Theatrical Radio Imaging: Make It Sound Big

Theatrical Radio Imaging  – Can it be too big and used too often?

Radio imaging plays a huge role in shaping your station’s personality and branding. But in a world where everything’s getting louder, bolder, and more dramatic—can we overdo it?

Let’s talk about theatrical radio imaging. Those big, bold, emotionally driven pieces of audio production designed to make a splash. They’re often packed with cinematic sound design, heartfelt voiceovers, sweeping music beds and all the “wizz bang boom” one could dream of. Used right, they’re unforgettable. Used too often? You run the risk of it all blurring into one noisy mess.

A Massive Month in Radio Imaging

May’s been a wild ride for radio production. From giving away epic meet-and-greet opportunities to launching campaigns like our massive 5 Seconds of Summer (5SOS) piece, the bar has been set high. The brief? Build excitement around a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The solution? Audio that sounds like nothing else on the air—something truly custom that gave the campaign the weight it deserved.

That’s the key. Not every promo needs to sound theatrical. But when the stakes are high, the imaging needs to rise to the occasion. These audio campaigns aren’t just noise—they’re emotional experiences, and they need to land.

The Art of Holding Back

What we’ve found over time is that the loudest sound doesn’t always win. If every element of your station imaging is big, then nothing feels big. The real impact comes when you use scale strategically—letting the smaller things breathe, and saving the fireworks for the true moments that deserve it.

That’s what made the 5SOS artist intro and the Ash London Live branded intros stand out. Whether it’s a powerful artist story or a major giveaway, the production behind it matched the vibe and emotional resonance of the content.

Bonus: A Bit of Breakfast Fun

Also in May, I got to jump into the production chair for 2Day FM Breakfast, which meant adapting imaging for a completely different energy. One standout was a wild royal wedding promo—cramming 40 minutes of content into a minute and a half. It was challenging, but it sharpened the focus: what’s essential, and what just sounds good?

That’s one of the best takeaways for any audio producer—radio imaging isn’t just about what you add, it’s about what you leave out.

Overall?

So, is theatrical radio imaging still relevant? Absolutely. But like anything powerful, it needs balance. Use it to elevate moments that matter—listener rewards, big reveals, emotional journeys—not just because it sounds impressive.

Looking to create radio imaging that hits the mark? Whether it’s branded intros, artist journeys, or theatrical promos, let’s craft something unforgettable. Get in touch here!