PWRTALK INSTANT LEARNING WALL "GLOSSARY"

Block Program--These are Long Form (30 to 60 minutes in length) "Sponsored Programs" that are purchased in "blocks of time," usually airing in Non "Prime Time" "Dayparts." These programs are entirely owned by the Programmer/Spnsor buying the time from the Station. Block Programs can be Informericals, Entertainment Specials, Promotions tied to Sp[ecial Events, Advertorials, Infotainment and Educational Specials.

Commercials (also called "Spots")--Paid advertising pronouncements that are typically in increments of 15, 30 and 60 seconds in length. These spots can include voice over, music, sound effects and for TV, visuals. They almost always have a "Call to Action" which can be a telephone number, web address or reference to another medium (like a TV or Print Ad).

Dayparts--Breaking down a 24 hour Broadcast cycle into "time increments" like "AM Drive Time," PM Drive Time," Early Morning Fringe," or "Late Night Fringe." It can also refer to any one hour increment in a "part" of a 24-hour day, from 12 midnight to 12 midnight.

Disclaimer--The Station's official statement that the Program it is referencing is not a "Station Owned Program" and its content is solely owned and provided by the Programmer. As such, any claims or legal questions posed do not apply to the Station. These disclaimers are usually heard just prior to and after the Program, especially when the Program is an "Infomercial."

Drive Time--Refers to the "Prime" listening time(s) when the most listeners are tuning in. In tradition "Terrestrial" radio it is the time of day when most people tune in. "Morning Drive" & "Afternoon Drive" varies from 6 am to 10 am and 4 pm to 7 pm depending where the Station's signal is heard. An example would be Los Angeles has more people in cars throughout the work day, so Drive Time is longer than say New York where fewer people drive cars. With Internet or Satellite Radio it is less important because listeners are tuning in at all hours of the day or night, worldwide.

Infomercials--Advertiser sponsored Block Program (typically 30 to 60 minutes in length). These Programs differ from Station/Network owned Programs in that they are designed solely to "Sell" a Product, Goods or Services to the listener/viewer (Ron Propeil Pocket Fisherman, Propeil Rotisserie, Hair Care for Men, The Genie Bra, etc). They are almost always accompanied by Disclaimers. They utilize the Call to Action every 8 to 10 minutes of programming.

INTRO--OUTRO--The "Openings" and "Closings" of Radio Segments and Shows, usually 5 to 10 seconds in length. (Stay tuned for... You are listening to... You've been listening to...)

Long Form--Can refer to Block Programs, Sponsored Programs and Infomerials. It can also refer to longer than normal commercials (longer than 60 seconds and shorter than 5 minutes). These "extended" commercials are also referred to as Long Form "Vignettes."

PSA's--Public Service Announcements usually 10 to 30 seconds in length designed to promote services presented by Government and Non Commercial entities like the Red Cross and the Postal ZService. Radio Stations run these at No Charge. FCC Licensed Stations must run a number of these throughout the year or face potential fines.

Promo(s)--Promotional announcement designed to 'promote' an upcoming Station Show, Station Promotional Event and/or Sponsored Program. These can be any where from 10 to 60 seconds in length. If the Station has a website they can appear as Promotional visual "Banner Ads" as well.

ROS--Run of Station or also RON (Network). This expression pertains to commercials and/or promotional announcements that can air throughout the broadcast day in any and all Dayparts. Advertising Rates for commercials that are ROS are always lower because they are not being placed in a specific Program or Daypart, which would command higher Rates.

Sponsored Programs--Long Form, Block Programs that are NOT Infomercials. If done right, they sound as good as or better than most "Traditional Radio" Station Weekend Programs. Sponsored Programs follow many of the forms and functions of a Station/Network owned Talk Show. There are several big differences between Sponsored Programs and other Long Form fare. They are Sponsor driven, which means that there may be one Sponsor or a series of compatible Sponsors who pay for the production of the Program and buy the block time from the Station. The other big difference is that unlike an Infomercial, the Sponsors don't have complete editorial control over the Program's on-air hosts and Show content.

Standards & Practices--Rules and Regulations that a Broadcasting Station, it's Management, the On-Air Hosts, and Station Personnel must abide by. These are usually given out as part of a package of important practices that everyone working in Broadcasting must abide by. They can range from "No Smoking except in designated areas" to "When to wear Headphones." Licensed broadcasters have a long list of "Do's and Don'ts." Any deviation from these "Rules & Regs" can result in suspension or worse, loss of a Station's Broadcast License.

Station ID--Station Identification pronouncement ("You're listening to KABC 790 on the dial:) made at the top (beginning) of the Hour and usually within plus or minus 5 minutes on the half Hour. Licensed Stations must air these, by law.

Theme Music--This is the Show's signature sound. It opens and closes the Program. It can also be used as a music bed (softly playing under a Host's words), to Fade in or Fade out of segments. It is usually chosen by both the Show Host and the Station's Program Director and can be anything that relates to the overall "theme" (subject matter) of the Program.