Spin (radio)
Encyclopedia
In radio
broadcasting
, a spin is a single play of a song
. The term is also used as a unit
to measure (or induce) popularity
, typically in spins per week
. This measure is also known as rotation, and is most heavily used at Top 40 radio station
s, some non-traditional radio formats, and others with descendant radio format
s.
A song in light rotation is typically aired 5–15 times per week, while a medium rotation tune goes over the airwaves 10-25 times per week. Favored songs in heavy rotation start at 20 or more spins each week, perhaps reaching to 50 and beyond. This results in several spins each day, resulting in a high level of repetition for listeners who tune in for more than just a short amount of time. Most new songs start in the heavy rotation category, but as the song gets older it is eventually downgraded from heavy to medium, then to light, then to retirement in the library.
Radio
Radio is the transmission of signals through free space by modulation of electromagnetic waves with frequencies below those of visible light. Electromagnetic radiation travels by means of oscillating electromagnetic fields that pass through the air and the vacuum of space...
broadcasting
Broadcasting
Broadcasting is the distribution of audio and video content to a dispersed audience via any audio visual medium. Receiving parties may include the general public or a relatively large subset of thereof...
, a spin is a single play of a song
Song
In music, a song is a composition for voice or voices, performed by singing.A song may be accompanied by musical instruments, or it may be unaccompanied, as in the case of a cappella songs...
. The term is also used as a unit
Measurement
Measurement is the process or the result of determining the ratio of a physical quantity, such as a length, time, temperature etc., to a unit of measurement, such as the metre, second or degree Celsius...
to measure (or induce) popularity
Popularity
Popularity is the quality of being well-liked or common, or having a high social status. Popularity figures are an important part of many people's personal value systems and form a vital component of success in people-oriented fields such as management, politics, and entertainment, among...
, typically in spins per week
Week
A week is a time unit equal to seven days.The English word week continues an Old English wice, ultimately from a Common Germanic , from a root "turn, move, change"...
. This measure is also known as rotation, and is most heavily used at Top 40 radio station
Radio station
Radio broadcasting is a one-way wireless transmission over radio waves intended to reach a wide audience. Stations can be linked in radio networks to broadcast a common radio format, either in broadcast syndication or simulcast or both...
s, some non-traditional radio formats, and others with descendant radio format
Radio format
A radio format or programming format not to be confused with broadcast programming describes the overall content broadcast on a radio station. Radio formats are frequently employed as a marketing tool, and constantly evolve...
s.
A song in light rotation is typically aired 5–15 times per week, while a medium rotation tune goes over the airwaves 10-25 times per week. Favored songs in heavy rotation start at 20 or more spins each week, perhaps reaching to 50 and beyond. This results in several spins each day, resulting in a high level of repetition for listeners who tune in for more than just a short amount of time. Most new songs start in the heavy rotation category, but as the song gets older it is eventually downgraded from heavy to medium, then to light, then to retirement in the library.