Performing Personality

On-Air Radio Identities in a Changing Media Landscape

By (author) David Crider

Publication date:

07 June 2016

Length of book:

204 pages

Publisher

Lexington Books

ISBN-13: 9781498530859

This book examines how radio announcers construct, prepare, and perform their on-air personalities during a time when the radio industry is fighting to stay relevant amid expanding media options. Crider conducted interviews with key on-air personnel at eleven broadcast stations in order to analyze how each individual created a narrative on-air personality, conducted conversations outside of their performance, were affected by the setting and situation, embraced the role of the listening audience, and reduced the social distance between them and listener. Crider argues that the successful deployment of on-air identity across multiple channels (in-person, online, and through social media as well as broadcast) provides assurance that a space for radio will remain despite the expanding number of media options.

Introduction
Chapter 1: Performing in the "Theater of the Mind"
Chapter 2: Constructing an On-Air Identity
Chapter 3: A Peek Behind the Curtain
Chapter 4: The Plight of the Speaker
Chapter 5: So, How Do You Fill Four Hours a Day?
Chapter 6: The Role of the Audience
Chapter 7: The Problem of Social Distance
Chapter 8: Explaining the On-Air Identity
Conclusion: Radio...What Would Life Be Without it?

Crider’s ethnographic study of how radio announcers, newsreaders, DJs, and other performers create their on-air personalities is a fascinating read. Combining theoretical analysis with practical applications, Performing Personality brings fresh insight into everyday practices of identity formation. It’s useful for those interested in studies of performance, broadcasting and podcasting, and also for those who would like to make more successful connections with local audiences.