What is an Ident?

Station identification (sometimes called a ident, sounder or stinger) is the practice of any type of radio or television station or network identifying itself, typically with a call sign or brand name. Over-the-air transmitters may be required to identify themselves regularly by a governmental licensing authority; this requirement can apply to any form of transmission over the radio spectrum by any means, not merely mass-media audio or video broadcasters. Non-OTA broadcasters such as cable or pay TV networks may still practice regular identification as a form of branding.