Surpassed by television as the primary source of entertainment and information, radio still has a unique place in the mass media spectrum. At once powerfully pervasive and totally invisible, it's a fascinating subject for study. This wide-ranging theoretical and critical approach provides an in-depth examination of radio's codes (speech, music, noise, and silence), the conventions of using these codes, and the dominant modes of reception. The text offers a vocabulary and methodology for analyzing radio programs, drawing on work by both media theorists and professional broadcasters in Britain, Australia, and North America. Written by an academic and a practitioner,On Airprovides a critical overview of radio for media students, as well as suggestions for practical activities, a time-line of major events in the history of radio, and a glossary of key terms. Martin Shingler is at Staffordshire University. Cindy Wieringa is at Thames Valley University. Surpassed by television as the primary source of entertainment and information, radio still has a unique place in the mass media spectrum.

At once powerfully pervasive and totally invisible, it's a fascinating subject for study. This wide-ranging theoretical and critical approach provides an in-depth examination of radio's codes (speech, music, noise, and silence), the conventions of using these codes, and the dominant modes of reception. The text offers a vocabulary and methodology for analyzing radio programs, drawing on work by both media theorists and professional broadcasters in Britain, Australia, and North America. Written by an academic and a practitioner,On Airprovides a critical overview of radio for media students, as well as suggestions for practical activities, a time-line of major events in the history of radio, and a glossary of key terms. "Makes important contributions to the study of the mass media today user-friendly.easy and a thought-provoking read would serve as a valuable resource tool in any media student's library, from Bombay to Bundaberg."Australian Journalism Review "Makes important contributions to the study of the mass media today user-friendly.easy and a thought-provoking read would serve as a valuable resource tool in any media student's library, from Bombay to Bundaberg.

"Australian Journalism Review.