mix?
Stay Compliant
To avoid legal troubles, make sure your content is compliant with the law. By broadcasting with Live365, your station is covered for transmissions in the U.S., Canada, and U.K. With that said, when it comes to legality, it's really important that you provide us with complete and accurate metadata for each track that you play on your station.
The Personality:
Know Your Audience
DJs are the voice behind the station and often who the audience interacts with. It’s important for DJs to understand their audience. Can you go on political rants? Do you need to limit the foul language and jokes, or does your audience enjoy it?
Be Prepared
Don’t wing it. Have a script or at least a plan of some sort. Always be prepared for whatever might happen. Is your show live? Anything can happen, like your guest could get a bit off the wall. Maybe your guest won’t even show up! What will you do? Plan for the worst, but hope for the best.
Respect Your Audience
It's simple, respect your audience. After all, they’re what keeps your station afloat!
Speak Clearly
Good sound equipment will only get you so far. If you mumble, speak in a monotone voice, or don’t speak clearly, your audience will tune in to another station. Do some vocal warm-ups, enunciate, and put a little “oomph” in your voice!
Be True to Yourself
If you decide to essentially “play a character” as a DJ, it’s important to still be true to yourself. Don’t pretend to love top 40 if your heart is into 90s alternative rock. The audience will pick up on that.
Enjoy Yourself
At the end of the day, you need to enjoy what you’re doing. If you can hear someone smiling on the other end of the phone, your audience can hear you having fun on the air.
What Do I Need?
Script
Sweepers should generally be no longer than 20 seconds. So what should be said in your sweeper? At a minimum, include your station name and your tagline. Perhaps you might consider something like “You’re listening to the best [Insert kind of programming on your station] on [Insert station name]” or "[Insert station name], playing all the [insert genre] hits, all the time." Whatever you choose, it should be short, sweet, and to the point.
Sound
Your sweeper can be just voice, or you can include sound effects and/or a little melody. It's all up to you! Each station is different and therefore requires unique radio imaging. Just make sure that you stay consistent with your brand. For example, if your station takes on a more serious tone, your sweeper should reflect that.
Voice
What is said in your sweeper is just as important as how it's said. This means that not only does your script matter, but the actual voice itself also matters. If you decide to outsource voice talent for your sweeper, be sure it suits your station. If you decide to use your own voice, ensure that you hone your radio voice and properly prepare to record.
How Do I Get My Own Sweeper?
Once you have your script written and you have an idea of your sound, you can preview different voice artists to find the right fit for your sweeper. You can purchase their service, provide your script (with phonetic spelling when necessary), and receive a great sounding radio sweeper!
AltaCast
AltaCast is available on Windows. It runs as a standalone encoder, but also works with various media players that are compatible with Winamp plugins.
- Cost: Free
Audio Hijack was recommended by the folks at Nicecast after it retired in early 2018. It is available on MacOS and offers features like Volume Overdrive, live stream capabilities, VoIP Recording, and more.
- Cost: Free trial, $59 with bundles available
BUTT can be configured on Mac, Windows, and Linux. If you plan on doing live shows with voice, BUTT may just be the software for you.
- Cost: Free
LadioCast runs on MacOS. Users like LadioCast to mix their mic with their music. This software has four inputs and four outputs.
- Cost: Free
LiveWebDJ is cloud-based, meaning all administration of your station is done right from your browser.
- Cost: Free trial, $19.95 with upgrades available
MegaSeg is available on MacOS. Some key features are the option to choose from auto crossfade or manual control, a Playlist Browser, smart volume sensing, and more.
- Cost: $99 for DJ version or $199 for Pro version
Mixxx runs on Mac, Windows, and Linux. It’s a great option for DJs as it allows you four microphone inputs and four auxiliary inputs among many other great features.
- Cost: Free
NextKast runs on various versions of Windows. Playout, music scheduling, sound processing, voice tracking, and more are included and there are never any extra charges for the features you need.
