If you’re a Radio 2 listener, you may have detected Zoe Ball has just started using some new imaging (jingles in old money). Then again, unless you’re a radio obsessive like, ahem, chances are you might not have noticed at all. I guess that’s the point – imaging, when done well, raises the quality of the programme you’re listening to but without ever dominating it. I love the new sound – you can hear it here if you’re interested.
I’ve always loved imaging. It helps deliver a professional sound, creates the right feeling and sets the tone for what’s to come. I remember the thrill of hearing a voice over artist say my name alongside the radio station’s name for the first time (“Tobias Bown on Hospital Radio Colchester”). With each station I’ve had the pleasure to be involved with, the thrill never lessens; I guess it’s the equivalent of seeing your name in lights.
One person who rivals even my love of imaging though is Radio 1’s Greg James. When he started on the Breakfast show, he had some new imaging made and this little clip features him explaining it and gives you a chance to hear it in all its glory. It’s really on-brand and does a great job for its target audience, sounding fresh and lively but never over-bearing. I love his excitement when he talks about ‘the IDs, the beds, the donuts, the ramps, the themes, the outros, the top of hours and the bottom of hours’.
Years ago, I stumbled across an online radio station that only plays imaging from radio stations all over the world. You can check it out too: it’s called Jingle Mad! I could genuinely listen to it for quite some time, but that’s because of the obsession I was talking about earlier.
Even if you don’t normally notice the imaging, take a moment to revel in something done extremely well. The producers who create this are artists and I love their work.
Presenter, Podcaster and Voice Over Artist 