Key definitions

Analogue - Traditional format of radio shows and stations; in comparison to digital, this format was time consuming and costly to operate as music had to be in physical form, instead of now where music is now stored on computer servers called Play Servers. Production of analogue shows involved 'splicing' involving cutting up physical tape of recording to order adverts, talk segments, music and jingles.

Cartwall - An interface allowing the producers to cue up sound clips, adverts and jingles for the show

Commercial Radio - Adverts are their main source of income; Play Servers for this kind of radio include popular chart and pop music that appeals to the Mass general audience.

Community Radio - Non profit typically local specialized radio channels created by members of the community; their remit/license allows them only to deliver social gain to their listeners. Play Servers are more focused and specialized, as they include niche music genres and often not as much. OFCOM Definition: "Community radio stations

Digital - During the 80's and 90's, the transition between analogue and digital was brought about by the introduction of digital audio products. This allowed for radio production to be more efficient, quicker and cheaper. Digital Mixing Desks control the live mixing of the programme.

Editing - High quality digital music formats such as WAV and FLAC are used for DAB. Non-linear editing packages such as Pro-Tools, Adobe Audition or SoundBooth and Cubase are used to edit recorded programs, packages, idents and adverts.

Ident - 'Channel Identification', a specific sound associated with a brand (e.g. BBC 1 channel sequences)

Jingle - Sound associated with a program or feature

Play Servers - Computer storage systems allowing for simple directory of music for a radio station