Station Identification

Station identification is the process of any type of radio or television station identifying itself, with a logo or brand name.

BBC THREE ident

Idents in Europe
Station idents are normally used in between shows, and by some are considered the most important part of a network's presentation. Most broadcastersx used a single ident, sometimes making a variety for special events and holidays. Nowadays, many networks have complete sets of idents based on a central theme or branding element, and most of the time these idents also build the basis for the rest of the appearance of the channel. Television idents have evolved, from mainly being mechanical models such as the famous BBC Globe, and the advancements of computer technology allowed television presentation to enter the modern era throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

When identification is required
Broadcast stations must identify themselves:

• At the beginning and ending of each time of operation.
• Hourly, as close to the hour as possible, at a natural break in program offerings. .
• "As close as possible" for programming that had no definite break on the hour, such as speeches and classical music performances lasting longer than an hour; broadcasters were not expected to interrupt legitimate programming for a station ID.
• Some stations (especially college radio stations) also identify themselves every half hour, but according to rules, only once per hour is required.

BBC 2 ident

Why identification is required
Station identification is used because of the sheer number of channels available over the air. The idents allow broadcaster to tap into a particular market. Early radio operators recognized the need for anyone listening to a signal over the air to be able to tune in a specific time and immediately know what station was being heard and where the signal was originating.