GOING OFF ON TALK RADIO
The radio executives and ’suits’ seem to believe that it improves a spot announcement to put some rhythmic or tinkling musical sounds behind the recorded speaking voice. One Catholic network I listen to has questionable quality to begin with, so they are only making matters worse with their backgrounds and ‘musical beds.’ How would they like it if people they encounter somehow figured out how to mix meaningless noises and tinkly sounds in with their voices as they engage in face to face conversation? A taste of their own medicine might challenge their assumptions about the best production techniques.
The interviewing of “guests” over the telephone adds to the loss of listening quality, both because of the questionable reproduction of most phones, and the stumbling,unpracticed delivery of most individuals not really at home with on air speaking.
But the callers to the shows get some retaliatory licks in, making all kinds of stray noises, moving phone headsets about, chewing gum, clicking their false teeth, trying to listen to themselves on the radio, and other disruptive practices which add to the already poor quality of the mix.