- Cost: Free trial, $99 for Standard version, $199 for Pro version, or $399 for Broadcast version
PlayIt Live requires the Windows operating system. This is another great option for DJs as it is easy to use and users are able to upgrade with plugins such as mixing microphone input with PlayIt Live output.
- Cost: Free, plugins extra
RadioBoss works with Windows. The software can convert and manage audio assets, build playlists, hourly blocks, and rotations, and has crossfade as well as automatic leveling capabilities.
- Cost: Free trial, $199.95 for Standard version
RadioDJ runs on various versions of Windows. This software allows you to organize all sound files by category, making it easier to find and maintain what you want to play.
- Cost: Free
Rocket Broadcaster works with Windows. Among the many great features is the ability to manually update metadata and automatically capture audio metadata from another window, helping keep the broadcast compliant.
- Cost: Free version or $49 for Pro version
SAM Broadcaster PRO requires the Windows OS. The program provides you with built-in advanced audio processors, and SAM’s smart cross fader can automatically detect the best points to crossfade songs and gives you the ability to lay the needle down right where you want it, giving your station a professional sound.
- Cost: $299
StationPlaylist works with Windows. This software has several different versions, so users have a good chance of finding something that works for them.
- Cost: Free trial, pricing varies
VirtualDJ is available on both Mac and Windows. This software offers an advanced mixer, equalization & filter, effects, and more.
- Cost: $19/month or $299 one-time purchase for Pro version, or $99/month for Business version
15 Talk Radio Topics
Everyone has a hobby, if not several hobbies, and they can also make for interesting talk radio content. You can talk about your experience with your hobby, gather audience experiences, talk about related news, do related reviews, and so forth. What are you interested in? Gardening? Gaming? Car mechanics? Reading? Art? Sports? Fishing? Crafting?
Health
Are you passionate about healthy living? Lots of people are! You might consider chatting about mental health, nutrition, fitness, meditation, or self-help tips.
Animals
You can tackle the topic of animals on your radio station by telling stories about pets, giving advice on pet ownership, or sharing your expertise on certain animals.
Food
Food applies to everyone and it can be an especially interesting topic because it is different in each culture. You might consider talking about:
- Cooking tips
- Recipes
- Restaurants
- Bars
- Baking
- Wine
- Brewing
- Favorite meals
- Food news
- Vegetarian or vegan lifestyles
- Allergy-friendly alternatives
Fashion, beauty, and home decor are all topics of interest for many people. Have you got tips or stories to share?
Travel
Are you well-traveled or just really interested in traveling? Why not discuss travel tips, interesting destinations, important cultural differences, or the history of certain places?
Culture
We all participate in culture and culture encompasses so many different things, including but not limited to:
- Traditions
- Cultural attitudes
- Events
- Literature
- Art
- TV & Film
- Theater
- Celebrity gossip
- History
- Conspiracy theories
If you're a tech expert, you might be interested in talking about online security or artificial intelligence. If you're super interested in the newest tech, maybe reviewing apps or new gadgets is right up your alley. Technology is such a central part of our lives, so why not talk about it!
Education
Are you passionate about education? Maybe you'd like to help those learning a new language or you're excellent at explaining how to complete certain tasks. Maybe you have a passion for language and want to help your listeners expand their vocabulary. Whatever the case may be, you have an opportunity to share your knowledge!
Science
Interested in chemistry, biology, zoology, psychology, astronomy, physics, math, statistics, computer science, engineering, or another branch? If you're an expert, you can share your expertise, and if you're just interested in learning more, why not make your learning a community event!
Relationships
Are you good at giving relationship advice? We've all sought out advice on a family, friend, or romantic relationship at some point, so if you've got the skill, you can take this opportunity to use it!
True Crime
True crime is hugely popular no matter the medium, so why not look into some true crimes that fascinate you and examine the cases on-air!
Business
Business is vague, but that's because there is so much potential under that umbrella. You can speak on a particular industry, career, actual business concepts, the economy, business news, the stories of individual companies, and so on.
