The Art of Music on Radio: Why Stations Play Background Music
Music is an important part of our lives. Many people listen to music every day, and some even choose to make a career out of it.
Why Radio Stations Play BGMs?
While streaming services like Spotify and Pandora have become popular ways to listen to music, radio stations are still very much alive and well. In the United States alone, there are over 1,200 radio stations dedicated to playing different types of music—including country, rock, jazz, classical, pop, and other genres—on different frequencies at different times of the day.
These radio stations often play music as background noise in order to appeal to their target audience while also keeping noise levels low enough that listeners can carry on a conversation without difficulty. The following is an explanation of why radio stations play background music as part of their format.
It is to Keep their Noise Levels Low
Radio stations play background music to keep their noise levels low while simultaneously appealing to their target audience. No matter what type of music is being played, there is typically a constant hum in the background—particularly when playing music on AM frequencies. This is due to electromagnetic interference, which occurs when two nearby frequencies interfere with each other and produce sounds as a result.
When noise levels are too high, it can make it difficult for the radio announcers to be heard. This can be frustrating for the announcers and can result in lowered morale as they are unable to do their job effectively. Low noise levels are important because they allow the audience to focus on
the content being played on the radio show. BGM music helps to keep noise levels low while simultaneously appealing to the musical tastes of the audience.
Benefits of BGMs for Radio Stations
As previously mentioned, radio stations play background music for several different reasons. The most important benefit that BGM music offers for radio stations is that it helps to keep noise levels low. This allows radio stations to stay within their required noise level limits and reduces the risk of being shut down due to violations.