1. Radio Trailer Codes
And Conventions
Georgina Rees
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2. Facts
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A radio trailer needs to contain facts and statistics to make it informative and
provide knowledge for the listener.
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These facts should convince the listener to want to watch the documentary as
it should make it sound interesting.
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Facts will make the documentary radio trailer sound more professional and
realistic. In my radio trailer, I will use facts on the Brighton Marathon.
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The use of facts will also show a thoroughly researched product, which is the
effect I am aiming for.
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A catchy slogan may also be used to entice the audience. The documentary
should include essential information about the documentary such as the title
date, time and channel.

3. Voiceover
S Voiceovers are used in most radio trailers. Voiceovers guides
the listener through what is being portrayed in the radio trailer.
The voiceover will often connect to the audience and make the
listener feel like they are personally involved. They will do this
by using words such as ‘you’ to directly address to the
audience.
S A voiceover also explains what the documentary is
about, informing the audience and trying to promote the
documentary. The radio trailer will set a mood for the
documentary and set the genre. This will be done through the
tone of voice, use of music and language used.

4. Music
S Music is often used in radio trailers. The music is used to
set the pace and atmosphere for the listener.
S Throughout my research, I have listened to many radio
trailers. One key point I have learnt is that I need to
ensure, if I decide to use music, that the narration can
still be heard.

5. Length
S All radio trailers vary but the average length is 30-40 seconds.
This is enough time for the listener to be informed of the
documentary, but it is not too long that information is given
away. From the radio trailer, the listener should want to watch
the programme.
S Vox pops and interviews are sometimes used that are taken
from the documentary. This portrays different opinions as well
as giving the listener an insight of what the documentary is
going to be about. The radio trailer should include extracts from
the documentary to engage the listener and persuade them to
watch the documentary.