Why do news radio stations have the sound of a teletype in the background? Isn't this technology out of date?

Answer 1

No it is not. That is what they mean when they say, "this just over the wire". AP and Reuters still use this as a method of disseminating information. If you were to look behind the scenes at CNN or Fox, you would find teletypes there too.

Answer 2

For the most part, I it just used as an "old familiar" sound effect that most people have become accustomed to hearing in the background of a news room. Some stations still use it to project the image that the reporter is live from the newsroom, when in fact they are usually just using the sound effect while broadcasting from the on air booth.


As mentioned some wire services are still available as teletype services. Most bigger stations have switched over to computer-based news service to cut down the costs of using tons of computer paper each day. Now stations can punch the news feeds up on the computer, and just print out the stories they want instead of the teletype wastefully printing out every story.

You would actually be surprised by what some of the little "Mom and Pop" local stations use equipment-wise. I have had the luck to be able to work with a lot of the older stuff, as well as today's state-of-the-art digital equipment. The newer stuff is a lot easier to use, but not always the best solution for every situation.

Answer 3

It's a sound effect, like some stations use the sound of a helicopter for traffic reports even if they don't have a live reporter in a copter.

Answer 4

In most cases this is just a recording used for effect. It's a gimmick!