Speech is the most important sound code in radio as it conveys tone and emotion. Music is sometimes used to set moods and attract audiences. Sound effects provide context about the location and atmosphere of a story. Silence can signify that a story is serious to command the audience's attention.

1. Codes of Radio
By Noshin Jahan
Blah, blah,
blah………………………
……………………………
……………………………
……………………………

2. Speech
• Speech is most significant sound code in
radio. As there is no other way of
expressing excitement, concern or
seriousness in radio news, except using
our voices and our tones. Speech is very
important as it allows the audience to
understand the tone of the news story. It
gives the audience an understanding of
where the news may be taking place. For
example, if a news reporter is reporting
about an upcoming concert, then the
voice would sound excited and inviting,
indicating that the news story is about
entertainment.

3. Music
• Music isn’t used in radio much, however some
radio broadcasts add music to break the
conventions that many people are used to.
Using music is a good opportunity to attract a
mass audience, it also helps set the mood. For
example, if the news story is about celebrity
gossip, news stations may use upbeat music,
indicating that the story is about
entertainment. Radio broadcasts may use a
jingle at the start and end of the news.

4. Sound
• The use of sound allows the audience to
understand where the news reporter is
reporting from and it sets the scene. For
example, if an anchor is speaking love
from a festival, there may be
background noise, indicating there are
a lot of people. Also, radio stations may
use sound effects to create a mood. For
example, if a news story is comedic, it
may use funny sound effects.

5. Silence
• Silence is a very powerful way to
express seriousness and concern
about the news. It gives the
audience the understanding that
the news stories are serious and
may become more attentive to
the story. For example, a story
about an ongoing war, the radio
broadcast may use silence to
signify the importance and that
it is serious.