GLOSSARY OF RADIO TERMS
Understanding the Language of Broadcasting
Compiled by Don Sainte‑Johnn
A
AC (Adult Contemporary)
A radio format that plays popular music aimed at adult audiences, typically featuring softer pop, ballads, and light rock.
Example: "After KFRC's Top 40 era ended, the station experimented with a Hot AC format called The Amazing AM."
Aircheck
A recording of a radio broadcast, often used by DJs to showcase their skills for potential employers or for self-evaluation.
Example: "Spears mentioned that he and Drew had tuned in to one of my old WJPC airchecks."
Air Personality (Jock, DJ, Air Talent)
The on-air talent who hosts a radio show, plays music, talks to listeners, and provides entertainment. Also known as a disc jockey (DJ) or jock.
"As an air personality at 610KFRC, Rick Shaw was responsible for engaging listeners and keeping the energy sky-high."
AM (Amplitude Modulation)
One of the two main types of radio broadcasting (the other being FM). AM signals travel farther but have lower audio quality. AM radio was the dominant format for decades before FM gained popularity.
Example: "KFRC-AM was The Big 610, a powerhouse signal that dominated the Bay Area and Northern California."
AQH (Average Quarter‑Hour)
A radio ratings metric that measures the average number of listeners tuned to a station during any 15-minute period.
Example: "Under Les Garland's leadership, we surged to an 8.0 AQH share — nearly one in ten radios in The City were tuned to KFRC."
Ascertainment
A now-defunct FCC requirement that mandated radio stations evaluate community needs through structured outreach and research. Stations had to prove they understood their audience's concerns.
Example: "We examined ascertainments — a now-defunct FCC requirement that mandated evaluating community needs."
B
Bat Phone
A whimsical term for the hotline used by station management to communicate directly with on-air talent. Named after the Batman television series' famous red phone.
Example: "The red light on the wall began blinking — a clear sign the supervisor was calling on the bat phone."
Beat
In script notation, a brief pause for dramatic effect or to allow the listener to absorb what was just said. Also used to describe the natural rhythm of a DJ's delivery.
Example: "(Beat — 1 second of silence) — commonly seen in audiobook scripts."
Big Band
A genre of music popular in the 1940s and 1950s featuring large orchestras with brass, woodwind, and rhythm sections. KFRC's "Magic 61" format was a Big Band format.
Example: "KFRC shifted to nostalgic MOR pop hits from the 1940s, 1950s, and early 1960s — appealing to older adults; Sinatra galore."
Board Operator
The person who runs the audio console, manages sound levels, and ensures seamless broadcast transitions. In early radio, the board operator worked alongside the DJ in a two-person setup.
Example: "During my early years at KFRC, jock shows operated as a duo act — talent behind the mic and the engineer orchestrating the magic from the other side."
Boss Radio
The legendary Top 40 format developed by Bill Drake and Gene Chenault at KHJ Los Angeles, known for its tight playlist, energetic presentation, and memorable jingles. Boss Radio revolutionized broadcasting.
Example: "The Boss Radio innovator was a giant of a man — he reminded me of an academic scholar."
Break
A segment of a radio show where the DJ speaks between songs, often including commercials, station IDs, or banter. Also refers to a scheduled pause in programming.
Example: "He launched into a lengthy segment — long by KFRC standards — that would surely push his show into overtime."
Bubblegum Music
A subgenre of pop music from the late 1960s and early 1970s, characterized by catchy, simple melodies aimed at teenagers. Some rock fans used the term dismissively.
Example: "A modest contingent of listeners vocalized their dissatisfaction with the station's prevalence of pop songs, which some dubbed 'bubblegum' music."
C
Call Letters, Call Signs
The unique combination of letters that identifies a radio or television station. In the US, stations west of the Mississippi begin with "K," and stations east begin with "W."
Example: "KFRC's call letters stood for 'K' (west of the Mississippi) plus 'FRC' (a chosen identifier)."
Cans
Slang for headphones, especially the high-quality professional headphones used in broadcasting.
Example: "Surrendering my Radio Shack phones for the latest Sony pair was waay cool."
CHR (Contemporary Hit Radio)
A radio format that plays the most current and popular hit songs across various genres, including pop, hip-hop, rock, and electronic dance music.