Money
Are you savvy with money? Many people are looking to learn more about managing their own finances. Investing, saving, credit, and cryptocurrency are just a few things that you might consider talking about on your station.
Parenting
Many parents of all ages seek out content from other parents to learn more and find community around the challenges that are unique to them. If you love opening up and sharing your experience, tips, and challenges you've faced with other parents, then starting a station or segment on parenting might be perfect for you!
With a topic in mind, you can then decide on your programming source and the structure of your shows. You can chat about the topic solo, with a co-host, or with a guest, you can take questions from your listeners, or you can focus on storytelling and creating a carefully curated segment. Also note that this list barely scratches the surface of the talk radio topics you could cover, so with the addition of your structure variety, there's really no limit to the innovative ideas you could come up with for your station.
The cool thing about the potential of talk radio is that if you're interested in something, there's bound to be a community of people also interested in it that would potentially enjoy your station. And, the interest in talk content overall is there, with the increasing popularity of podcasts. So, there's really no reason not to tap into your interests further with a talk radio station or segment. Not only will it be fulfilling for you, but it will also likely make for some really creative and engaging content.
The Importance of Metadata
Why is metadata important?Metadata is important for a couple different reasons. Firstly, accurate metadata is absolutely essential to keeping your radio station legal. Its important for broadcasters to provide the most accurate metadata possible so that the necessary royalty reporting can take place.
Not only is correct metadata important for being in compliance with our music licensing though, it's also vital to ensuring that the artists get paid for the plays on your station. By providing the most accurate metadata possible, you can be sure that the artists that write and perform the songs that you're playing on your station are getting paid for those plays.
On top of all of that, metadata helps you as well! With accurate metadata, you will be able to easily search and find tracks, jingles, and other audio within your library. Also, metadata is important when it comes to your programming, as your playlists and AutoDJ must pass the DMCA check. So, accurate and complete metadata helps you ensure your playlists easily pass the DMCA check and helps AutoDJ function properly, giving you a wider selection of songs and much better track rotation.
And, when it comes to listeners, that metadata will then appear on your station profile page when the song plays, so it also helps your listeners get an idea about what to expect on your station and identify what they're hearing once they've tuned in!
Long story short, accurate and complete metadata is essential to running your station. We've got you covered on the music licensing end, but we can only guarantee legality and artists receiving their royalties if you have the proper metadata attached to each track. (And yes, only one song per track for accurate reporting!)
What information is required for accurate metadata?
In order to provide us with the most accurate metadata possible, make sure that each track that plays on your station contains the following correct information:
- Track Title
- Artist Name
- Album Name
If a specific track does not belong to an album, the album title needs to be composed of the track title and the word "Single." For example, for the song "Whatever" by Oasis, the album title would be "Whatever (Single)." Please note that you should always avoid having tracks with blank metadata or labels like "untitled artist" or "untitled album."
Where's this information located?
Most commercial CDs and downloads will have metadata already, and that information is then included in the track file that you upload to your Live365 library. However, there are tools, such as MusicBrainz Picard, that you can use to check metadata and edit the information prior to uploading your tracks. Therefore, we generally recommend adding or correcting your metadata before uploading to ensure you never have to re-edit the metadata for any reason.
Establishing Your Station's Online Presence
An online presence is what shows up when someone searches for your station. If your online presence is strong (lots of positive results in the list), it helps to build credibility, establish your station's brand, and draw in new listeners.The holy grail, if you will, of your online presence is a great website. A great website doesn’t have to be complicated. All you really need is a domain name, a platform to build your site, and basic content.
Domain Name
Start with a great domain name. It needs to be unlike any other web address out there. Keep it short, keep it simple, keep it memorable. The best domains incorporate your station’s name to assist with discoverability and brand consistency. You can choose a traditional domain name extension like .com or .net, or you can really make your website stand out by going with a .fm or .am extension.
Website Builder
Don’t worry if you’re not a web developer or designer! Building a website doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. There are tons of affordable options out there that make it easy to create and personalize your website by yourself, like Wix and Weebly.
