aircheck

Aircheck is a term used in broadcasting to denote a recording of a program’s on-air content, created for evaluation, training, and archival purposes. In radio, airchecks typically capture a host’s on-air delivery, track timings for songs, talk breaks, and legals, and include station promos and commercials. They may be recorded directly from the on-air feed or from studio monitors, and can be produced as digital audio files or traditional tapes.

Airchecks serve multiple functions. Program directors and producers use them to assess on-air performance, pacing, voice quality, speech style, and adherence to a station’s format and policy. They also support talent coaching, audition processes, and the creation of feedback or improvement plans. Airchecks are frequently compiled into packages that accompany host resumes or used for internal performance reviews.

Historically, airchecks were created on reel-to-reel tapes or cassette tapes; today most are stored as digital audio files with accompanying metadata such as date, show, host, and duration. Some stations annotate airchecks with notes on specific segments, problems, or compliance issues.

In addition to performance evaluation, airchecks can be used for regulatory or contractual compliance, to verify airing of paid ads, and to document programming practices. While valuable for training, airchecks are a sample of on-air work and may not reflect typical conditions, so assessments typically consider broader context.