Example: "KMEL (formerly KFRC-FM) adopted a CHR/Rhythmic format, which appealed to a wide range of listeners."
Clio Award
A prestigious advertising award recognizing excellence in advertising and creative campaigns. KFRC won a Clio for a campaign inviting extraterrestrials to call the station.
Example: "Les Garland, the ingenious mastermind, accepted a Clio Award for the campaign."
Console, Mixer, The Board
The mixing board or audio control surface used to manage sound levels, transitions, and broadcast elements. The heart of the control room.
Example: “My hands danced across the console, bringing up the music, riding the levels, and cueing the next element with the instinct that came from years behind the board.”
Control Room
The room where the audio console and broadcast equipment are located, separate from the on-air studio where the talent speaks.
Example: "Entering the control room, set to precisely seventy-three degrees, I breathed in the rarefied air."
Crossover
In radio, the transition between two DJs or shows, often featuring witty banter or a shared moment on air.
Example: "My favorite 'crossover' jock was a master of the quick, smooth, and often witty handoff between DJs at the top of the hour."
D
Dead Air
Any period of silence on a broadcast. Broadcasters fear dead air more than almost anything else — it signals a technical failure or operator error. Most stations have fail-safes to prevent it.
Example: "The board op's rhythmic snores echoed through the control room, leading to dead air — something broadcasters fear as much as sailors fear a storm at sea."
Drop‑In
A pre-recorded audio element inserted into a broadcast, often used for humor, branding, or special effects.
Example: "The song's arrangement was ideal for a 'drop-in,' with light instruments, subtle bass, and many violins."
Dry Run
"A practice broadcast or test run of a show or format before it goes live."
[Paste example here]
E
EAS (Emergency Alert System)
A national warning system in the US that enables officials to broadcast emergency alerts and public warning messages. Replaced the earlier EBS (Emergency Broarcast System).
Example: "I reviewed the Emergency Alert System (EAS) memo outlining earthquake procedures."
EBS (Emergency Broadcast System)
The predecessor to the EAS, used primarily during the Cold War for national emergency broadcasts.
Example: "KCBS received primary Emergency Broadcast System accreditation from the FCC a year later."
ENG (Electronic News Gathering)
The use of portable broadcast equipment for remote reporting, including cameras, microphones, and transmission gear.
Example: “With a portable ENG crew on the scene, the station could gather interviews, record sound, and get the story back to the newsroom almost immediately.”
F
FCC (Federal Communications Commission)
The US government agency that regulates radio, television, and other communications. The FCC issues licenses, enforces rules, and oversees broadcast standards.
Example: "The key topics were working with Paul Drew, ratings, management styles, market studies, music selection, contesting, the FCC, station demographics, and hiring."
Fishbowl Window
A window that allows people in the hallway or lobby to see into the on-air studio. Often used for station tours or fan viewing.
Example: "Like many radio stations, the KFRC on-air studio featured an indoor fishbowl viewing window that allowed anyone in the building to see the DJ inside the control room."
Flip (Format Flip)
When a radio station changes its music or programming format. Flips can be gradual or abrupt and often attract media attention.
Example: "KFRC, struggling with declining ratings under its Top 40 format, switched to Magic 61 to turn things around."
FM (Frequency Modulation)
One of the two main types of radio broadcasting (the other being AM). FM signals offer higher audio quality but shorter range. FM became dominant for music formats in the 1970s and 1980s.
Example: "RKO's failure to recognize the future success of FM radio in San Francisco is akin to Blockbuster's reluctance to embrace streaming."
FOB (Frequency Operation Button)
An electronic key used to access secure areas of a building.
Example: "I pressed the FOB against the reader, half expecting rejection. But it clicked open, smooth and familiar."
Format
The overall style and content of a radio station, such as Top 40, Oldies, Hip-Hop, Adult Contemporary, or Big Band.
Example: "The station featured a 'nostalgia rock' oldies format, crafted by Bill Drake."
G
Game Zone
A brief period during which KFRC broadcast interactive audio-only game shows instead of music. A bold experiment that ultimately didn't stick.
Example: “The KFRC Game Zone was a bold and imaginative experiment that reimagined what radio could be. Just imagine a television game show—without the video.”
GM (General Manager)
The senior executive responsible for the overall operation of a radio station, including programming, sales, engineering, and administration.
