presignoff

Presignoff is a broadcasting term used to describe the portion of a program that occurs immediately before the official sign-off. It refers to the final on-air remarks, last-minute announcements, credits, and any routine station identification or regulatory notices that precede the end of transmission. The presignoff serves as a controlled transition from the main program to the closing of a broadcast and is often specified in production notes or on-air scripts.

Usage and context: In traditional radio and television operations that still employ a defined sign-off, the presignoff gives hosts a chance to deliver closing thoughts, thank staff and listeners, tease upcoming programs, or remind audiences of schedules. The exact content and duration of presignoff vary by station, format, and country. In modern 24/7 stations, the presignoff concept may be less formal or integrated into other closing procedures.

Transcripts and logs: In script notation or broadcast logs, presignoff may be marked to separate ongoing program content from the final sign-off. There is no universal standard for what constitutes presignoff across outlets, and terms may vary (e.g., pre-sign-off or presign-off).

Relation to sign-off: The sign-off is the act of ending transmissions for the day. Presignoff precedes the sign-off and can be viewed as the final, softer closing portion of a broadcast. Not all stations have a distinct presignoff phase, and some conclude directly with the sign-off line.

See also: Sign-off (broadcasting).