Radio
Media Technology
Radio technology originated as the sending of information via electromagnetic energy (i.e. waves) of radio frequency, such as sound. From receiving tubes and analog reception to modern digital formats, radio media technology has evolved and has even added a satellite component. Where radio was once confined to a portable hand crank device or plug-in box speaker with tuning apparatus, it can now be heard beyond the range of radio towers, provided one has an internet connection and a device on which to hear it. The uses of this technology have been diverse through the years, covering such genres as news, education, entertainment, politics, and advertising, to name a few. Again, it was predicted that, with new internet technology, radio technology would fall by the wayside. That has not happened. In fact, total radio listening hours per week have remained stable compared to even five years ago (May, 2013) and many listen to radio through the internet on their computers with providers such as Pandora or Internet Media (radio) player, or through radio “podcasts.”. Satellite radio broadcasters, such as Sirius and XM offer a wide range of subscriber channels along with reception units for vehicles and home use. Radio media technology reaches approximately 92% of consumers aged 12 years or older each week (May, 2013), with digital revenue accounting for approximately 8% of the industry’s total revenue. This seems to indicate that digital revenue will continue to expand, but traditional radio is still a viable and valuable technology.
I am an avid radio listener with eclectic taste. In my vehicle I listen to traditional radio stations heard across the airwaves, and also have Sirius satellite services with amazing channels. When at home, I have a rather old-fashioned radio receiver which has a dial tuner, but I also listen to stations such as Pandora on my Roku (wireless satellite receiver) box which is routed through my television. The lack of long-winded radio commercial spots and long section of music without interruption appeal to me, however I enjoy the seeming real-time and local flavor of traditional radio. Hearing local news coverage and public service announcements, along with the familiar voices of local radio personalities, has an undeniable appeal to me. In a way, I feel more connected to my community and real life when listening to the local radio stations, and respond to public announcements much more readily than I do to any other form of media. This is in stark contrast to my opinion of satellite internet programing and advertising, as it feels rather generic and canned.
The next post will cover television media technology.
References
Print Power (n.d.). Why print media? Print Power. Retrieved from: http://www.printpower.eu/Why-Print-Media
Henderson, C. (n.d.). The History of Communication Technology – Telephone. Retrieved from: http://www.personal.psu.edu/jtk187/art2/telephone.htm
May, A. (2013, August 9). Why radio is still relevant in a digital age. Radio – The ultimate media survivor? Just Media, Inc. Retrieved from: http://justmedia.com/2013/08/why-radio-is-still-relevant-in-a-digital-age/
Stephens, M. (n.d.). History of television. Grolier Encyclopedia. Retrieved from: https://www.nyu.edu/classes/stephens/History%20of%20Television%20page.htm
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