Voicetracking is the technology of using a computer to play music, and do it in such a way that it sounds “local” if you’re not paying attention. The “host” prerecords material for the show – some of which may contain current topical information, and information specific to each station that are dropped in to make you think you are listening to a local host. Citadel’s “True Oldies” with Scott Shannon is one of the better known examples (Scott is also the voice of Sean Hannity’s announcer, and VP of programming for Citadel).
Voicetracking and Classical Music were made for each other. There is little breaking news a symphony written 250 years ago. Each “song” lasts typically 10-20 minutes. Using voicetracking, a host could pre-record their entire week of shows in a couple hours.
Having spent a bit of time focused on Classical Music radio this week, it turns out that most of the stations are not originating any of their own programming. I’ve known for a long time that WFMT-FM in Chicago offers a syndicated Classical Music service, that is mostly carried overnight.
What I recently discovered is Classical 24. It’s a 24 hour Classical Music service being offered to Public Radio stations so they can run completely automated with no local announcers. The service is operated by American Public Media and syndicated by PRI. If you take the full 24×7 feed, it costs your “poor” public radio station about $7,000 a month, less than what the station manager is paying his sister-in-law for her no-show job.
If the “Radio Localism” idea picks up traction, it’s important that Non-Commercial radio not be excluded from the rules. If “satellite repeater” radio is a bad thing, then Non-Commercial radio is the biggest abuser. I’m pretty such All things Considered and Morning Edition are on more radio stations than Rush Limbaugh.