If that approach isn’t right for you, you can always hire a web designer to build you a custom website for your station.
Website Essentials
What are the goals of your radio station’s website? Above all, your website should explain what your station is about and encourage people to tune in.
Some things to include on your site are:
- Your station’s name and your logo
- A description of your station
- Links to your station’s social media accounts
- Your Listen Now button directing your audience to your Pop-Out player and/or a link to your Station Profile Page
- Contact information
Website Extras
Beyond the essentials listed above, you may want to include a few extras on your site.
A blog is a great place for your audience to stay up-to-date with station announcements and news. You can even use this space to write album reviews, recap that concert you went to, or promote community events. Additionally, you might consider writing your own news articles on things happening in music, pop culture, etc. or you can compile links to external sites like Rolling Stone and Billboard.
Putting repurposed talk radio content, such as transcripts and show notes, on your website is an excellent strategy for boosting your SEO, reaching new audiences, gaining authority and credibility, developing brand awareness, and increasing the value that you deliver to your audience.
If you're looking to add a more visual element to your website, you can add a gallery. Then, you can post behind-the-scenes pictures, photos from events, and anything else you'd like to share with your audience.
Additional Ways to Strengthen Your Online Presence
you can build your presence even more by submitting your station to additional online radio directories beyond Live365. This way, your station will be more discoverable, meaning you'll be in front of more potential listeners.
In addition, social media is an incredibly easy (and free!) way to get your station's name out there on the internet. It's also a great way to interact with your audience. While promoting your station using social media does take a little bit of time, it's definitely worth it.
Setting up a website for your station might seem like a big and complicated task to take on, but when it comes to marketing your station, nothing compares. It helps elevate your station to a brand that's valuable, discoverable, and credible. Long story short, don't neglect your online presence.
Genres on the Station Profile Page: What's Their Significance?
As a broadcaster, you might place genres as the centerpiece of your station, or you may gravitate away from genres and find them nonessential to your variety station. The importance of genres on your station is totally up to you, and there is no one right way to program, brand, and market your station. However, regardless of your station's specific relationship with genres, they are still crucial for branding.Genres may never truly capture what your station is, but they are one of the most powerful ways to brand your station. Genres are listed on your station profile page and provide organization to the Live365 directory as well as other directories. So, for those reasons, genres are really key to discoverability. Not only that, but many listeners generally look to genres to get a quick synopsis of a station to decide whether to tune in or not. That means genres are naturally influential when it comes to growing your audience, even if genres are not your intended point of focus.
Outside of the importance of genres to listeners, genres that you list on your station profile page could be a source of information for promotional opportunities, whether that be on social media, at events, on websites, or otherwise. For example, Live365 may want to feature your station in an ad on social media, but without complete and accurate genres (as well as a station description and logo), it may not be possible to include your station in an ad. Ultimately, genres are important, even if they feel restrictive.
How to Write Engaging Descriptions of Your Radio Station
As a broadcaster, it is incredibly important that you know how to promote your radio station properly. One simple, but extraordinarily important way to promote your station is through your descriptions of your station that you post to various websites. With that said, we've broken down why station descriptions are so important and what makes a description great below.
Why are the descriptions of my station important?
As mentioned, writing descriptions of your radio station is an important part of promoting, marketing, and branding your station. Descriptions of your station can appear in the "About" section of your station profile page, on social media, in directories, and in interviews and articles. There are also many other instances where a description of your station could appear for a promotional opportunity, such as at events, on other various websites, etc.
Aside from the fact that your station description is so prominent in a variety of places, station descriptions are a very significant part of a potential listener's first impression of your station. For example, consider if someone is selecting between two different stations and one station profile page is completely filled out with a descriptive, enthusiastic, and differentiating "About" section while the other station profile page is somewhat filled out, but the "About" section includes one sentence that says "(Station Name) plays all the best (genre) hits." Which station do you think the listener is going to pick? If you guessed the station with the comprehensive profile page and well-thought-out description, you're right. While the other station has something in their "About" section, which is certainly better than having a blank "About" section, just mentioning the genres on the station isn't very compelling.
