Conventions of Local Radio News

Pauses/slang/catch phrase
Usually on less recognised radio stations slang is used. For example, “lil” and “ennit”. Also words like “ent” and “mate” are used. One of the main catch phrases 1Xtra uses (a London based radio station) is “get funky”. Pauses do occur sometimes. However on local stations such as Heart FM, slang is less common and DJs and presenters usually speak in good quality, standard English.

Dj talks about him/herself
The radio presenters talk about themselves at times but they mainly discuss other peoples affairs. The chat is mainly about the listeners and music. On most radio shows the Djs do not talk about themselves as people, just what they will be playing next. Radio 1 and Heart FM presenters sometimes talk about themselves, this is usually on a Monday morning however when they discuss their weekend and what they did. Their own personal weekend usually relates to something in the radio show that is already being spoke about e.g. gigs, concerts, festivals etc.

DJ talks about the record
On most local radio stations they explain what record is on, who sings it, if it is good and whether it is new. There is sometimes a bit of general chit chat on the artist and their albums (if they have one out). Also if the artist is in the studio which is not unual, then the DJ will discuss the record with them.

DJ talks about or to the listener
In near enough every local radio station, listeners get the chance to either text, phone or email into the show. If they are lucky then the presenters will read out or talk to the listener. They will usually spend a couple of minutes on the phone and the listener will usually request a song to be played. Also, on radio stations such as Radio 1, listeners will take part in fun games on the telephone.

DJ digresses to another subject
DJs like to change the subject constantly! This is to keep their listeners interested and entertained. Radio presenters will talk about music then change the subject onto something else completley (when Janet Jackson’s nipple came out at a music award show!) Topics and subjects are changing all the time on local radio stations.

DJ says what’s coming up
Presenters will talk about what music is coming up next as well as any guests who will be appearing on the show.

DJ promotes another show
Listening to a fair few radio stations, no, they do not really promote other shows, but they do however promote other DJs who will be appearing on that specific radio station later that day. e.g Chris Moyles from Radio 1 may promote Reggie Yates who presents the Sunday top 40 chart show.

Jingles
Near enough every local radio station will have a 'jingle' which usually includes a short catchy catchphrase such as 'This is Heart!' used for Heart FM. A catchy backing track is usually played and overall lasts around 5 seconds, if that! Jingles are meant to be short, snappy and quick so it is easy to remember and is a reminder for the audience that a specific radio show is playing.

Vox-Pop
This is where the radio station gets a person's point of view. this could be done by going out into the local community and asking the general public for their views. This is mainly used on local news stories but also international stories. Radio stations like Radio 1 like to go out and get opinions from the public whereas Heart FM usually has the public call in for their views.

Outside Broadcast
This is where presenters will interview or present their news stories outside of the studio. When presenters read the weather it can sometimes be recorded outside as well as interviews with people who perhaps cannot make it to the studio.