RADIO TRAILS plugging your show

A common feature of shows, including the 1967 R1 launch show with Tony Blackburn, is trails for other, upcoming shows. Radio stations are always hoping fans of 1 show/DJ might be persuaded to tune in for more, boosting ratings.

Like everything else, there are some recognisable conventions:

• state the name of the show and presenter/s
• usually incorporates the station name and frequency (eg 96.1 FM) or other means of access (eg listen now on the iPlayer; or catch up now on radio1.com)
• crucially, features short snippets of multiple bits of 1 or more shows - which means multiple voices (co-presenter/s; callers; interviews/studio guests) [some similarities to a film trailer - it uses clips from throughout the film]
• obviously you'll hear the DJ's voice too with these!
• use of music, and some wild tracks
• a clear sense of style and content/topics (music/wild tracks will reflect the brand)
• brisk pace; trails are rarely over 60secs

Here are some examples + useful guides:

Multiple examples of trails from a call-in talk show:

Radio 1 trails

Trails for a special series of Radio 1 shows recorded in France

BBC guide to producing trails (+ wider radio production playlist):

Mike Russell has also produced multiple how-to guides.

Commercial station XFM

A useful Ppt

WJEC MS1 Exam: Radio codes and conventions from Elle Sullivan