What is a radio format?

A radio format, or programming format, or programming genre refers to the overall content broadcasting over a radio station. Some stations broadcast multiple genres on set schedule. Over the years, formats have evolved and new ones have been introduced. In today's age of radio, many radio formats are designed to reach a specifically defined segment or niche of the listening population based on such demographic criteria as age, ethnicity, background, etc.

Contemporary hit music radio/CHR

Dubbed mainstream pop music radio, CHR (contemporary hit radio) stations play a variety of popular music of today and the past few years (or decades). There is little emphasis on new and cutting edge music. Today, a good majority CHR formatted stations, especially in larger markets, slant their music playlists toward another music format (rock or urban). These are defined below.

CHR-pop

Also is referred to as CHR-top 40. In comparison to CHR-rhythmic, the basic elements are the same, but there is a slant more towards rock and alternative songs. Play lists consist of new cutting edge music, current hits and popular hits of the last 6 to 12 months. The target audience is young adult and adults ages 15 to 30.

The Billboard Hot 100 Recurrent

Hot 100 Recurrent lists the top recurrent singles and tracks that have appeared on the Hot 100. Songs are removed from the Hot 100 and Hot 100 Airplay charts simultaneously if they have been on the Hot 100 for more than 20 weeks and rank below No. 50.

CHR-rhythmic

Although a good number of songs will be played on both CHR-pop and CHR-rhythmic stations, the difference between the formats is that CHR-rhythmic leans toward more hip-hop, rap and dance songs, rather than rock and alternative. Play lists consist of new cutting edge music, current hits and popular hits of the last 6 to 12 months. The target audience is also people 15 to 30 years of age.

CHR-dance

This is another flavor of popular music with the slant toward dance hits and dance remixes of popular songs. Play lists consist of new cutting edge music, current hits and popular hits of the last couple of years. The target audience is also people 15 to 30 years of age.

Adult contemporary music formats/AC

Simply referred to as 'AC', adult contemporary music stations are aimed at people age 30 years and older. These stations offer lively contemporary music of the past decade or two without cutting edge music, rock or rap music. Such artists popular on these stations include Madonna, Lionel Ritchie, Mariah Carey, Elton John and Amy Grant just to name a few

Urban contemporary

Usually listed simply as "urban" and may also been known as R&B (rhythm and blues), the urban contemporary musical genre reflects a large number of black music recording artists with such music as rap, hip-hop, house, soul and new artists. Urban formats are generally aimed at younger audiences.

Urban AC

Urban ac stations are aimed at an older audience. Play lists found on these stations are more soul, ballads and less rap and hip-hop music.