For some, the term format conjures up images of program directors or radio consultants sitting in sterile offices poring over the structure of a typical program hour. Learning how to format a radio program or podcast with the right content is nevertheless very important.

As you can imagine, having your own radio show is a wild ride of outrageous proportions. But remember that humans are still creatures that seek order, even in disorder.

Imagine you’ve created a streaming internet station that focuses on Turkish folk music and you’re going to host a show five days a week with the biggest names in Turkish folk music. You want your listeners to at least know when your show is on. If you decide that it’s on every night at 10:00 PM, you’ve just formatted your station. In fact, the first format decision was to decide on Turkish folk music (good job!) and the second decision was to schedule your show at 10:00 PM. Now listeners at least know when to tune in.

It's not a bad idea to start with some sort of opening or intro that explains what people are going to hear and who they're listening to. Intros are also a great way to thank program sponsors.