Writing descriptions may seem straightforward, but it is truly not as simple as writing one sentence with the genres that are featured on your station. So, we are going to discuss some of the most important qualities in an engaging station description.
What are the qualities of an engaging radio station description?
Descriptive
Your station description should be as descriptive as possible, including featured genres, moods, vibes, and sounds, example artists, any featured decades, live shows and the schedule for those shows, on-air host(s), and any other information that you can provide about your station to give potential listeners a good idea of what to expect from your station. If you are struggling to get really descriptive, think about your own vision for your station and your niche and aim to put that into words.
Enthusiastic
Having a fully detailed description will likely convey your enthusiasm for your station, but you should ensure you are expressing how excited you are about your station and the programming you are providing listeners. If you showcase your enthusiasm and believe in your station, that will rub off on your listeners. Now, of course, as with anything, you don't want to overdo the enthusiasm, but you do want it to come through that you are passionate, excited, and confident in your station.
Differentiating
Aside from being as descriptive as possible, you should also work to differentiate your station in your description. Things that you can include to differentiate your station are noting your station's origin, station's location, goals and/or vision for your station, values as a station, special things about your programming, host(s), schedule, etc., and anything else that makes your station stand out from the crowd.
Promotional
In your description(s), you may also want to plug your social media, website, newsletter, business, email for suggestions and other inquiries, or anything else that you want listeners to know. The point is not to plug everything you have going on, but this is a great opportunity to quickly mention your most important call to action so it is always there for reference.
Error-Free
This should go without saying, but your description should be completely error-free. This includes being free of spelling and grammar mistakes, as well as factual inaccuracy. Ensure that you proofread your description and comb through it to catch any mistakes before you use it for any promotional opportunity. If your description is mistake-ridden, it will not be engaging, even if it is detailed and enthusiastic.
Keep in mind that you most likely want to have several different station descriptions written up for the various promotional opportunities you come across. Consider creating a short description of about 2 sentences, a medium description of 3-4 sentences, and a more comprehensive description that covers everything about your station. Using those as a base, you can use them as is or slightly alter them as needed whenever an opportunity comes your way. While you want the descriptions to be similar for consistent branding, it is a good idea to have some variation across the station descriptions that are posted in various promotional places. This slight variation helps to avoid the copy and paste feel in order to keep them engaging, but still consistent.
As you can see, writing great station descriptions is a very valuable skill to have as a broadcaster. In many cases, your promotion opportunities rely on your station description, so it is important to really put the time and effort in to write an engaging description. A vague and generic description does nothing for your station, in fact, it can really negatively impact people's first impression of your station. So, don't push off writing your station description any longer. Do yourself a huge favor and take a look at your "About" section on your station profile page to find ways that you can improve upon your description.
Effective vs. Ineffective Radio Station Descriptions
Effective:"(Station Name) plays a mix of (genres) with the goal of (insert your mission)!"
"Broadcasting from (location), (Station Name) plays only the best (genres), ranging from the (decade) to the (decade). You'll hear legends like..."
"With the passion for (genre or your mission), (Station Name) launched in (year). Since then, we've been curating the perfect playlists for your work out (or insert another activity), no matter the time of day!"
"Featuring some of the newest and hottest (genre) artists as well as the legends, you can trust that (Station Name) is your #1 spot for (genre) music 24/7!"
"Check out (Station Name) for tunes from the (decades) with segments like..."
"Broadcasting since (year), (Station Name) has been providing the best mix of (genre) music for (number) years. (Station Name) is dedicated to providing the biggest hits as well as the deep cuts, so the mix is always unlike anything you've ever heard!"
"Featuring (on-air host), (Station Name) offers up in-depth discussions on current events (or insert your talk programming) as well as your favorite artists, such as..."
"In search of music for your work day (or insert another activity)? Look no further than (Station Name)! We've got (genre) on tap all day everyday, making us the perfect work day (or insert another activity) companion!"
