Uploaded December 2022 | Updated September 2026, 15 hours ago
Stephen Arnold Music Creates Sonic Brand for WETA
Public broadcasting station’s first-ever sonic brand will be used across its sub-channels, programming and marketing media.
Stephen Arnold Music supported the rebranding of WETA PBS, a flagship public broadcasting station in the nation’s capital, by creating its first-ever sonic brand. The classically-inspired sonic signature, featuring a modern, upbeat sound performed on piano and strings, will be used alongside new visual branding on WETA and each of its five sub-channels (WETA-HD, WETA UK, PBS KIDS, WORLD and WETA METRO) as well as the popular WETA Classical superpower radio station. An abbreviated production slate is also utilized on WETA National Productions, which ranges from PBS NewsHour and Washington Week to Ken Burns documentaries.
The sonic brand provides WETA with an instantly recognizable audio signature, while embracing its array of content and appealing to its diverse audience. WETA set out to create something warm, inspiring and uplifting. The sonic logo evokes WETA’s values, which include ‘trust,’ ‘intelligence’, ‘quality’ and ‘enrichment.’ WETA is different from commercial broadcasters in that many of its viewers are also supporters, and we wanted to convey the pride of ownership they feel for the station.
Stephen Arnold Music employed a small group of chamber musicians for the principal recording sessions, using microphone and recording techniques to capture a spontaneous sound. The result is an actual performance, providing an organic depth and richness not found in samples and processing. For example, the strings are performed with distinct articulations that give them more gallop and perk; the piano is played with a soft staccato.
Stephen Arnold Music produced variations of the short-form signature to fit different time frames, uses and formats. The studio also adapted the sonic brand as a three-second signature for use in WETA original programming, as well as a five-second version used as an ID across main and subchannels. For WETA Classical, the studio produced multiple variants with the theme played by different solo and group instruments. It was recorded with a string quartet, a string ensemble and a solo piano. Stephen Arnold Music also produced versions played on oboe, an English horn, a French horn and a flute. The radio station can sprinkle different instrument flavors throughout the day.
Additionally, the studio produced a long-form anthem based on the sonic signature, specifically designed for branding promos, program teases and other core marketing media.
Learn more about the custom music and sonic brands we create at
stephenarnoldmusic.com
Stephen Arnold Music Creates Sonic Brand for WETA
Public broadcasting station’s first-ever sonic brand will be used across its sub-channels, programming and marketing media.
Stephen Arnold Music supported the rebranding of WETA PBS, a flagship public broadcasting station in the nation’s capital, by creating its first-ever sonic brand. The classically-inspired sonic signature, featuring a modern, upbeat sound performed on piano and strings, will be used alongside new visual branding on WETA and each of its five sub-channels (WETA-HD, WETA UK, PBS KIDS, WORLD and WETA METRO) as well as the popular WETA Classical superpower radio station. An abbreviated production slate is also utilized on WETA National Productions, which ranges from PBS NewsHour and Washington Week to Ken Burns documentaries.
The sonic brand provides WETA with an instantly recognizable audio signature, while embracing its array of content and appealing to its diverse audience. WETA set out to create something warm, inspiring and uplifting. The sonic logo evokes WETA’s values, which include ‘trust,’ ‘intelligence’, ‘quality’ and ‘enrichment.’ WETA is different from commercial broadcasters in that many of its viewers are also supporters, and we wanted to convey the pride of ownership they feel for the station.
Stephen Arnold Music employed a small group of chamber musicians for the principal recording sessions, using microphone and recording techniques to capture a spontaneous sound. The result is an actual performance, providing an organic depth and richness not found in samples and processing. For example, the strings are performed with distinct articulations that give them more gallop and perk; the piano is played with a soft staccato.
Stephen Arnold Music produced variations of the short-form signature to fit different time frames, uses and formats. The studio also adapted the sonic brand as a three-second signature for use in WETA original programming, as well as a five-second version used as an ID across main and subchannels. For WETA Classical, the studio produced multiple variants with the theme played by different solo and group instruments. It was recorded with a string quartet, a string ensemble and a solo piano. Stephen Arnold Music also produced versions played on oboe, an English horn, a French horn and a flute. The radio station can sprinkle different instrument flavors throughout the day.
Additionally, the studio produced a long-form anthem based on the sonic signature, specifically designed for branding promos, program teases and other core marketing media.
Learn more about the custom music and sonic brands we create at
stephenarnoldmusic.com
