Station identification refers to the announcement of a television or radio station's call letters, frequency, and sometimes location. It's a critical part of broadcasting and often takes place at the top of the hour, reminding listeners and viewers which station they're listening to. There are several synonyms for station identification, including a station break, channel identification, network ID, sign-on/sing-off ID, call sign announcement, and bumper. Regardless of what it's called, these announcements serve as a marketing tool for the station. In other words, station identification helps a station build its brand and attract new listeners and viewers.