Signoffs

Signoffs are concluding elements used across communication and media to indicate closure, consent, or official endorsement. The term covers several distinct practices, including closing phrases in correspondence, end-of-broadcast sign-offs, and formal approvals or verifications in professional workflows.

In written communication, a signoff refers to the valediction or closing line of a message. The choice of signoff depends on tone, formality, and relationship with the recipient. Common closings include formal options like “Sincerely” or “Yours faithfully,” as well as more informal choices such as “Best regards” or “Thanks.” Punctuation and capitalization conventions vary by language and region, but the aim is to signal courtesy and finalize the message.

In broadcasting, a sign-off marks the end of a program or transmission. Historically, stations used sign-offs to conclude daily broadcasts and identify the station, sometimes with a musical outro or licensing information. Today, many stations operate around the clock and rely on automated loops, but the sign-off concept remains as a ceremonial or branding moment at the end of programming in some contexts.

In professional settings, “sign-off” denotes formal approval or verification that a document, project phase, or change request has been reviewed and accepted by authorized personnel. Sign-offs are often recorded on a sign-off sheet or digitally signed to create an auditable trail. They help ensure accountability, compliance, and version control in fields such as project management, quality assurance, software development, and regulatory compliance.

Across contexts, signoffs balance clarity, tone, and authority, serving as a convention to close communication and confirm consent or status.