"Chill out (or insert another activity/mood) with (Station Name)! We play a 24/7 mix of (genres), bringing you the perfect vibe to relax to (or insert another activity)."
"Need some (genre) in your life? Tune into (Station Name) for your fix! You can also catch us live at..."
"Get back to the good old days, like driving around town worry-free with your friends, with (Station Name)! We play (genre) hits from the (decade) to take you down memory lane."
"If it's from (location), (Station Name) plays it! We've got all the best (genres) tracks from (location) artists, including..."
"(Station Name) plays a blend of (genres) to boost your mood and creativity (or insert your mission)!"
It's important to note that effective radio station descriptions can play off of your radio station name. In fact, these kinds of descriptions are often the most engaging because they are so unique. So, take some time to brainstorm to see if you can come up with the perfect custom description!
Also, aside from mentioning things like genres, artists, moods, activities, sounds, vibes, memories, decades, your mission, etc., your description is a great place to promote live shows or any special programming you do, so don't forget to add those in as well as their times (with the time zone denoted)!
Ineffective:
"(Station Name) is the best (genre) station out there!"
"Check out (Station Name), we play the hottest (genre) hits and more."
"We play a top-notch mix of (genres)!"
"(Station Name) is the #1 spot for (genre)!"
"Tune into (Station Name), where we play independent as well as mainstream (genre) artists from around the world."
"(Station Name) is music for everybody! You name it, we play it."
"For (genres) music all day everyday, listen to (Station Name)!"
Please note that these descriptions may not be completely ineffective, but they are typically ineffective when they are your entire description. When these short generic sentences stand alone as your description, they do not help with differentiation and your branding generally. If you do a search for another station within your genre, it's highly likely that you'll see short descriptions like these, meaning they are not unique and therefore not very engaging.
With the above examples in mind, please remember that while descriptions that are a few sentences long are the most detailed and can be pretty effective if your description is more than 2-3 short to medium-long sentences, it may be too long and lose its effectiveness. This is why having a short sentence like "(Station Name) plays the perfect mix of (genres) hits" as well as a longer, more detailed, and customized sentence may be an optimal description for many stations. You are giving a quick description while providing a little more detail to stand out from the crowd.
Online Radio Directories
There are plenty of other great online radio directories. Although you have to take the time and effort to submit your station to directories, it will ultimately be extremely helpful in growing your station and making it more discoverable. Note that most directories will need your station information and your Stream URL or Stream link for your submission.- Streema
- Deezer
- You can submit your station here.
- Streamitter
- Radioline
- You will have to create a free account with Radioline to submit your station.
- my Tuner
- You will have to create a broadcaster account to submit your station.
- Raddio
- You'll have to go through a registration process in order to submit your station.
- Radio-Directory
- Currently, a listing for a year costs $5.
- Blind Radio
- Submit your station via the feedback form.
- Radio Tower
- You can submit your station for free, or they offer premium listings at various price points.
- Internet Radio
- my Radio Tuner
- stationZilla
- You will have to create an account to submit your station.
- Online Radio Box
- You will have to create an account to submit your station.
- Radio.net
- StreamingThe.Net
- filtermusic
- RadioGuide.FM
- You will have to create an account to submit your station.
- Radio Shaker
- You will have to create an account to submit your station.
- Trinidad Radio Stations
- Email add@trinidadradiostations.net to inquire.
- Live Online Radio
- MyRadio Hut
- LiveRadio.ie
- You will have to register in order to submit your station.
- LiveRadio.uk
- You will have to register in order to submit your station.
- Free Online Radio
- RadioPlug
- StreamFinder
- LaRadioFM
- PodBox.me
- SurfMusic
- Listen Online Radio
- vTuner
- Radio Garden
- You can submit your station here.
- TV Radio Tuner
- Tunerr
- Scroll to the bottom of the page to sign up and submit your station.
- RadioDex
- You can submit your station for free, or they offer paid listings at various price points.
