I Watch The News On TV Song: What's That Tune?
Hey guys! Ever find yourself humming along to a catchy tune you heard on the news and wondering, "What song was that?!" It happens to the best of us. Sometimes a great piece of music perfectly complements a news segment, sticking in your head long after the story is over. So, let's dive into the world of news music and explore what makes a song memorable and effective in this unique context.
The Power of Music in News Broadcasting
In the realm of news broadcasting, the use of music extends far beyond mere background ambiance. It's a powerful tool that shapes the viewer's experience and influences their emotional connection to the content. Think about it: the right music can amplify the gravity of a serious report, inject energy into a breaking news segment, or provide a sense of closure at the end of a broadcast. Music sets the tone, guides the narrative, and ultimately, enhances the overall impact of the news. The use of music in news isn't just an afterthought; it's a deliberate and strategic decision made by producers and editors to craft a compelling and engaging viewing experience. It helps to create a cohesive package, tying together various segments and stories into a unified whole. Music acts as a sonic thread, weaving through the broadcast and reinforcing the key messages being conveyed. It's a subtle yet effective way to capture and hold the viewer's attention, ensuring that the news resonates on a deeper level. The selection process for news music is often rigorous, with careful consideration given to factors such as tempo, melody, instrumentation, and overall mood. Broadcasters seek out music that not only complements the visuals but also aligns with the network's brand identity and journalistic standards. The goal is to create a soundscape that is both informative and engaging, enhancing the viewer's understanding and appreciation of the news content. It can significantly enhance storytelling. Just like in movies, music adds emotional depth, signaling to viewers how they should feel about a particular story. A somber melody during a tragic event creates empathy, while an upbeat track during a positive story generates optimism.
Identifying the Elusive News Song
Okay, so you've heard a song on a news broadcast that's really grabbed your attention. But how do you actually find it? This can be tricky, as news stations don't always credit the music they use. But don't worry, fellow music sleuths, there are some tried-and-true methods we can explore! First off, consider the type of news program you were watching. Was it a local news segment, a national broadcast, or a specific news magazine show? Different programs often have their own signature musical styles or even recurring themes. Knowing the program can narrow down your search significantly. Next, think about the context of the song's usage. Was it used as the main theme music, a bumper between segments, or during a specific report? The placement of the song can offer clues about its purpose and potential origin. Theme music, for instance, is often custom-composed or licensed specifically for the program, while incidental music might be drawn from a stock music library. Another key factor is to remember any lyrics or instrumental melodies that stood out to you. Even a small fragment of a melody or a few words can be enough to kickstart your search. Try humming the tune or jotting down the lyrics as you remember them – every detail helps! Now, let's get into some practical search techniques. One of the most powerful tools in your arsenal is music recognition apps like Shazam or SoundHound. These apps can identify songs playing in the background by analyzing a short audio sample. Simply hold your phone up to the speaker while the song is playing, and the app will (hopefully!) work its magic. Another avenue to explore is online music databases and forums. Websites like Tunefind and WhatSong can be goldmines of information, as they often have sections dedicated to identifying music used in television shows and news broadcasts. User communities on these platforms can also be incredibly helpful, with members sharing their knowledge and insights. Don't underestimate the power of searching online using keywords. Try entering phrases like "news theme music," "instrumental news song," or even specific lyrics you remember. You might be surprised at what you uncover!
