With the increase of on-demand content, as well as the ongoing creation of new radios, listeners are consuming audio more than ever. But is it better to pre-record your radio content, or broadcast it live? Let’s take a look at the advantages of both formats.
LIVE RADIO CONTENT
Live radio content means that you’re speaking to your listeners in real-time. With the vast choice of live broadcasting software, going live on air is incredibly easy. Live broadcasting is a huge part of many radio station’s activity, but why?
Authentic radio content
The authenticity of live radio content is much higher than that of pre-recorded shows, as listeners know that there’s a radio host out there speaking to them in the exact moment that they are listening. They are both in that moment together, sharing a part of their day.
As a listener, you know that whatever is being said is completely raw and in-the-moment as opposed to pre-recorded content.
Audience interaction
Allowing your listeners to participate in your live radio shows adds a fun element to your content! Furthermore, it strengthens the bond between your audience and your radio, as they feel included. Creating a close relation with your listeners will help build loyalty towards your radio and keep your listener coming back for more.
Get your listeners to call in for a radio contest, to share their story, or simply give a shout-out to a friend or family member!
No post-production
Another advantage to broadcasting a live radio show is that there’s no post-production involved. This means that once you’ve finished broadcasting, you’re done for the day!
This can be a huge time-saver as you won’t need to spend hours re-listening to your show, cutting parts out or even adding things in. In other words, what you hear is what you get!
Record your live radio content
A common misconception about live radio is that once your show is over, it’s gone forever. Many live broadcasting solutions allow you to easily record your live broadcasts in order to make them available to listen to again. If you choose to record your broadcast, you can then:
- Schedule your show to broadcast again at a later date
- Upload your show as a podcast on your radio website or mobile application
It’s the easiest way to ensure that your content lives on, even once your broadcast is over.
PRE-RECORDED RADIO CONTENT
Pre-recorded content refers to radio shows that are created in advance and then scheduled to broadcast at a later time. Let’s take a closer look at the advantages of this format.
A more flexible schedule
Running your own radio station may not be your full-time job. You may not necessarily be available to broadcast live at a time that works for your listeners. This is where pre-recorded content can be a great solution!
If you don’t have time to go live on weekdays for example, simply record your content before-hand and schedule it to broadcast automatically. This format will allow you to prepare your content in advance at a time that works best for you, allowing you to have a more flexible schedule.
Practice your radio hosting skills
If you’re new to the online radio adventure, pre-recording your content can be a great way to practice your radio presenting skills without the pressure of being live on air.
Recording your content allows for mistakes which can be cut out in post-production. You’ll also have the possibility of starting your sentence again if necessary for example. Recognising your strengths and weaknesses will help you to master your radio hosting skills. Practice makes perfect!
Polished radio content
Pre-recording ultimately allows you to go back and check your content before sharing it with the world. This will allow you to make sure that you create polished content! Removing any “errrrs” or silences, or adding in extra sound effects will make your radio sound more professional.
Plus, by listening back to yourself, you’ll be able to check that you’re not speaking too fast, and that you’re articulating properly! With polished content, you’ll enhance the listening experience of your audience.
Make your radio content available
If you choose to pre-recorded your content, you’ll be able to choose when and how you make your content available. You can directly schedule it to broadcast multiple times in 1 week or over 1 month for example. This allows those who were unable to listen the first time to catch-up on your content at a later date.
Again, you can upload your show to your radio website to that people can listen to it whenever they choose. This can help you broaden the reach of your radio station and attract new listeners.
Ultimately there is no “better” option, it will all depend on your personal preferences, experience and schedule. Both formats have their advantages, so you’ll have to decide what’s most important to you: is it listener interaction? a clean show with post-production elements? You may find that certain formats are better suited to live radio, whereas others may be easier to produce as a pre-recorded show.
Do you prefer broadcasting live on air, or preparing your content before-hand? Let us know in the comments below!
