Chapter 3: Programming
Overview
Chapter 3 familiarizes the student with various radio formats, the kind of music played, and the
style of presentation. An historical overview of the evolution of various formats is discussed,
Student Objectives
xGain understanding of the terminology used by broadcasters to define various radio
formats.
xLearn how the presentation of music on-air is structured.
xExamine playlists and clocks and how they work with the program log to determine the
positioning of various format elements.
Key Words
Program Directors (PDs), Program clocks, Target audience, Format, Adult
Discussion Topics
xDiscuss which formats students listen to and why.
xRadio stations in your market may be owned by conglomerates; identify these groups,
and how their station clusters affect the market.
xWhat is your favorite station? Discuss its programming and why it appeals to you.
Class Activities
xThere is a Matching Formats Quiz attached to this chapter. If you have the means, such as
Assignment
Have students monitor their favorite stations over a period of days. Then, ask them to submit a
program wheel or set of wheels to reflect the programming pattern(s) of the station. If you wish,
have them check for weekend programming changes.
Ch 3 Matching Formats Quiz
Chapter 3: Matching Formats Quiz
NAME:
DATE:
Match the format descriptions with the format by indicating the correct letter in the first column.
FORMAT DESCRIPTION
Adult
Contemporary
ACombines discussion and call-in shows. It is primarily a medium– and
major-market format. It is mostly found on AM (and is the domain of
conservatives) but is now finding a home on the FM band.
Contemporary
Hits Radio
BThe playlist includes hits between the 1950s and 1960s, relying on veteran
air personalities. Commercials are placed randomly and songs are spaced
to allow deejay patter.
Oldies FThese stations began in the mid-1960s to counter Top 40 stations. The
format attracted a predominantly male audience aged 18–34. Modern
Rock and Alternative Rock are format variants.
Classic Rock GCommercial outlets are few, but they have a loyal audience. Primarily an
FM format appealing to a higher-income, college-educated, upscale (25–
49 age) audience.
Chapter 3: Matching Formats Quiz Key
FORMAT Description
Adult
Contemporary
This format, in its variations, features older pop hits (since the 1970s) and more recent songs to
supplement a library of current pop standards. It often utilizes music sweeps and clustered
commercials.
J
All-Talk Combines discussion and call-in shows. It is primarily a medium– and major-market format. It
is mostly found on AM (and is the domain of conservatives) but is now finding a home on the
FM band.
A
Oldies The playlist includes hits between the 1950s and 1960s, relying on veteran air personalities.
Commercials are placed randomly and songs are spaced to allow deejay patter.
B
Classic Rock Concentrates on tunes once primarily featured by AOR stations. H
Urban
Contemporary
The “melting pot” format, attracting a heterogeneous audience. It’s upbeat, danceable sound, and
hip, friendly deejays attract the 18–34 age group.
C
QUIZ: Chapter 3: Programming
1. The staff reductions in post-FRQVROLGDWLRQUDGLRFDXVHQDWLRQDOFKDLQVWR¿OOWKHWLPHZLWK
what kind of programming?
__ a. Live local programming
__ b. Rebroadcasting of local programs
__ c. Syndication or repurposed content from another market
__ d. Programming borrowed from other networks
2. The radio format of current pop standards, which is very strong among the 25- to 49-year-old
age group is called:
__ a. CHR/ top 40 (Contemporary Hit Radio)
__ b. AC (Adult Contemporary)
__ c. AOR (Album oriented Rock)
__ d. UC (Urban Contemporary)
3. Who are Jack, Bob, and Dave?
__ a. A morning drive team
__ b. The names of some “Adult Hits” formats
__ c. The CEOs of the Big 3 radio networks.
__ d. A popular Sports Talk show
4. What format is designed to play the fastest selling hits for teens and young adults?
__ a. AC
__ b. CHR
__ c. AOR
__ d. MOR (Middle of the Road)
5. Since the 1970s, what format has been adopted by more stations than any other?
__ a. Urban Dance
__ b. Sports Talk
__ c. AOR
__ d. Country
6. Beautiful Music stations of the 1960s and 1970s became what stations of the 2000s?
__ a. Jazz
__ b. Classical
__ c. Adult Hits
__ d. Easy listening
7. Current “Rock” formats evolved from what radio format from the 60s?
__ a. Top 40
__ b. AOR
__ c. MOR
__ d. Soul Music
8. News and/or talk formats have been historically located on which band of radio frequencies?
__ a. AM
__ b. FM
__ c. Internet
__ d. Satellite
9. The radio format which features music played by former AOR stations during the last three
decades is called:
__ a. Classic Hits
__ b. MOR
__ c. Classic Rock
__ d. Oldies
10. Which format is referred to the “melting pot” of music formats?
__ a. Black/African American
__ b. Urban Contemporary
__ c. CHR
__ d. Hispanic
11. Although there are fewer than two dozen full-time stations doing this format, no other format
can claim a more loyal following.
