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Descriptions of the PTY (Programme Type) codes, TP
(Traffic Programme) and TA (Traffic Announcement)
You can search for and receive the following PTY, TP and
TA signals.
NEWS
Short accounts of facts, events and
publicly expressed views, reportage and
actuality.
AFFAIRS
Topical programme expanding or
enlarging upon the news, generally in
different presentation style or concept,
including debate, or analysis.
INFO
Programmes whose purpose is to impart
advice in the widest sense.
SPORT
Programme concerned with any aspect
of sport.
EDUCATE
Programme intended primarily to educate, of
which the formal element is fundamental.
DRAMA
All radio plays and serials.
CULTURE
Programmes concerned with any aspect
of national or regional culture, including
language, theatre, etc.
SCIENCE
Programmes about the natural sciences
and technology.
VARIED
Used for mainly speech-based
programmes usually of light-
entertainment nature, not covered by
other categories. Examples include:
quizzes, panel games, personality
interviews.
POP M
Commercial music, which would
generally be considered to be of current
popular appeal, often featuring in
current or recent record sales charts.
ROCK M
Contemporary modern music, usually
written and performed by young
musicians.
EASY M
Current contemporary music considered
to be “easy-listening”, as opposed to
Pop, Rock or Classical, or one of the
specialised music styles, Jazz, Folk or
Country. Music in this category is often
but not always, vocal, and usually of
short duration.
LIGHT M
Classical music for general, rather than
specialist appreciation. Examples of
music in this category are instrumental
music, and vocal or choral works.
CLASSICS
Performances of major orchestral works,
symphonies, chamber music, etc., and
including Grand Opera.
OTHER M
Musical styles not fitting into any of
the other categories. Particularly used
for specialist music of which Rhythm &
Blues and Reggae are examples.
WEATHER
Weather reports and forecasts and
meteorological information.
FINANCE
Stock Market reports, commerce,
trading, etc.
CHILDREN
For programmes targeted at a young
audience, primarily for entertainment
and interest, rather than where the
objective is to educate.
SOCIAL
Programmes about people and things
that influence them individually or in
groups. Includes: sociology, history,
geography, psychology and society.
RELIGION
Any aspect of beliefs and faiths,
involving a God or Gods, the nature of
existence and ethics.
PHONE IN
Involving members of the public
expressing their views either by phone
or at a public forum.
TRAVEL
Features and programmes concerned
with travel to near and far destinations,
package tours and travel ideas
and opportunities. Not for use for
announcements about problems,
delays, or roadworks affecting
immediate travel where TP/TA should
be used.
LEISURE
Programmes concerned with
recreational activities in which the
listener might participate. Examples
include, Gardening, Fishing, Antique
collecting, Cooking, Food & Wine, etc.
JAZZ
Polyphonic, syncopated music
characterised by improvisation.
COUNTRY
Songs which originate from, or continue
the musical tradition of the American
Southern States. Characterised by a
straightforward melody and narrative
story line.
NATION M
Current Popular Music of the Nation or
Region in that country’s language, as
opposed to International “Pop” which
is usually US or UK inspired and in
English.
OLDIES
Music from the so-called “golden age”
of popular music.
FOLK M
Music which has its roots in the musical
culture of a particular nation, usually
played on acoustic instruments. The
narrative or story may be based on
historical events or people.
DOCUMENT
Programme concerned with factual
matters, presented in an investigative
style.
TEST
Broadcast when testing emergency
broadcast equipment or receivers.
ALARM
Emergency announcement made under
exceptional circumstances to give
warning of events causing danger of a
general nature.
NONE
No programme type (receive only).
TP
Broadcasts which carry traffic
announcements.
TA
Traffic announcements are being
broadcast.
Using the Radio Data System (RDS) (continued)