Voice Over as an Effective Tool in Radio Imaging

Whatever you do, you need to be unique in order to stand out. How would your radio station rise to the top? Radio imaging is here to save the day.

The Cambridge dictionary defined radio as a device for receiving, and sometimes broadcasting, sound messages, or the receiving or sending of sound messages,  and also defined it as the work of broadcasting sound programs for the public to listen to. Radio, therefore, is a distinct form of entertainment. Since it relies solely on sound, a defined sonic branding is needed to distinguish one radio station from another.

The use of  radio imaging is a way of sonically branding your radio station. Radio Imaging is a radio station’s signature sound composition that enables listeners to easily identify the station from the rest in a given market. This signature sound can showcase the station distinct characteristic as to why it is better against its competitors. It can also give the listeners an overview of the content or format that the listeners can expect from the station. Radio imaging is the general term used for varied on-air sound effects that identify, brand and market a particular radio station, like, radio sweepers, intros & outros, bumpers, stingers and drops. 

Radio Sweeps – are segues between songs that give listeners a 20 second or less station identifier or promo.

Intros/Outros – are the show’s signature. You usually hear it as an introduction to the start of a program or signals the coming end or wrap up. It can be pre-recorded or done live over music.

Bumpers – Bumpers are usually heard after a commercial break, or before the program shifts from one segment to another. It usually consist of a voice over and music that acts as a transition. These are usually short, about 5-10 seconds in length.

Stingers – are short sound effects, pre-recorded words, fast piece of music (1-3 seconds) that are played to give emphasis to something that the DJ said.

Drops – These are sound bites from movies, TV, or songs.  The length of Drops varies and can either be used as an emphasis or a transition.

The combination of these sound elements produces an overall sound imaging that helps to position the radio station within their market. It is designed to appeal to a certain demographic of audience that the station wish to attract. 

Aside from attracting listeners, radio imaging also sets the mood, tone, and energy of the station. It also builds familiarity and loyalty with the listeners. The radio imaging defines the radio channel sound, with the exception of the actual music or talk content. It also creates fillers and transitions between the programs providing the listeners a more complete and seamless listening experience.

It is important to create a defined radio imaging to promote brand recognition. You need to have a consistent radio image distinction. Scripting by using targeted language and terms that listeners can relate to; and a use voiceover can give the station a unique style and tone. These fillers and transitions help remind the listeners which station they are listening to and with an effective Call-To-Action can keep them tuned in during breaks or commercials, and also direct them to your website or social networks which helps you build your online presence.

 Styles of Radio Imaging

The style of radio imaging is determined by the genre that the radio station wants to maintain. Radio stations should match their imaging with the format or genre of their station, properly. New Generation released a guide to the different radio station formats and their common target audience.

Hiring a professional voice over talent is an important key in making an effective radio imaging. Choosing the voice that would represent your brand should be done carefully. Their voice should reflect your station’s image or brand, and your target audience can easily identify with them – on gender, personality, attitude, energy, sound, tone, mood, diction, etc. You should look for talented and creative individuals who can work with you in putting together a sound that your audience will connect with. This is not an area for the amateur and inexperienced.

With The Voice Realm, affordable radio voice imaging is now within reach! Our website provides radio stations around the globe with the best, experienced, and professional voice talent, at the most affordable rates. Hundreds of voices, thousands of demos, and no amateur voice talent to have to sort through. We offer quality voice over talents without breaking the bank. 

Contact: info@thevoicerealm.com or visit the contact page for help casting the perfect voice talent.