Common Sources for News Music
So, where do news stations actually get their music from? It's not like they're just pulling tracks off the radio! There are a few main sources that are commonly used, and understanding these sources can help you in your quest to identify a specific song. One of the most prevalent sources is stock music libraries. These are vast catalogs of pre-recorded music that are licensed for use in various media, including television, film, and advertising. Stock music libraries offer a wide range of genres, styles, and moods, making them a versatile option for news producers. The music is often instrumental, allowing it to be seamlessly integrated into news segments without clashing with spoken commentary. Some popular stock music libraries include APM Music, Extreme Music, and Killer Tracks. These libraries often have sophisticated search functionalities, allowing users to filter music by genre, mood, tempo, and other criteria. This makes it easier for news editors to find the perfect track to complement their stories. Another common source is custom-composed music. Many news networks and programs commission composers to create original theme music or incidental scores. This allows them to have a unique sonic identity that sets them apart from the competition. Custom-composed music can be tailored precisely to the needs of the program, perfectly matching the tone, pace, and overall aesthetic. It also offers the benefit of exclusivity, meaning the music won't be heard on other broadcasts. Some news organizations even have in-house music departments or partnerships with music production companies, ensuring a steady stream of original content. Licensed music from established artists is another possibility, although it's less common due to the higher cost and licensing restrictions. News stations might use a well-known song during a special report or a year-end montage, but it's not typically used for everyday news segments. When licensed music is used, it's often carefully selected to align with the theme or message of the story. For example, an uplifting song might be used during a report on a community success story, while a more somber tune might accompany a piece on a tragedy.
The Psychology of News Music: Why It Works
There's a science behind why music works so well in news broadcasting. It's not just about filling silence; it's about tapping into our emotions and influencing how we process information. Music has a powerful ability to evoke feelings and create associations. A somber melody can instantly convey a sense of sadness or loss, while an upbeat tune can generate excitement or optimism. News producers leverage this emotional power to enhance the impact of their stories. The right music can make a report more memorable, more engaging, and more emotionally resonant. Tempo, the speed of the music, plays a significant role in shaping our emotional response. Faster tempos tend to create a sense of urgency or excitement, while slower tempos can evoke feelings of calm, sadness, or reflection. News broadcasts often use faster tempos during breaking news segments to convey a sense of immediacy and importance. Slower tempos are more likely to be used during in-depth reports or memorial segments. Melody, the sequence of notes in a musical phrase, is another key element. Melodies can be described as being major (sounding happy or uplifting) or minor (sounding sad or somber). News music often uses a combination of major and minor melodies to create a nuanced emotional landscape. For instance, a story about a community overcoming adversity might feature a melody that starts in a minor key to convey the initial challenges but then transitions to a major key to represent the triumph. Instrumentation, the choice of instruments used in the music, also contributes to the overall effect. Strings, such as violins and cellos, are often used to create emotional depth and resonance. Brass instruments, like trumpets and trombones, can add a sense of grandeur or importance. Percussion instruments, such as drums and cymbals, can create a sense of urgency or excitement. News music often features a blend of different instruments to achieve a complex and multi-layered sound.
Famous News Themes and Composers
Over the years, some news themes have become iconic in their own right, instantly recognizable and deeply associated with the programs they represent. These themes often have a timeless quality, evoking a sense of trust, authority, and journalistic integrity. Think about the NBC Nightly News theme, for instance. Its soaring melody and powerful orchestration have become synonymous with the program's long-standing tradition of delivering reliable news. Or consider the theme music for 60 Minutes, a simple yet effective ticking clock sound that creates a sense of urgency and anticipation. These themes are more than just background music; they're an integral part of the program's brand identity. They establish a sonic signature that viewers associate with the network's commitment to quality journalism. Behind these memorable themes are talented composers who have dedicated their careers to crafting music for news and media. John Williams, best known for his film scores for Star Wars and Indiana Jones, also composed the theme music for NBC Nightly News in the 1980s. His work brought a sense of cinematic grandeur to the program, elevating its status and creating a powerful emotional connection with viewers. Another prominent composer in the field of news music is James Horner, who wrote the theme for CBS Evening News in the 1990s. Horner's score was known for its dramatic and orchestral style, reflecting the gravity and importance of the news. Hans Zimmer, a renowned film composer whose credits include The Lion King and Gladiator, has also contributed to news music. He composed the theme for CNN's special coverage in the early 2000s, bringing his signature blend of orchestral and electronic elements to the broadcast. These composers, and many others, have played a crucial role in shaping the sound of news broadcasting. Their music helps to inform, engage, and connect with viewers, making the news a more compelling and impactful experience.
So, next time you hear a catchy tune on the news, you'll be armed with the knowledge and tools to track it down! Happy listening, and may your musical searches be fruitful!