Introduction to Broadcasting – MCM 411 VU
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LESSON 21
INTERACTIVE BROADCASTING
Interactive means getting a reaction of an action. In the terminology of broadcasting it refers to
asking something from a broadcaster/guest speaker and getting a quick reply.
A new concept in broadcasting in recent years has been introduced which involves the
listeners at real-time transmission or in the canned programs. The recent technological
developments are surely suggesting that next phase of broadcasting is at its threshold. It is
little difficult to what shape modern communication would settle to, one thing is, however,
evident that broadcasting, as we know it today, would be soon a story of the past.
On the other hand all the radio programs where interactivity is being introduced are getting
popular among the listeners. The FM stations, though their area of transmission is limited, are
doing a good deal of growth in the radio listening mainly because much of their transmission is
based on programs which have very lively interactivity with the listeners. Seeing the
phenomenal rise in the listening of FM programs, other radio stations are also trying to catch
the bus. The old fashioned programs based on boring, and rather one-sided discussions are
no more in demand and are being fast replaced by the programs in which ordinary people are
also finding their say – does not matter if it belongs to entertainment programs.
Here we will see what new changes have been already introduced in the broadcasting world
and which are in experimental stage and bound to change broadcasting scenario drastically.
On-line
Mostly the wind of changes is blowing rather strongly in the arena of digital technology. The
arrival of computer in our daily life both at home and working places is changing our radio-
listening habits. Now you need not to have a separate hardware to carry to listen to programs
of your interest. Get on-line, find the desired webpage and click on the point of your interest.
Enjoy listening to radio and at the same time; continue working on the same computer your
routine work. One can attach the computer with additional speakers or just be content with the
earphone. Most web sites which have a broadcasting station on their pages also give you the
facility of recording a particular program on the hard disc which you may listen to at your free
time. It does not cost you any thing extra. In an other way, some important pieces of
broadcast, like the news or interviews, are also placed on the web pages in the recorded form.
A listener may reach these pages later in the day and can still enjoy listening to the programs
of his/her choice.
E-mails
You want to say something to the broadcasting house. It will not take you days, as was the
case few years back, but send an e-mail which is possible even during a program. Suggest
them what you want to hear, or point out if a correction is required in something aired by the
radio station. This practice is getting very common among the listeners and the radio stations
are finding e-mails in high number on the addresses meant for different programs. As far the
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