Resound Radio Announcer Handbook 2012

7/29/2019 Resound Radio Announcer Handbook 2012

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ResoundRadioA N N O U N C E R S H A N D B O O K

2012-2013


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OVERVIEW

MISSION STATEMENT

Resound Radio seeks to produce

skilled professionals who will

serve Christ in the media.

GOALS

To reflect and positively influence

student culture

To tailor programming to the

student body

To prepare the broadcasting student

for a future career

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2ANNOUNCER GUIDELINES1. BE SPIRITUALLY PREPARED

Undoubtedly, the most important concern of the announcer is to be receptive to the Lord andhow He wants to use you. This requires a daily walk with God and preparation through

Scripture reading and prayer. "PRAYER BEFORE AIR!" is not just a catch phrase; it is an essential

part of being an effective Christian communicator. Feel free to share your faith on the air --

talk about what God is doing in your life!

2. BE YOURSELFDon't try to sound like someone else whose air work you admire. There's nothing wrong with

adopting new ideas or techniques into your shift, but use them in your own way. When youre

on the air, you are not an actor. You are a performer whose job it is to inform and entertain.

Do your job by being natural, genuine and sincere. Listeners are quick to spot, and reject, aphony.

3. RESPECT YOUR LISTENERSAn announcer will sometimes privately express a low regard for the intelligence and good

taste of his audience. As a result of this attitude he deliberately lowers the caliber of his

program, both in his music and his comments. This is sometimes offensive to the listener. On

the other hand, they are usually complimented when you give credit for intelligence and

understanding.

4. PREPARE YOUR PROGRAMKnow well in advance everything that is scheduled on the log. Think through how you are

going to handle each item. Check the program log for commercials, required tags to spots,

PSA's, and promos. Read over and rehearse all new live commercials and PSA's. Listen to any

new spots so that you know the end cues. Check the intros and endings of all new music so

that you won't be talking over the song's lyrics.

5. YOUR PROGRAM IS MUSICWhile you don't need to treat them as world-shaking in their importance, never give the

impression that news, commercials, promos, and program features are annoying interruptions

to your own "inspired" efforts. Your program, however good and creative, is only part of the

station's overall programming. Remember, because your program is music, keep your

comments brief.

6. AVOID DEAD AIRGaps of silence in your show for even one second are indicators of indifference or poor

preparation. Dead air is the brand of the amateur. Also be sure you know what you are going

to say at the end of each piece of music or spot so that you won't sound surprised to be on.



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7. KEEP YOUR SHIFT MOVINGThis does not mean that everything you say must be at breakneck speed. Nothing grows

more tiring to the listener than unrelenting speed in speech. The trick is in knowing where

and when to slow down -- to pace your words and phrases for emphasis. A program that

moves does so because of tight cues and brief remarks. Don't be afraid to write out your "ad-

libs" in advance. The same is true for song intros, etc. Decide whether what you are going tosay will add to your listeners' enjoyment of the program and/or friendship with the station.

Needless to say, if your remarks don't pass this test, don't make them.

8. AVOID DJ LINGORadio stations often have special names and titles for certain parts of daily programming such

as: stop sets, promos, sounders, current cuts, etc. Some terms should be replaced by more

commonly known terms. Avoid terms like news break, weather break, and spot.

9. SELL YOUR MUSICYou are there, in part, to sell the sponsor's products and services (as well as your Christian

message on stations such as Resound). It is equally important that you present the station's

musical product in a way that will make it most acceptable to its listeners. This normally

requires that you show--in a convincing manner--your own enthusiasm for the music,

including both new and old songs. Vary your intros and outros.

10. HIGHLIGHT YOUR PROGRAMEvery half-hour should offer the listener something special. Usually it is a new song or a prize

giveaway. Whatever it is, let your listener know about it in advance; let them know when it's

coming. Always give the listener a reason to stay tuned. Avoid promoting "News on the Hour"

or other regular features.

11. THINK ABOUT YOUR ROLEIt's important--especially in Christian radio. Millions of people find companionship in radio.

Many of them are lonely. Get to know your campus. You can be a friend to folks on campus

who need you (Eph. 4:29). Believe in your job and in the station and work hard at improving.

Keep in mind the need to have a positive attitude (especially about station things) both on

and offair. You are the station image to the people who know you.