- Radio List
- Email submit@radiolist.net to inquire.
- iRadioDial
- Free Radio Tune
- Email freeradiotune@gmail.com to inquire.
- L'annuaire wls des webradios
- Note that this directory is not in English, so you may need to utilize website translation in order to submit. You can submit your station for free, or they offer paid listings at various price points.
- Direct-radio.fr
- Note that this directory is not in English, so you may need to utilize website translation in order to submit.
- WebRadio-Annuaire
- Note that this directory is not in English, so you may need to utilize website translation in order to submit. You can submit your station for free, or they offer paid listings at various price points.
- Annuaire de la Radio
- Note that this directory is not in English, so you may need to utilize website translation in order to submit.
- Webradio.media
- Note that this directory is not in English, so you may need to utilize website translation in order to submit.
- Radioways
- Note that this directory is not in English, so you may need to utilize website translation in order to submit. You'll need to create an account in order to submit.
- Annuaire-Webradios
- Note that this directory is not in English, so you may need to utilize website translation in order to submit. You'll need to create an account in order to submit.
- Raddios
- Note that this directory is not in English, so you may need to utilize website translation in order to submit. You'll need to register in order to submit.
This is by no means a complete list as there are tons of directories, so some Google searches may provide more options that you can submit to. In fact, there are many specified directories, so if your station fits into some different categories, look for directories that are aimed at those categories.
Internet Radio: Focusing on Marketing On-Air DJs or the Overall Station?
When does on-air DJ promotion work?If your station largely revolves around your on-air DJs (whether you have 1 DJ or several DJs), this might be the right marketing tactic for you. Of course, if you have an on-air personality that already has a following or is known at all, then focusing your attention on promoting your on-air DJ(s) is a must. Even if your on-air personalities aren’t already known or have a following, you can still focus on promoting them, especially if you feel they are a strong suit of your station. Some people are especially interested in hearing an on-air DJ when they tune into a station, so this can be differentiating and thus a powerful marketing approach regardless of whether your DJs are already known or not.
When doesn’t on-air DJ promotion work?
If your station doesn’t have on-air DJs or they are a relatively minor part of your programming, promoting on-air personalities doesn’t make sense for you. This is where a more broad approach of promoting your station is better. You might consider focusing on genres, artists, decades, your mission, and even segments on your station. For more information on writing general station descriptions, see our article here.
What does on-air DJ promotion look like?
On-air DJ promotion varies based on your programming as well as the personality of your DJ(s). When focusing on DJ promotion, it is best to utilize the personality and the general tone of your DJ's segment. For example, if a DJ is very loud and excited, your promotion should reflect that kind of energy, perhaps using capital letters, punctuation, phrases the DJ uses, pictures, and so forth. Or, if a DJ is known for their humor, a joke, funny story, meme, or sarcastic remark might be the best way to promote the DJ. If the segment itself is particularly interesting or unique, aside from mentioning the segment's name, describe it so people can actually understand what makes the segment so special and worthwhile.
With on-air DJ promotion, you might find videos and pictures even more useful in your marketing efforts than anything else. Have your DJ(s) create quick videos showcasing their personality and promoting their segment as well as the station generally. There is so much room for creativity when it comes to promoting on-air DJs because you have one or more personalities to utilize. So, don't get lost in the same old copy and paste social media posts, let the personalities shine!
As a general rule of thumb though, your promotional messaging, whether it be on social media, in a newsletter, on your station profile page, or anywhere else, should mention the name of the DJ you're promoting as well as their segment and the day and time (with the time zone denoted). This should be the basis of many of your posts to ensure people know when to tune in and what to expect. However, you'll want to include the personality aspects as well in all promotional messaging because without the personality, why should anyone be interested in tuning in to hear the DJ?
Regardless of your current marketing strategy, always remember that every station's marketing efforts look different. And, some things work for stations whereas those exact same things might not work for you. The beauty in having your own station is the complete creative control of every aspect. So, get creative, including with your marketing! Try things that you've never done as well as things you've never seen done before. If you have DJs on your station but haven't tried promoting them in your marketing efforts yet, try it out! You might just find a new approach that is successful for you.