Example: "Pat Norman brought calm authority to the GM role."
H
HOF (Hall of Fame)
An honorary designation for individuals who have made significant contributions to their industry. In radio, the Radio Hall of Fame and Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame are prestigious honors.
Example: "Lee Michaels, a Hall of Fame programmer, guided KMEL to unprecedented success."
Hot AC
A radio format positioned between Top 40 and traditional Adult Contemporary, featuring contemporary pop with slightly edgier songs.
Example: "The station tried a Hot Adult Contemporary (Hot AC) makeover called The Amazing AM."
Hotline
A direct phone line from the control room to the program director's office, used for immediate communication. Also known as the bat phone.
Example: "The hotline rang. The PD's tone was measured but firm."
I
Imaging
The audio elements that define a station's brand identity, including jingles, sweepers, and voice-over promotions. Imaging creates a consistent sonic signature.
Example: “The production gurus often put their own artistic spin on pop songs, creating unique KFRC Vanity Versions.”
Insert
A pre-recorded audio element inserted into a live broadcast, often for comedic effect or branding.
Example: "In place of the P-Y-T lyrics, Albert Lord inserted K-F-R-C. It made little sense, but it sounded outstanding."
J
Jock
Short for "disc jockey," the on-air personality who plays music and hosts a radio show.
Example: “Every jock had a distinctive style, but the best ones could make listeners feel as if they were right there inside the KFRC studio.”
Jock‑in‑the‑Box
Slang for the visible control room where the DJ broadcasts, especially when seen through a fishbowl window.
Example: "I sat in the world-famous Sturgeon mobile studio, headset on, mic hot, working the 'jock-in-the-box' window."
K
Key to the City
A symbolic honor given by a mayor to distinguished community members, representing esteem and gratitude rather than actual access.
Example: "San Francisco's Mayor Jordan declared a day in my honor — 'Don Sainte-Johnn Day in The City' — recognizing my contributions to broadcasting."
L
Liner
Liner
A short, pre-recorded announcement that identifies the station, often with a catchy slogan.
Example: "We even spelled it out on liner cards so that every air personality delivered it the same way: four_seven_eight_thirty-one_eleven"
Liner Card
A physical card containing the station's branding message, read by on-air personalities during breaks.
Example: “We even spelled it out on the liner cards so every air personality would deliver the message the same way.”
M
Marconi Award
The annual award presented by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) recognizing excellence in radio broadcasting. Named after radio pioneer Guglielmo Marconi.
Example: "Magic 61 won the 1991 National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Marconi Radio Award."
Mobile Studio
A custom-built vehicle equipped with broadcast equipment, allowing the station to broadcast from remote locations.
Example: "The Mobile Studio — known as the Sturgeon — was designed and built in 1980 by Phil Lerza and the KFRC Engineering Staff."
MOR (Middle of the Road)
A radio format featuring popular, easy-listening music, often targeting older audiences. Also known as Adult Standards.
Example: "The new format on Magic 61 shifted to nostalgic MOR pop hits from the 1940s, 1950s, and early 1960s."
N
NAB
NAB (National Association of Broadcasters)
The trade association representing the interests of US commercial radio and television broadcasters.
Example: "Magic 61 won the 1991 National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Marconi Radio Award."
O
Oldies
A radio format (KFRC-FM) played popular music from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s.
Example: "KFRC-FM was an Oldies-formatted station marketed as "Rockin' From the Roots."
P
PD (Program Director)
PD (Program Director)
The person responsible for the overall programming and content of a radio station. The PD makes decisions about music selection, air personalities, promotions, and station sound.
Example: “As KFRC Program Director Michael Spears understood, a PD had to balance the station’s sound, the personalities on the air, and what listeners wanted to hear.”
Positioning Statement
A strategic brand message that defines how a radio station presents itself to its audience.
Example: “The Great Entertainer was more than a slogan—it became a powerful promo theme that helped define KFRC’s personality.”
Promo
A promotional announcement, often recorded, that encourages listeners to tune in or participate in contests.
Example: “A good promo could make listeners stop what they were doing, turn up the radio, and tune in for what was coming next.”
PSA
A free announcement broadcast to raise awareness of social issues or community events. Stations are required to air a certain amount of PSAs by the FCC.