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3MUSICThe music format at Resound is primarily CCM (Contemporary

Christian Music), and more specically, worship. During the typical

week, you'll hear a variety of tempos and artists, some of which

you will nd more appealing than others. That's to be expected

because we are playing music not for our own enjoyment but

rather for a broad cross-section of the Cedarville family.

SCREENING

There is no station anywhere that plays every song that comes into the station. At

Resound, all music will go through a process of evaluation to select the most appropriatecuts. Music coming in goes to the music director who screens it. Because all music aired

on the station is first screened,personal music is never to be played.

Cuts which are not listed on the log will not be played. Persons intentionally playing

unauthorized music are subject to disciplinary action, including possible removal from

their air-shift.

SELECTION

The music at Resound is generated onto a music log by the Music Director with the aid of

music software. The music logs give the name of the artist, name of the song, catalog

number in the music library, and a rough timing of each half hour music rotation. Unless

you are taking requests from your audience during your shift, let the music software do its

job. All of the music is scheduled into the program - you just need to insert your breaks.



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4REMOTESRemotes are a great way to promote Resound off-air. These

events allow potential listeners to hear our music in order to

urge them to listen to the station. At no time should any music

be played that is not played during a normal shift.

PLAYLISTS

A play-list will be provided by the Music Director for each event. The play-list should be

followed at all times, however; the DJ may play the songs in any order that fits best at the

event.

PROFESSIONALISM

All remotes should be run in a professional manner. It is NEVER acceptable to ask for freethings. If those involved with the event offer something, you may accept it graciously;

otherwise remember you are representing Resound and you are not there to profit

yourself.

Dress should be in keeping with the nature of the event. Staffshirts should be worn at

every remote.

Get involved with the atmosphere of the event around you, but dont let that interfere

with your job as the DJ. Remember to always be incorporating things you learn from on-

air shifts.

REQUESTS

Anyone that would like to make a request at a remote may look over the playlist if the DJ

wishes. The station iPad should not be controlled by a non-member.

TYPES OF REMOTES

Resound provides music for a variety of different events both on and offcampus. Because

of this diversity, Resound has two basic types of remotes:

NON-PROMOTIONAL

Many events, such as Lawlorpalooza and parties sponsored by the Commuter Crossroads, call for only music to be played. At these events, we are

supplying a good-willgenerating service for the organization that is hosting the event and the remote DJ should find out what is expected of him

in advance from the Program Director.

PROMOTIONAL

These events are a fun way to get others involved in the event they are attending while they become familiar with what Resound has to offer. The

key to these remotes is to get those in attendance involved in the event by raising their spirits in a positive way while letting people hear the air

sound of the station. Once again, the remote DJ should find out what is expected of him in advance from the Program Director.



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5ANNOUNCING OVERVIEWThere are certain attributes that should characterize the

professional Christian announcer. By attempting to incorporatethese attributes, you will more likely be suited to a job in

broadcasting upon graduation. Remember:

RESOUND IS A CHRIST-HONORING INSTITUTION

This brings with it certain limitations:

1. Announcer comments must always be in good taste. Any remark detracting from

Biblical principles, as expressed in station programming, is automatically

inappropriate and therefore unacceptable.

2. Because Resound is owned by the University and because of our desire to abide by

Scriptural principles, such as Ephesians 4:29, announcers will at no time speak in a

derogatory fashion of the University, its policies, or personnel.

REMEMBER YOUR SPONSOR

It is by the announcer's comments as well as the music that a positive spiritual influence is

made on listeners. To make this positive influence, you must include sincere comments

about your faith on the air. This does not mean that you should preach at your audience.

You should always keep your comments brief (15 to 30 seconds), over music when

possible, with the goal of edifying your listener. Plan your program in advance and include

times where you will integrate some meaningful comments.

KEEP YOUR COMMENTS POSITIVE

Your air-shift should never be used to gripe or complain. Remember that your listeners

have problems of their own and tune in to be ministered to. Your remarks should add to

the listener's enjoyment. Don't let your comments get in the way of the flow of the music

or interrupt the smooth, brisk pace of your program.



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6EQUIPMENT CAREIt takes a lot of expensive equipment to keep our radio station

running. For this reason, it is important that you do everythingyou can to keep this equipment in working order.

