on3radio is the new youth radio service from Bayerischer Rundfunk. Its multimedia-focused service currently provides a 24-hour live radio stream with a three-hour moderated live programme from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The schedule is being expanded continuously, with new music formats and further programmes due in May. The service began in 2006 as a DAB radio offer associated with the Bavarian Open newcomer festival and has also been available online as Bavarian Open Radio since October 2007.
In addition to its current distribution through DAB, medium wave and live streaming, selected cable carriage will follow shortly. As part of its connection with other Bayerischer Rundfunk youth programmes under the common on3 umbrella, Bavarian Open Radio will be renamed and redesigned as on3radio.
The change affects the corporate design, online presence and sound design.
A central component of the new sound design is an acoustic logo, or sound signet, to be selected through the competition. Prize money is €3,000.
on3radio stands for youth radio and support for emerging talent in music, literature and multimedia, alongside regional relevance, music journalism and extensive online on-demand content. The station describes authenticity as its highest guiding principle.
The on3radio sound should be young, varied, close to its listeners, Bavarian, warm, interactive and prepared to take a position.
Its overall motto is “MP3 player instead of lederhosen”: hand-picked music rather than a generic greatest-hits format, and authenticity instead of a forced youthful tone.
on3radio plays a young alternative format focused on Bavarian newcomers, deliberately distinguishing itself from conventional hit-radio stations. Its intended users are confident and curious people aged 20 to 29 who are interested in cultural and political events.
The competition seeks a memorable, versatile sound logo that can be associated unmistakably with the on3 brand. During development of the complete sound design, the logo will be integrated into jingles and other acoustic applications including IDs, promotions, openers, bumpers and stingers. It will also brand on-demand material for the online platform, such as endings for podcasts and video podcasts. The logo may therefore be used beyond radio across Bayerischer Rundfunk’s multimedia on3 youth service in radio, television and online output.
The competition is not seeking a complete sound-design package with multiple finished variants. Entrants should submit a short, illustrative instrumental production that can later serve as the core of the sonic identity. Collaboration with the winner on subsequent production of the sound design is possible.
Each participant may submit up to three different sound logos. Every proposal must include three MP3 files:
The sound logo alone in an illustrative instrumentation and production
The sound logo combined with the spoken station identification “on3radio”
An example jingle for “Download tip on3”, combining the sound logo, the spoken phrase “Download tip on3” and freely selected sound or speech elements
Participants may record the spoken elements individually or download examples from http://www.br-online.de/sounddesign.
Entries must be sent as 320 kbps MP3 files by email with the subject “Sounddesign” to on3radio@br-online.de. The deadline is midnight on Sunday, 6 April 2008. The signed participation declaration must reach Bayerischer Rundfunk by fax or be posted no later than Monday, 7 April 2008, as determined by the postmark.
The participation rules and declaration are available as a PDF at http://www.br-online.de/sounddesign. Questions can be sent to on3radio@br-online.de.