Rookie Radio Mistakes Not to Make On-Air
The Technicalities:Turn Your Mic Off
In the beginning, the microphone can take some getting used to. Always remember to turn it off if you’re done with your segment! While the conversations you might be having could be amusing to some listeners, you probably don’t want to broadcast your personal details out to everyone.
Avoid Dead Air
On the other end of the spectrum is dead air. It’s bound to happen every now and then (we’re all human), but avoid it at all costs. Have a backup plan though, in case it’s ever unavoidable. One way to ensure that you never experience dead air is to always have AutoDJ enabled. That way, if there is ever a disruption, AutoDJ will take over.
Play Fresh Content
It's also important to make sure your content is consistently fresh. Don’t play the same songs in the same order every few hours or even every few days. Listeners will pick up on that. Mix things up a bit. Put yourself in a loyal listener's shoes. If they were to listen nearly every single day, would they consistently hear a pretty fresh mix?
Stay Compliant
To avoid legal troubles, make sure your content is compliant with the law. By broadcasting with Live365, your station is covered for transmissions in the U.S., Canada, and U.K. With that said, when it comes to legality, it's really important that you provide us with complete and accurate metadata for each track that you play on your station.
The Personality:
Know Your Audience
DJs are the voice behind the station and often who the audience interacts with. It’s important for DJs to understand their audience. Can you go on political rants? Do you need to limit the foul language and jokes, or does your audience enjoy it?
Be Prepared
Don’t wing it. Have a script or at least a plan of some sort. Always be prepared for whatever might happen. Is your show live? Anything can happen, like your guest could get a bit off the wall. Maybe your guest won’t even show up! What will you do? Plan for the worst, but hope for the best.
Respect Your Audience
It's simple, respect your audience. After all, they’re what keeps your station afloat!
Speak Clearly
Good sound equipment will only get you so far. If you mumble, speak in a monotone voice, or don’t speak clearly, your audience will tune in to another station. Do some vocal warm-ups, enunciate, and put a little “oomph” in your voice!
Be True to Yourself
If you decide to essentially “play a character” as a DJ, it’s important to still be true to yourself. Don’t pretend to love top 40 if your heart is into 90s alternative rock. The audience will pick up on that.
Enjoy Yourself
At the end of the day, you need to enjoy what you’re doing. If you can hear someone smiling on the other end of the phone, your audience can hear you having fun on the air.
Radio Sweepers, Jingles, and IDs
Identifying your station on-air is a great way to further brand your station and segue from one song to the next or to transition your audience back from a commercial break. Whether you call them sweepers, jingles, or station IDs (among many other terms), there are a few things to keep in mind.What Do I Need?
Script
Sweepers should generally be no longer than 20 seconds. So what should be said in your sweeper? At a minimum, include your station name and your tagline. Perhaps you might consider something like “You’re listening to the best [Insert kind of programming on your station] on [Insert station name]” or "[Insert station name], playing all the [insert genre] hits, all the time." Whatever you choose, it should be short, sweet, and to the point.
Sound
Your sweeper can be just voice, or you can include sound effects and/or a little melody. It's all up to you! Each station is different and therefore requires unique radio imaging. Just make sure that you stay consistent with your brand. For example, if your station takes on a more serious tone, your sweeper should reflect that.
Voice
What is said in your sweeper is just as important as how it's said. This means that not only does your script matter, but the actual voice itself also matters. If you decide to outsource voice talent for your sweeper, be sure it suits your station. If you decide to use your own voice, ensure that you hone your radio voice and properly prepare to record.
How Do I Get My Own Sweeper?
Once you have your script written and you have an idea of your sound, you can preview different voice artists to find the right fit for your sweeper. You can purchase their service, provide your script (with phonetic spelling when necessary), and receive a great sounding radio sweeper!
Last edited:
