Build Log 003 — Radio Becomes a System

Category: Build Log
Tags: radio, cpt, acf, shell, broadcast-archive, no-signal-radio

Summary

Radio is now structured as a real No Signal Media feature system, not just a page.

We moved from a placeholder page into a working broadcast archive with real content, real structure, and a clear direction for expansion.

What Changed

• Radio is now public
• radio_show CPT is active
• /radio/ now runs through a shortcode:
  
  

  Featured Signal

  Quiet Current

  A slow-moving instrumental set built around ambient electronic, downtempo, modern classical, and soft cinematic textures. Calm, spacious, and steady without going fully asleep.

  Open Signal Play on Amazon Music

  Music Sets

  Show Archives

  A living collection of playlists, shows, and moments worth keeping.

  Featured

  

  Playlist

  Wicked Night

  

  Playlist

  Big Voice, Small Room Vol. 1

  

  Playlist

  Handsome Johnny

  

  Playlist

  Deep Stuff

  

  Playlist

  Blood Ballads

  

  Playlist

  Heat Shimmer

  

  Playlist

  Ska to Roots Arc

  

  Playlist

  Soft Edges, Loud Hearts

  

  Playlist

  Ballads of the Open Range

  

  Playlist

  Velvet Groove

  

  Playlist

  Library Heat

  

  Playlist

  Big Beat Transmission

Templates + Structure

• inc/radio-view.php → Radio landing
• single-radio_show.php → Single show layout
• inc/radio-single-view.php → Single show content layer

ACF Field System (Radio Show)

Each show now supports:

• Description
• Vibe Statement
• AI Voice Intro Script
• Notes
• Track List (repeater)
• Categories
• Tags
• Playlist URL
• 9:16 Cover Image
• Feature Cover (optional wide image)
• Featured toggle
• List Type

Design Direction

Radio now follows the No Signal shell system:

• Left: Rooms navigation
• Center: Content
• Right: Tools

Radio Landing Layout

• Featured Signal (hero)
• Music Sets section
• Horizontal archive scroll
• Filter placeholder (future)

Single Show Layout

• Poster image (9:16)
• Play button (external)
• Description
• Vibe section
• Track list
• AI voice intro
• Notes
• Suggested shows (future expansion)

Key Decisions

• Radio Shows are public content
• Amazon Music is used as the playback destination
• No embedded player yet
• 9:16 artwork is the primary visual format
• Wide images are optional for featured use only
• CSS is now being separated into:

/assets/css/radio.css

This allows cleaner iteration without touching global styles

Current Issues / Notes

• Button width still needs refinement to follow poster sizing rules
• Default page title (“Radio”) needs to be hidden
• Some spacing and grid behaviors still being tuned inside shell

Next Steps

• Finalize radio.css cleanup
• Lock button + poster alignment system
• Add category filtering where placeholder exists
• Populate more real shows using ACF structure
• Revisit live radio layer later (broadcast / streaming)

Status

Radio is now:

• Structured
• Scalable
• Aligned with system architecture

This is no longer a page.
It is now a feature.