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Introduction to Broadcasting MCM 411

LESSON 18

FM A NEW GENERATION IN BROADCASTING

FM very much heard these days. For long, listeners have been accustomed to hearing

medium wave and short wave points of transmission, or say frequencies at which one can

tune to a radio station of one's choice. With the advancement in programs side of

broadcasting, progress has also been made in the technical side of broadcasting. In fact the

two sides lead each other in the mutual growth of the subject of broadcasting.

FM, frequency modulation, the nomenclature set for new type of transmission, are not long

range radio stations like the old fashioned radio stations many of which are called global

stations due to their large range of beaming across the world.

It should not sound too technical to students of mass communication to understand some

technical aspect of the FM radio broadcasts. Here we may not indulge in understanding how

wave theory and electromagnetic way of sending message affects communication through air,

but it is certainly like a doctor understanding some equipment for better usage, or an architect

perceiving some vital functions of some new software meant for designing and construction of

buildings on modern lines.

Amplitude & Frequency Modulation

In the case of Amplitude Modulation, or the AM broadcast, the sound waves after put along the

electromagnetic waves, are only given a treatment to the amplitude of the wave, and not its

frequency. Measured in volts, the amplitude is the number of times you can amplify a wave to

give it a strength to a desired level.

It is like this;

AM Diagram

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Introduction to Broadcasting MCM 411

FM Diagram

The same wave in the case of FM is treated differently; the number of times it spins have been

increased instead of its height, or amplitude be disturbed.

Advantages & Disadvantages

The AM has been strong and could be transmitted to more distance as compared to FM but

problem with AM is that it interacts more with static charge like coming from the thundering

clouds, or the waves emitting from other sources as a spark plug of a motorbike and the likes.

At times the interference goes to a level that distortion so created does not allow a listener to

hear what is being broadcast. The quality of transmission has to be compromised, sometime,

beyond normal level of tolerance of your target listeners.

On the contrary, the FM way of transmission is less prone to interferences caused by static

charges or electrical sparks. Due to high frequency, its waves show resistance to other waves

and take the original broadcast strongly to end point of its range of transmission which is fairly

less than the one possible with AM mainly because the transmission of the FM is based on the

physics principle of Line-in -Sight. More it rubs with the ground, weaker it becomes as a signal.

So a higher and powerful transmitter will ensure a clear transmission by an FM station from

listeners' point of view.

Low Cost

The cost of setting up an FM radio station is very low as compared to a traditional radio

station. But still, the equipment required includes; transmitter, main studio and two small

studios, control room where most equipment is installed and one continuity studio. A set of

computers loaded with multimedia software, set of headphones and a high quality radio set

should suffice to make things rolling.

The FM Broadcasting Products

In their nature the programs meant for an FM station are only little different from the ones you

can hear from AM station, the fact that an FM station is not heard at a far off place, however,

reduces its utility as a commercial brand broadcasting facility. But local area advertisers are

much inclined to exploit an FM station in their region to publicize their products, and that earns

money for the FMs.

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Introduction to Broadcasting MCM 411

The regular programs include talawat, naat, qawwalies, national songs and folk songs. But as

is the practice, film and album songs with a touch of pop and rock are the hot favorites for the

disc jockeys, though a ghazal here and some musical insertion there also continues.

Handling the Broadcast

Well, at the FM stations you need back-to-back programs. The program schedule, which must

be made on weekly basis, should ensure that programs are in hand to ensure continuity. What

is killing for an FM station, is a pause, or pauses of inordinate length. Even a couple of

seconds silence will lead to tuning to other stations and causing a permanent loss of your

build-up audience.

Performing as an anchor-person on FM station is not an ordinary broadcasting attitude. The

talent must be trained enough to understand the exact requirement

of his/her job. The script must be practiced regularly and all property, of speech should be

exploited to keep the interest of your listeners in tact.

The Difference

Though not a rule, the practice is to avoid airing long discussions, talk shows or other serious

natured current affairs programs. Dramas are one entity yet not known widely to the FM

stations. Latest music albums, interactive-talking to listeners through telephone, taking their e-

mails or ordinary mail in between musical programs are the hallmark of their broadcast.

Some FM station Services

As a regular feature a number of FM stations are doing some services, very useful to listeners,

especially who are traveling; weather reports after regular intervals like it is raining at the

highway near Hyderabad, DG Khan, Gujranwala or Shahrah e Karakrum. Currency exchange

rates, PIA flights or some train timings also mark their approach to keep supplying such useful

announcements to the listeners.