Radio network
From Free net encyclopedia
A radio network is a network system which distributes programming to multiple stations simultaneously, or slightly delayed, for the purpose of extending total coverage beyond the limits of a single broadcast signal. The resulting expanded audience for programming essentially applies the benefits of mass-production to the broadcasting enterprise.
Most radio networks also produce much of their programming. Originally, radio networks owned some or all of the radio stations that broadcast the network's programming. Presently however, there are many networks that do not own any stations and only produce and/or distribute programing. Similarly station ownership does not always indicate network affiliation. A company might own stations in several different markets and purchase programing from a variety of networks.
Radio networks rose rapidly with the growth of regular broadcasting of radio to home listeners in the 1920s. This growth took various paths in different places. In Britain the BBC was developed with government funding and a broadcasting monopoly in its early decades. In contrast, in the United States of America various competing commercial networks arose funded by advertising revenue. In that instance, the same corporation that owned or operated the network often manufactured and marketed the listener’s radio.
Major technical challenges to be overcome when distributing programs over long distances are maintaining signal quality and managing the number of switching/relay points in the signal chain. Early on, programs were sent to remote stations (either owned or affiliated) by various methods, including leased telephone lines, on pre-recorded gramophone records or audio tape, and somewhat later via microwave relay stations. Later on coaxial cable linking stations became the norm, as it provided the best cost-benefit ratio.
Many early radio networks evolved into Television networks.
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Radio Networks in various nations
Canada
India
- All India Radio (AIR)
Indonesia
- Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI)
Ireland
Japan
New Zealand
Almost all radio stations in New Zealand are part of a radio network and most are network-owned.
- The Edge FM
- More FM
- ZM
- Flava
- Classic Hits
- Solid Gold
- Radio Hauraki
- Easy Listening i
- The Breeze
- The Rock
- Radio Live
- Radio Pacific
- Newstalk ZB
- Coast
- Radio Sport
- Tourist Information FM
- National Radio (public broadcaster)
- Life FM
- Radio Rhema
- Southern Star
- Concert FM (public broadcaster)
Philippines
- ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation
- Aliw Broadcasting Corporation
- Bombo Radyo Philippines
- Eagle Broadcasting Corporation
- Far East Broadcasting Company
- FBS Radio Network, Inc.
- Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation
- Manila Broadcasting Company
- Nation Broadcasting Corporation
- Philippine Broadcasting Service, Inc.
- Radio Mindanao Network, Inc.
- Radio Philippines Network, Inc.
- Rajah Broadcasting Network, Inc.
- RGMA Network, Inc.
- Southern Broadcasting Network, Inc.
- United Broadcasting Network, Inc.