Have you ever wondered if radio stations speed up the songs they play in order to fit more into their programming? Radio stations are known for playing popular music. Yes, some radio stations do speed up songs to make more place for commercials and station promos, to give you the quick answer.
The process of accelerating music is called “time compression,” and it entails digitally adjusting the tempo of the audio without modifying the pitch. Radio stations are able to play more songs per hour as a result, which results in more commercial breaks and opportunities for station promotion.
Not all radio stations use this technique, and not all songs are sped up, which is a crucial distinction to make. It mostly depends on the format and programming objectives of the station. A station that prioritizes playing lengthier, album-oriented tracks, for instance, might not speed up songs as much as a station that plays shorter, pop-oriented tracks.
The industry is mostly controlled by a small number of prominent firms when it comes to radio station ownership. For instance, iHeartMedia and Entercom Communications, who collectively hold over 850 stations, are the two biggest radio station owners in the United States. Concerns about media consolidation and its effects on the diversity of voices and programming have arisen as a result of this concentration of ownership.
Who then tunes into all these radio stations? A recent Nielsen survey revealed that radio is still a preferred medium for people of all ages. However, with an average of 13.5 hours per week, those in the 35–64 age group prefer to listen to radio the most. This is probably because people in this age group commute farther and spend more time in cars listening to the radio. Despite the popularity of podcasts and streaming services, radio still draws a sizable audience. In fact, a 2019 poll indicated that 92% of Americans still tune in to radio in some capacity, whether it be on classic FM/AM stations or via online streaming.
And last, are presenters on community radio paid? Sometimes the answer is not obvious. Volunteers are essential to the operation of community radio stations, which are frequently managed as nonprofit businesses. There is no certainty that presenters on community radio will get a small honorarium or stipend. Many people do it purely out of love for radio and the chance to spread their enthusiasm to others.
Finally, even if some radio stations speed up songs to include extra info, this is not a common practice. All age groups continue to find radio to be a popular medium, but ownership is concentrated among a small number of significant players. Community radio hosts may or may not be paid for their job, but they nonetheless play a crucial part in offering a variety of locally relevant programs.