Question for the Pros about Radio Imaging

How do you feel about different voices on the IDs.

Should a station have the same voice all the time, or would a variety be variety or confusion?

Your thoughts?

I think, for the most part, it should be the same voice.  Some of the stations I image will use a female within the sweeper/id for a little contrast (like just saying "The Rock Station" at the end of the sweeper), but I think generally you want the listeners to identify the voice with the station.  Besides, considering what most voice guys charge, you might as well use them as much as you can.

A station I used to work for has been using Paul Turner since about '97.  When you hear his voice, you immediately KNOW what station you're listening to without having to hear the call letters.

I agree.  Maybe a second voice for accent, but only one main voice.

I think the use of multiple voices depends, on the PD and the imaging director knowing what they want the station to sound like.  Most of the major market stations z100 (dave foxx, dave Kampell, anne dewig), 933flz (dave kampell, chris corelly, a female voice and then even eric chase), WNCI (brian lee, Brian James, etc.), and even KIIS have multiple voices.

I think two voices is a good number, I like one male and one female, but i also think it depends on how you use the voices.  No matter how many voices FLZ  uses they always say "933FLZ" with chris corley.  I think it is important to always close with the same voice, it gives the promo a foundation.  Other then that use what you feel is appropriate for the promo or liner a variety of voices sounds cool keeps the fun up and the variety there, but I don't think people will really notice.  they do notice if they hear listeners on the air, but that is a whole seperate subject.  Just my thoughts.

And of course if you're creative enough, you can make one voice sound like three different voices

I think the use of multiple voices depends, on the PD and the imaging director knowing what they want the station to sound like.  Most of the major market stations z100 (dave foxx, dave Kampell, anne dewig), 933flz (dave kampell, chris corelly, a female voice and then even eric chase), WNCI (brian lee, Brian James, etc.), and even KIIS have multiple voices.

I think two voices is a good number, I like one male and one female, but i also think it depends on how you use the voices.  No matter how many voices FLZ  uses they always say "933FLZ" with chris corley.  I think it is important to always close with the same voice, it gives the promo a foundation.  Other then that use what you feel is appropriate for the promo or liner a variety of voices sounds cool keeps the fun up and the variety there, but I don't think people will really notice.  they do notice if they hear listeners on the air, but that is a whole seperate subject.  Just my thoughts.

FLZ is in my town (Tampa Bay)! I believe we are market #21 or so. Some of my internet station is modeled after that station, format-wise anyway.

Can you elaborate more on the other subject of listeners hearing listeners on the air.  I personally like that and want to use as much of it as possible.  Even though right now its stock stuff and not real listeners.