FM- a New Generation Broadcasting-Introduction to Broadcasting-Lecture Handout, Exercises of Mass Communication

Download FM- a New Generation Broadcasting-Introduction to Broadcasting-Lecture Handout and more Exercises Mass Communication in PDF only on Docsity! Introduction to Broadcasting – MCM 411 VU ©Copyright Virtual University of Pakistan 39 LESSON 18 FM – A NEW GENERATION IN BROADCASTING FM – very much heard these days. For long, listeners have been accustomed to hearing medium wave and short wave points of transmission, or say frequencies at which one can tune to a radio station of one’s choice. With the advancement in programs side of broadcasting, progress has also been made in the technical side of broadcasting. In fact the two sides lead each other in the mutual growth of the subject of broadcasting. FM, frequency modulation, the nomenclature set for new type of transmission, are not long range radio stations like the old fashioned radio stations many of which are called global stations due to their large range of beaming across the world. It should not sound too technical to students of mass communication to understand some technical aspect of the FM radio broadcasts. Here we may not indulge in understanding how wave theory and electromagnetic way of sending message affects communication through air, but it is certainly like a doctor understanding some equipment for better usage, or an architect perceiving some vital functions of some new software meant for designing and construction of buildings on modern lines. Amplitude & Frequency Modulation In the case of Amplitude Modulation, or the AM broadcast, the sound waves after put along the electromagnetic waves, are only given a treatment to the amplitude of the wave, and not its frequency. Measured in volts, the amplitude is the number of times you can amplify a wave to give it a strength to a desired level. It is like this; AM Diagram A B docsity.com Introduction to Broadcasting – MCM 411 VU ©Copyright Virtual University of Pakistan 40 FM Diagram The same wave in the case of FM is treated differently; the number of times it spins have been increased instead of its height, or amplitude be disturbed. Advantages & Disadvantages The AM has been strong and could be transmitted to more distance as compared to FM but problem with AM is that it interacts more with static charge like coming from the thundering clouds, or the waves emitting from other sources as a spark plug of a motorbike and the likes. At times the interference goes to a level that distortion so created does not allow a listener to hear what is being broadcast. The quality of transmission has to be compromised, sometime, beyond normal level of tolerance of your target listeners. On the contrary, the FM way of transmission is less prone to interferences caused by static charges or electrical sparks. Due to high frequency, its waves show resistance to other waves and take the original broadcast strongly to end point of its range of transmission which is fairly less than the one possible with AM mainly because the transmission of the FM is based on the physics principle of Line-in -Sight. More it rubs with the ground, weaker it becomes as a signal. So a higher and powerful transmitter will ensure a clear transmission by an FM station from listeners’ point of view. Low Cost The cost of setting up an FM radio station is very low as compared to a traditional radio station. But still, the equipment required includes; transmitter, main studio and two small studios, control room where most equipment is installed and one continuity studio. A set of computers loaded with multimedia software, set of headphones and a high quality radio set should suffice to make things rolling. The FM Broadcasting Products In their nature the programs meant for an FM station are only little different from the ones you can hear from AM station, the fact that an FM station is not heard at a far off place, however, reduces its utility as a commercial brand broadcasting facility. But local area advertisers are much inclined to exploit an FM station in their region to publicize their products, and that earns money for the FMs. docsity.com