Electronic Equipment is fragile! All equipment is prone to malfunction at times, but the

frequency of those episodes can be controlled by thoughtful student use. While class lab

fees help replace some of the damage due to normal wear and tear, we would like to keep

these to a minimum. Funds can be used more effectively elsewhere to buy new

equipment, rather than on repairs for equipment that has been mishandled. If each staff

member would be patient, treating the equipment as if they had personally bought it and

must personally replace it if damaged, repairs can be kept to a minimum. In short, be

cautious! If you see horseplay going on in the control room, remind the offenders that it is

their station and their responsibility to comply with the rules so that equipment is not

damaged.

To report damaged, lost, or non-working equipment, notify the Station Manager

or the Faculty Advisor:

STATION MANAGER

Rebecca Scarpone

(740) 632-4789

FACULTY ADVISOR

Mr. Leightenheimer(XXX) XXX-XXXX



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7TIPS FOR THE BEGINNING DJMany seasoned broadcasters have expressed the thought, "if

only someone had told me that when I started out..." Hopefully,

by reviewing the following, you will benet from such

experience and can avoid some common problems for

beginners.

1. The letter "W" when pronounced is always "double-U" (never dubbah-yuh) as in WTCB.

2. Watch tricky pronunciations. (If in doubt check the NBC Handbook of Pronunciation in the studio)

3. Weather should be paraphrased, that is, simplified as much as possible. Unless told specifically

otherwise, always round offthe highs and lows, and don't mention wind speed and direction.

Note how the following item from NOAA Weather Service was re-written in broadcast style:

ALWAYS end the forecast with the current temperature. Note that this was given in theafternoon and thus detailed information beyond tonight was not given. In the evening, more

information would be given about the next day's forecast.

Never say the temperature outside No listener thinks that you are giving the insidetemperature. Say the temperature on the Cedarville University Campus is



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4. Give your name no more than twice per half-hour, and then work it in to your comments:

"You're spending the afternoon with Johnny Clay on U 99.5."

Remember your shift is music, it matters little to the audience whether you or someone else ispresenting it.

5. "The" is always pronounced "thee" when it precedes a word beginning with a vowel; it is "the" at

all other times: "The Ford delivery van," but "Thee Alaskan Railway."

6. Don't hesitate to ask for help. If you can't figure something out, seek assistance from someone

who can answer your question. If no one is around call the appropriate phone number from the

list posted in the studio.

7. When giving the time, do it conversationally. Say it just the way you would if someone were

asking you for the time. Dont say its three minutes before the hour.. Say its 7:57 or its three

til eight. Be conversational.

8. Just Relax! Speak as if youre speaking to someone in the room.



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8PROFESSIONAL CONDUCTOne of Resounds goals is to prepare students for future careers

in broadcasting. For this reason, all that you do for Resound,whether inside or outside of the station, should be done in a

professional manner. Tact and reliability are expected from all

staffmembers.

1. You are not excused from a shift until you receive conrmation from the Program

Director. From time to time there may be an excusable reason for you to miss your air

shift. In such a case you must notify the Program Director at least 48 hours in advance. In

case of sudden illness or other emergency sufficiently severe to result in your missing

classes, notify the Program Director ASAP (do so in the morning if you are out of class for

the day.) Only one shift will be excused per quarter, except in cases of emergency. Failure

to comply with this policy will result in suspension for the quarter. Get in the habit now of

being reliable - it will go a long way in helping you to establish professional patterns for

the future.

2. It is never acceptable to be late for your air-shift. On-time is no less than ten

minutes before your shift begins and preferably fifteen to twenty minutes. You need time

to check the logs, pull music, and do your final show preparation. Being late exhibits a

lack of professional and consideration for the person who is waiting to be relieved.

3. There will be NO LOITERING in the studio. Visitors are allowed in the studio only with

the permission of the Station Advisor, Station Manager, or the Program Director. This

includes parents, siblings, friends on campus, as well as station staffnot scheduled to be

on air at the time. Computers are to be are for station use only. No students, other than

Department Heads, may use the station printer unless express permission is given.



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8HOW-TOSCant remember how to set up voice-tracking for your DJ break?

Need to record a caller? Trying to nd a previous tracking

session? This section is here for you to consult in case you forget

how to do any of these. If youre still having trouble, feel free to

call the head announcer.

VOICE-TRACKING FOR YOUR DJ BREAK

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RECORDING CALLERS

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RECALLING PREVIOUS TRACKING SESSIONS

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Resound Radio Announcer Handbook 2012

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