Local news is often seen as a straightforward delivery of facts — headlines, weather, sports, and human interest stories. But behind every segment, every dramatic pause, and even the closing credits, there’s something more at play: music. Often unnoticed consciously, music in local news broadcasts does far more than simply fill silence. It guides emotion, emphasizes urgency, and helps build a sense of trust and identity. In this article, we explore the deeper functions of music in local news and why it’s a critical, though often invisible, element of modern journalism.
Music as an Emotional Anchor in News Delivery
Every newscast aims to strike a balance between conveying facts and maintaining viewer engagement. One of the most subtle but effective tools for achieving this balance is music. The background score during a breaking news report is rarely random. Producers carefully select music that enhances tension during emergencies, provides warmth during community stories, or adds a ceremonial tone during tribute pieces.
For example, during coverage of a local tragedy, a soft, somber musical bed can help set a respectful mood without overtly directing how viewers should feel. On the flip side, upbeat instrumental pieces often accompany light-hearted segments — pet adoption stories, neighborhood festivals, or school achievements — creating a subconscious cue that “everything’s okay now.”
The emotional architecture that music provides can be the difference between a report that feels sterile and one that resonates.
Establishing Brand Identity and Continuity
You may not always remember the details of a news segment, but you’ll likely recognize the theme music of your favorite local station. That’s not accidental. Just like national news outlets use signature sounds to reinforce their brand, local stations carefully craft and reuse themes to foster familiarity and trust.
These signature sounds are often played:
- During the opening and closing of the newscast
- As transitions between segments
- Under promotional ads and teasers for upcoming reports
This musical branding creates a psychological loop: repetition leads to recognition, and recognition leads to perceived reliability. Over time, viewers begin to associate a specific musical tone or melody with authority and credibility, even if they aren’t consciously aware of it.
Music as a Narrative Tool in Visual Journalism
News isn’t just told; it’s shown. And when visuals are paired with the right soundtrack, the message becomes exponentially more powerful. Music provides pacing — it can slow a segment down for reflection or pick up tempo to build momentum. In visual packages where reporters narrate over B-roll footage, music fills the natural gaps and helps the piece flow cohesively.
For instance, a local piece on environmental cleanup efforts might begin with calm, ambient music while showing polluted rivers, then transition to a hopeful melody as volunteers work and the landscape improves. This musical arc mirrors the emotional journey of the story.
The ability of music to guide storytelling also helps with accessibility. For hearing-impaired individuals who may use partial audio or subtitles, the tone of the music gives additional context clues about the segment’s mood and meaning.
The Psychological Impact on Viewer Perception
It’s no secret that news media, even at the local level, must compete for attention. In this battle for viewer loyalty, music becomes an unspoken influencer. Research in media psychology suggests that background music can subtly influence how trustworthy a news anchor appears or how urgent a story feels.
An assertive, rhythmic underscore during a crime report can instill a sense of immediacy, while a relaxed acoustic melody under a health tip segment makes the information feel more digestible and friendly. Without viewers realizing it, their perception of the same information can shift based on the soundtrack behind it.
This power carries responsibility. Music must enhance rather than manipulate. Credible local stations walk a fine line — using music to support their message without turning news into drama.
Where Music Comes From: The Soundtrack Behind the Scenes
The process of selecting or producing music for local news is more intricate than it seems. While some stations rely on licensing music libraries, others invest in original compositions tailored to their brand. Decisions involve producers, editors, and sometimes even legal teams.
Common sources for local news music include:
- Custom compositions by local musicians or contracted studios
- Licensed tracks from news-themed production libraries
- Adapted public domain melodies with modern arrangements
One practical concern is consistency. Even when new music is introduced, it must feel like a natural extension of the station’s identity. That’s why changes in musical branding are typically slow and deliberate, often rolled out during larger rebranding efforts.
Final Thoughts
Music in local news is far more than filler. It’s a strategic, emotional, and cultural component that helps shape how we receive and remember information. From setting the tone of a breaking story to reinforcing a station’s credibility, music plays a pivotal role in building the local news experience. So next time you tune in for your evening broadcast, listen a little closer — the news may be telling you more through music than you ever realized.