Codes and Conventions of Radio

1. CODES AND CONVENTIONS
OF RADIO
BY SYEDA TAHSIN

2. First up, codes...

3. Speech - This is the way in which the words are SPOKEN, which can be
anything from the pitch and volume of a voice to the accent.
Music – This can help in setting the mood, tone and setting of a scene. With
radio this becomes more essential due to the lack of visual cues for the audience.
Sound – With no sound, the listener only hears silence. Which is useful for
dramatic effect if used well. But if it goes on for too long then the listener will
simply switch off.
Silence - This is used to mark the ending of a scene and as a break in all the
dialogue. As with having no sound, a listener may only be able to listen to so
much constant dialogue before switching off.

4. Next up, conventions...

5. Aural Signposting – This is where the setting of the scene is established through
audio cues (accents, vehicle sounds, background noises) in place of visual (and sometimes
literal) signposts.
Cliffhanger Endings – Used in both audio and visual dramas as a way of keeping the
interest of the listener. By not giving them everything, the writer keeps them interested
while allowing the listener to have their own experience.
Narration & Direct Speech – With no visual, the audience is effectively blind. A
narrator, breaking the “Fourth Wall” and talking directly to the listener, is the guide. They
can quickly receive and pass on any vital information that would otherwise slow down the
pace of the story.
Titles & Credits – This includes the names of cast and people part of production. The
credits will include those that are not seen or heard but is a character or person involved.
For example, The series Charmed began by crediting every regular cast member even if
they did not appear in the episode

6. Aural Signposting – This is where the setting of the scene is established through
audio cues (accents, vehicle sounds, background noises) in place of visual (and sometimes
literal) signposts.
Cliffhanger Endings – Used in both audio and visual dramas as a way of keeping the
interest of the listener. By not giving them everything, the writer keeps them interested
while allowing the listener to have their own experience.
Narration & Direct Speech – With no visual, the audience is effectively blind. A
narrator, breaking the “Fourth Wall” and talking directly to the listener, is the guide. They
can quickly receive and pass on any vital information that would otherwise slow down the
pace of the story.
Titles & Credits – This includes the names of cast and people part of production. The
credits will include those that are not seen or heard but is a character or person involved.
For example, The series Charmed began by crediting every regular cast member even if
they did not appear in the episode