Radio: Introduction to radio

Radio: Introduction to radio

Our final exam topic on the coursework side is Radio.

We have two CSPs to study for this topic and also need to consider the place for radio in a digital media landscape. Here's a brief video updating where we are in the course and introducing the new topic:

Radio CSPS

War of the Worlds – Columbia Broadcasting Company (1938)

Life Hacks – BBC Radio 1 (2017-)

These are targeted CSPs and need to be studied with reference to two elements of the Theoretical Framework (Audiences and Industries) and all relevant contexts. 

Example exam questions

Briefly define public service broadcasting (PSB) [2 marks]

To what extent is War of the Worlds a historically significant media product? [20 marks]

Identify two strategies or techniques used by Radio 1 to attract a youth audience. Explain the reason for each. [4 marks]

Explain how regulatory contexts shape the output of media industries. You should refer to your radio Close Study Product, Life Hacks. [9 marks]

Key question: Is radio still relevant in the digital age?

How does radio respond to the digital media landscape we now find ourselves in. Will younger audiences listen to the radio? Does it have influence? Are podcasts the future for younger listeners?

BBC Sounds

BBC Sounds is a relatively new app designed to bring younger listeners to BBC Radio content. It aims to fulfil its requirements as a public service broadcaster while also responding to the demands of the digital media landscape.

The ShoutOut Network

The Shoutout Network is a London-based network of diverse podcasts designed to give a platform for BAME voices. It demonstrates the rise of independent media producers in the 21st century media landscape. The representation of minority voices also arguably provides an element of public service broadcasting.

Introduction to radio: blog tasks

Create a new blogpost called 'Introduction to Radio' on your Media 2 Coursework blog and complete the following tasks:

BBC Sounds

Read this Guardian feature on the launch of BBC Sounds and answer the following questions:

1) Why does the article suggest that ‘on the face of it, BBC Radio is in rude health’?

It has half the national market, with dozens of stations reaching more than 34 million people a week. Radio 2 alone reaches 15 million listeners a week.
1/9 Britons tune into the Today programme.

However it's only now facing competition.

2) What percentage of under-35s use the BBC iPlayer catch-up radio app?

3%

3) What is BBC Sounds?


A new app and website radio with livestreams, catchup services, music mixes and podcasts together under one roof.


4) How do audiences listen to radio content in the digital age?

Using apps like spotify and devices like Alexa which allow for you to skip songs,


5) What does Jason Phipps suggest is important for radio and podcast content aimed at younger audiences?

"Journalists have a process but younger audiences can find that very cold and want to access the actual response of human beings. They really want to understand the heart of the story.”


6) Why does the BBC need to stay relevant?


It could very quickly lose it's funding if it fails to compete with new competition in the market. Many politicians have expressed interest in getting rid of the BBC, including Boris Johnson.

Now read this review of the BBC Sounds app.

7) What content does the BBC Sounds app offer?

Anything audio (apart from long-form audio books). Music, news, drama, documentaries, true crime, comedy. Playlists, podcasts.

8) How does it link to BBC Radio?


The app lets you through any live BBC radio station

9) What are the criticisms of the BBC Sounds app?

>The information is hard to navigate and the search isn't sensitive enough, which is apparently common with the BBC.
>There isn't enough content: It needs to be as packed as Netflix to work.


10) Two new podcasts were launched alongside the BBC Sounds app. What are they and why might they appeal to younger audiences?

Beyond Today and End of Days:
> Beyond Today is a 20-minute podcast that delves deeper into the big stories of the Today programme. It's an attempt to mimic the new york time's successful "The Daily" programme.
> End of Days is a true crime podcast about the waco cult victims.

ShoutOut Network

Read this Huffington Post feature on the Shout Out Network and answer the following questions:

1) What is the ShoutOut Network?

A London-based network of diverse podcasts. It launched in 2015 with their flagship show Melanin Millennials, which focuses on socio-political issues for millennials.

2) What podcasts are offered by the ShoutOut Network?

Mostly Lit, Two Fools Talking, Artistic State of Mind, Top 4mation and Archived History

3) What audience do they reach?

With the continual growth of these shows reaching more than 20,000 listeners per month, of which 92% are from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, the ShoutOut Network has positioned themselves in a prime place for sponsors and advertising to reach the vast community of listeners for their products.

4) What are the 2015 statistics on podcast listening in the UK?

3.7 million people, 6.5% of the UK population, listen to podcasts. 57% of them listen to them on their phones, and 47% listen to podcasts while commuting and 34% when they are relaxing or doing nothing.

5) The article suggests podcasts are ‘picking up more steam’. Do you think podcasts the future of radio?

Because podcasts are so diverse and easy to access, they're appealing to an extremely wide range of audiences who have a range of mainstream to niche interests. I think that, because of the diversity of podcasts, as well as the ability to listen to them at any time, they'll continue to pick up steam and mainstream popularity. However I'm not sure they'll completely replace radio, as the live nature of radio is presumably appealing to some audiences.