Example: “PSAs were an important part of the station’s commitment to the community, giving airtime to messages that informed, educated, and served the public.”
R
R&B (Rhythm and Blues)
A genre of popular music that originated in the 1940s, combining jazz, blues, and gospel influences. R&B evolved into soul, funk, and hip-hop.
Example: "In markets beyond the Southeast, Clear Channel and affiliated operations rebranded Soul Music as R&B."
RCS Selector
A music scheduling software widely used in radio to automate playlist creation and ensure variety.
Example: "Shaw guided the computer programmers who built the first music scheduling software, later to become RCS Selector."
Remote Broadcast
A broadcast originating from a location outside the station's main studio, such as a concert, event, or fair.
Example: "Taking the mobile studio on the road through Northern California — the thrill of being mobile, mic on, and the signal reaching listeners in real time was exhilarating."
Rhythmic CHR
A subgenre of Contemporary Hit Radio that emphasizes danceable, rhythm-driven music, including hip-hop, R&B, and dance-pop.
Example: "KMEL adopted a CHR/Rhythmic format, with its strongest following among younger adults and teenagers."
Rock & Roldies
A syndicated radio format planned by Bill Drake that never launched commercially. The name combined rock and roll with oldies.
Example: "A veteran broadcaster at the NAB Radio Convention described Rock & Roldies as 'the greatest radio network that never was.'"
S
Sweeper
A short, pre-recorded audio element used to separate songs or programs, often featuring the station's slogan.
Example: "We brainstormed various ideas for promo sweeper announcements, such as 'the most music,' 'non-stop music,' and 'continuous music.'"
Syndication
The distribution of radio programming to multiple stations through a network. Syndicated shows are produced once and aired on many stations.
Example: "Drake had his staff book my flight to discuss joining the new network, which would launch several 24/7 formats for syndication."
T
Tomcat
A brand of reliable cart machines used in radio studios for playing pre-recorded audio. Known for their durability and audio quality.
Example: "The mobile studio was outfitted with Tomcat cart machines and pressed into service."
Top 40
A radio format playing the 40 most popular songs in the country, as determined by industry charts such as Billboard and the Gavin Report. The dominant format for decades.
Example: "KFRC dominated the Top 40 scene in the Bay Area for two decades."
Trafologist
A term coined by Jane Dornacker for a traffic reporter who delivers reports with humor and entertainment.
Example: "She preferred the term 'Trafologist,' a phrase she coined herself."
U
Urban AC
A radio format featuring R&B, soul, and contemporary music targeted primarily at African American audiences. A blend of Urban Contemporary and Adult Contemporary.
Example: "The idea of adopting an Urban AC format would have required a corporate shift."
V
Vanity Version
A personalized recording of a popular song, customized to include a station's call letters or DJ's name.
Example: "We had the Sisters personalize the refrain, changing it to 'Shannon's Got a Chick on the Side.'"
W
Watt
A unit of electrical power used to measure radio signal strength. More watts mean a stronger signal. Clear-channel stations like KFRC at 50,000 watts could reach hundreds of miles.
Example: "CKLW delivered a powerful signal — 50,000 watts — reaching the Motor City and surrounding areas."
Wire Service
A news service that delivers stories to radio stations via teletype or digital feed. Associated Press (AP) and United Press International (UPI) were the major wire services.
Example: "I went to the wire service machines to secure emergency information."
Z
Zinger
A term used at KFRC for a short, punchy sweeper or promo. The word suggested something quick and impactful.
Example: "The final product was a simple, flattened one-take 'KFRC,' which was labeled and entered the rotation as 'Zinger.'"
Quick Reference: Common Acronyms
| Acronym | Full Term |
|---|---|
| AC | Adult Contemporary |
| AQH | Average Quarter-Hour |
| CHR | Contemporary Hit Radio |
| EAS | Emergency Alert System |
| EBS | Emergency Broadcast System |
| ENG | Electronic News Gathering |
| FCC | Federal Communications Commission |
| FM | Frequency Modulation |
| GM | General Manager |
| HOF | Hall of Fame |
| MOR | Middle of the Road |
| NAB | National Association of Broadcasters |
| PD | Program Director |
| PSA | Public Service Announcement |
| R&B | Rhythm and Blues |
| SFX | Sound Effects |
| Top 40 | Most Popular Songs |