Radio: What is Radio?

Radio

Is Radio Relevant?

TASK 1: Where do you get your music from? Make a list of different music media providers you know.
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Sound media is often referred to as audio. This can mean music, dialogue or any sound. Radio is purely an audio only form of media.

The Future for Radio

Audio streaming, downloads and internet radio are changing audience listening habits. Where radio used to command the airwaves, now digital music is threatening the popularity of radio and audio-based media continues to change with technology and audience choices. Just like all mediums, the internet is changing how audiences use media.

During this unit, one of things you will look at is radio broadcasters and programmes so you can consider what these changes will mean for the future media you might be working in.

Music streaming sites compete with traditional radio channels. They offer a more personalised playlist experience, without any interruption from adverts or presenter talk.

Spotify / Soundcloud / Prime Music / Apple Music

TASK 2: Answer the following questions in your book.

QUESTION: How has the internet changed the role of radio?

TASK 3: Copy down the list elements highlighted in GREEN.

Modern Radio

Commercial and Independent Radio: stations include Classic FM and Absolute. These stations are funded by advertising.

Regional Stations: these can be delivered by the BBC as well as commercial and independent radio broadcasters. For example BBC Radio London or Radio Essex, which is commercially owned by the Adventure Radio Group.

DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting): Planet Rock and Magic are examples of this type of radio station.

Community Radio

Hospital 

Student Radio

BBC Radio: national stations include Radio 1,2,3,4, 5 live and 6 Music. The BBC also has over 50 regional radio stations broadcasting throughout the UK. All these stations operate under the conditions of the Royal Charter and don't carry adverts because they are funded by the licence fee.

TASK 4: Copy down the following timeline for radio into your books.

Radio in the Past

Radio has evolved dramatically since the first broadcasts in the 1920s.

As a media industry it was dominated by the BBC until the 1960s when pirate radio stations became popular with young people.

This popularity would pave the way for commercial radio to establish itself and allow the industry to develop.

New Technology

New technology has helped the radio industry evolve and increase in popularity.

There's been a huge increase in the number of people downloading podcasts and streaming internet radio. Most radio stations archive past broadcasts on their official websites, for listeners to access on-demand.

Studio webcams and social media have changed the audience relationship with radio by making listeners feel more connected to the presenters.

This type of media convergence is also achieved through the use of blogs and forums on radio websites.

Radio is available on more platforms than ever before, including:

•   DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting)
•   FM Radio
•   LW (Long Wave)
•   MW (Medium Radio)
•   Freeview TV, Sky TV and Virgin TV
•   Online
•   On mobile phones via mobile apps
•   On digital music players

          TASK 5: What is media convergence?

Brand identities

A radio station will have a specific brand identity which informs their house style.

A radio station's target audience can be identified by the music it plays; a station like Gold, for example, focuses on playing classic pop songs for an older audience.

Another feature of house style is the language presenters use on air.

For example, Radio 4 uses clear diction and formal language whereas a station targeting a young audience will be more energetic and use informal, everyday language that may include some slang or abbreviations like ‘LOL’ or ‘YOLO’.

The BBC is a good case study to show how a single broadcaster can have a range of brand identities that target different audiences.

TASK 6: Explain how a radio station appeals to a specific audience. Give examples of how a radio station can appeal to a specific target audience.

Public Service Broadcasting Remit

TASK 7: Copy down the remit for BBC Radio 1; this is essential for your exam.

Each station has a different remit:

  BBC Radio 1: to entertain and engage a broad range of young listeners with a distinctive mix of contemporary music and speech.

  BBC Radio 1 Xtra: to play the best in contemporary black music with a strong emphasis on live music and supporting new UK artists.

  BBC Radio 2: to be a distinctive mixed music and speech service, targeted at a broad audience, appealing to all age groups over 35.

  BBC Radio 3: to offer a mix of music and cultural programming in order to engage and entertain its audience.

  BBC Radio 4: to be a mixed speech service, offering in-depth news and current affairs and a wide range of other speech output including drama, readings, comedy, factual and magazine programmes.

  BBC Radio 4 Extra: to provide speech-based entertainment. Its schedule includes comedy, drama, stories, features, readings and programmes that appeal to children.

  BBC Radio 5 Live: to provide live news and sports coverage.

  BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra: to bring a greater choice of live action to sports fans by offering a part-time extension of BBC Radio 5 live.

  BBC Radio 6 Music: to entertain lovers of popular music with a service that celebrates the alternative spirit in popular music from the 1960s to the present day.

  BBC Asian Network: to provide speech and music output appealing to British Asians, with a strong focus on news and current affairs.

  The World Service is broadcast internationally and provides news, analysis and information.

Marketing

Radio stations market themselves through advertising.

They often use their own stations, official websites and social media channels as platforms to promote forthcoming shows, new presenters, or the general brand identity of the station itself.

Radio online

Official websites may contain additional content; when a pop star is interviewed on Radio 1 there may be exclusive excerpts which are only available online.

This is called convergence.

This allows for interactive participation, for example, the audience submitting questions before and during an interview via the website or social media.

Webcams can be used to stream radio shows as they are broadcast, allowing the audience to see what is happening in the studio. In this way, radio isn't just audio-based; it is transformed via new technology into an audio-visual medium.

Regulation

The radio industry is regulated by Ofcom, who also cover the TV industry.

Ofcom's duty is to examine complaints made against radio stations, to determine if the broadcasting code has been breached.

Ofcom exists to ensure the broadcasting code is being upheld and that listeners are protected from harmful or offensive material, unfair treatment and loss of privacy.

TASK 8: In your books, answer the following questions.
1. Who regulates radio and what is regulation?
2. What is a public service remit?