Radio (Remote Audio Discrete Integrated Oscillation). A technology of communicating and signaling using radio waves is what we call radio. These waves are electromagnetic with a frequency minimum of 30 Hz to a maximum of 300 GHz. A transmitter (an electronic device) connected to an antenna generates these waves and, the radio receiver connected to an antenna receives them. Today’s technology uses radio in radar, remote control, radio navigation, remote sensing, and most commonly in radio communication. Television telecasting, radio broadcasting, mobiles, wireless networking, and satellite communication are few examples of radio communication.
There are so many means to get information but, we cannot overlook the importance of radio. You can get 24 hours updated, reliable information local or all across the border through this medium. At the time of emergency, when electricity-driven technology fails, radio has a crucial role because it can be operated manually and by battery. Most importantly, for 80 years, it has been an easy means of communication. Like any other transmission medium, radio has pros and cons and, the future of any technology is dependent on these features. Let us see the pros of radio.
Advantages of Radio
It is a powerful medium with good communication potential. Though technology has advanced today, there are still some advantages of radio. Let us discuss some of them.
1. Portability
It is a great advantage of radio which allows you to listen to it while driving, doing house core, shopping, walking and many more. It does not occupy space, reduces stress, keeps entertaining you as background music. Because it is cheap, you can spend the whole day with it at no cost. The portability feature is what journalists look for. An individual can cover a live event, or enter a conflict zone, to get audio coverage with a simple smartphone because radio waves support it. This wireless communication implies on all types of vehicles, submarines, battleships, aircraft, and so on.
2. Mass Coverage
Radio promises to inform, propagate, educate, and entertain a large population at a time. No doubt technology has evolved with time, but even today, radio continues to influence and relate to the audience as it used to, long back. Compared to other means of communication, it is easy to connect to people in urban areas through radio. Yet another plus point is that you can hear it in any regional language because the radio channels differ while moving through different regions. This medium covers the local market to spread a piece of important information. Numerous people prefer this medium of entertainment over others.
3. Entertainment
Radio turns off to be an easy way of entertainment, diverting people from worries, stress, and troubles. It easily connects to people because it is a live broadcast and hence, needs an identity and the voice of a speaker (be it announcer or RJ). It is a tool with lots of emotions like warmth, pain, and laughter. In the fast-moving life, people wish to collect all the information regarding politics, international affairs, and local news while doing main work and, radio fulfills the need as it is a mobile and convenient medium. It enhances your imagination power because you listen to the words only.
If you are a music lover, there are numerous free music stations on radio available for you to start listening.
4. The Chief source of advertisement
Advertisers find radio affordable, cheap sources to target audiences with their products. Radio signals can cross the mountains and oceans and widely reach the audience in time. To promote a particular ad, advertisers focus on the audience of a region and select a product for advertisement, which would not be possible with other modes of communication. In this way, they cover many people at a time.
5. Radio is free
There are thousands of free radio stations available to listen to almost anything you want. Music, movies, podcasts, documentaries, you name it, anything is available on radio. If you can adjust with the lack of video, radios are extremely entertaining to listen to. Instead of paying subscription fees to the video streaming services, you can turn on the radio and start listening. You can follow our guide on how to listen to radio for free to know more about the process.
Disadvantages of Radio
This is an interpretation that radio is a weak source because it is assumed to have little expertise. That adds some cons to the oldest mean of communication.
1. Lack of Visualization
Radio is a blind medium that offers only audio communication. Unlike television, lack of visualization is unable to connect the people to a product. Visual effects appear to be convincing than audio. Especially in rural areas where people are less educated, seeing an ad is more impactful than only hearing it. Audiences skip to other radio channels during commercials because they cannot find any attractive features. The characteristic of radio stations determines the sponsors, which in turn decide the future of its success.
2. Lack of attention
Because it is an easy-going medium of communication, people don’t usually get or remain connected to it for a long time. While driving or cooking, if you are listening to the radio, you don’t pay complete attention. However, another medium like television is more efficient in connecting the viewers strongly. Everyone’s imagination power varies, so one may become judgmental before hearing a message.
3. Health Hazards
Radio waves are harmful to the human brain. Too much exposure causes headaches, nausea, and disorientation. Remaining 24/7 surrounded by radio waves operated phone, Wi-Fi at the office and home, television remote is not good. It is noteworthy that sometimes radio waves of two different gadgets interfere and cause damage, like in aircraft and phone gadgets. The driver with too much involvement in radio may meet an accident due to lack of concentration on driving.
4. Non-innovative
Radio lacks self-promotion. Few phone-in contests are not enough to hold the listeners. It is not able to withstand the competitors of other means of communication. Lack of visual effect is not an excuse to keep the radio out of the line. Talk programs like that on television need to be added to it to make it more attractive. Consistency in quality is also not maintained. Radio channels are limited and localized, which is a disadvantage for many reasons.
5. Signal issues
Because radio works based on receiving signals, sometimes you may find it difficult to tune to a specific station. There will also be signal issues, resulting in noisy audio. This will not be a problem for every single radio channels. But if a specific channel that you really like listening to has signal issues, it could be irritating at times. You might even want to try moving the antenna or buy a better one in order to get the desired audio quality.
Conclusion
Traditionally, radio originated with its special way of entertaining. In the due course of time, the audio content got digital enhancement with regional stations, news, shows, and series. This helped radio to maintain its popularity and continued to amuse us in a way, unlike video content. The advantages and disadvantages of the radio together make it a unique medium of communication.