__ a. Sports Talk
__ b. Ethnic
__ c. Classical
__ d. Religious
12. This format attempts to provide its mostly middle-aged listeners with a mix of all program-
ming genres:
__ a. MOR
__ b. Smooth Jazz
__ c. Easy Listening
__ d. Full Service
13. What two music formats top the list of Public Radio stations?
__ a. Folk and blues
__ b. Rock and roll
__ c. Ethnic and Hispanic
__ d. Classical and jazz
14. What is considered to be the PD’s main job objective?
__ a. To be a “brand manager”
__ b. Selecting music for airing
__ c. Designing the format
__ d. Supervising the DJs
15. In addition to the PD’s other duties, they may be also expected to:
__ a. Sell airtime
__ b. Do an airshift
__ c. Do live newscasts
__ d. Repair broadcast equipment
16. How is the programming of formats in a group or “cluster” of stations managed?
__ a. The formats are managed by an operations manager for the cluster
__ b. Each station within the cluster is programmed autonomously by the local PD
__ c. All programming comes from corporate headquarters
__ d. All stations within a cluster will follow the exact same music format
17. The means of positioning program elements such as spot breaks, music and news is called a
__ a. Playlist
__ b. Program log
__ c. Format list
__ d. Hot clock
18. What are some of the ways that new Internet technology is used to reach out to listeners?
__ a. Satellite broadcasts
__ b. Terrestrial radio signals
__ c. Streaming, websites, podcasts, and blogs
__ d. Interconnected implants
19. Neither the deejays, PD, music director, nor anyone associated with the station may receive
payment for playing a song or album on the air. This method of promotion is called:
__ a. Plugola
__ b. Victrola
__ c. Motorola
__ d. Payola
20. Passed in 1998, this act requires owners of online music websites to obtain licenses for the
legal permission to disseminate copyrighted recorded content online:
__ a. The Digital Millennium Act
__ b. The Telecommunications Act
__ c. The Federal Radio Commission Act
__ d. The Fairness Doctrine Act
ANSWER SHEET
Chapter 3: Essay Questions
1. The staff reductions in post-FRQVROLGDWLRQUDGLRFDXVHQDWLRQDOFKDLQVWR¿OOWKHWLPHZLWK
what kind of programming?
2. Current “Rock” formats evolved from what radio format from the late 1960s?
3. News and/or Talk formats are primarily located on which band of radio frequencies?
4. The radio format which features music played by former AOR stations during the last
two decades is called:
5. Which format is referred to the “melting pot” of music formats?
6. What two music formats top the list of Public Radio stations?
7. What are some of the areas of experience that provide a route to the programmer’s job?
8. What is considered to be the PD’s major objective?
9. How is the programming of formats in a group or “cluster” of stations managed?
10. The means of positioning program elements such as spot breaks, music and news is
called a:
11. What are some of the ways that new internet technology is used to reach out to listeners?
12. What is meant by “dayparting”?
13. What is a common method for categorizing music rotations at most radio stations?
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Chapter 3 Essay Question Answers
1. The staff reductions in post-FRQVROLGDWLRQUDGLRFDXVHQDWLRQDOFKDLQVWR¿OOWKHWLPHZLWK
what kind of programming?
The staff reductions in post-consolidation radio cause nationaOFKDLQVWR¿OOWKHWLPH
2. Current “Rock” formats evolved from what radio format from the late 1960s?
AOR: The birth of the Album Oriented Rock (AOR) format in the late 1960s (also
called Underground and Progressive) was the result of a basic disdain for the highly
3. News and/or Talk formats are primarily located on which band of radio frequencies?
News and/or Talk formats are primarily located on the AM band, where they have
4. The radio format which features music played by former AOR stations during the last
two decades is called:
Classic Rock: Classic Rock and Classic Hit stations emerged as the biggest winners
in the late1980s and early 1990s, and of the vintage format genres, they can boast
5. Which format is referred to the “melting pot” of music formats?
Considered the “melting pot” format, Urban Contemporary (UC), attracts large
numbers of Hispanic and black listeners, as well as white. As the term suggests,
6. What two music formats top the list of Public Radio stations?
Topping the list of prominent music genres are classical and jazz. Public Radio news
broadcasts such as Morning Edition and All Things Considered, lead all radio in
audience popularity for information focused on national and world events. Like
7. What are some of the areas of experience that provide a route to the programmer’s job?
The customary route to the programmer’s job involves deejaying and participation
8. What is considered to be the PD’s major objective?
The ratings: The PD’s major objective is to program for results. If the station’s
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9. How is the programming of formats in a group or “cluster” of stations managed?
In this situation, one individual is usually assigned to perform the function of
10. The means of positioning program elements such as spot breaks, music, and news is
called a:
Clock: In most cases, the PD determines how much music is programmed hourly
and in what rotation and when news, public affairs features, and commercials are
11. What are some of the ways that new Internet technology is used to reach out to listeners?
Websites, streaming, podcasting, and blogs. In this day and age, nearly every radio
station maintains a website. Many provide listeners with websites as a cyber-
12. What is meant by “dayparting”?
Perhaps one of the best examples of a station’s efforts to conform to its listeners’
lifestyle is the programming strategy known as dayparting. Listening to the radio
13. What is a common method for categorizing music rotations at most radio stations?
Chronologically: New, current, recurrent, and (g)old. A typical rotation is New
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Neither the deejays, PD, music director, nor anyone associated with the station may
receive payment for plugging a song or album on the air. This constitutes “payola”