Radio: Introduction to radio

Our final media topic is radio.

We have two CSPs to study and also need to consider the place for radio in a digital media landscape.

Radio CSPS

War of the Worlds – Columbia Broadcasting Company (1938)

The Surgery – 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, The Surgery. [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 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’?

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

3) What is BBC Sounds?

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

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

6) Why does the BBC need to stay relevant?

Now read this review of the BBC Sounds app.

7) What content does the BBC Sounds app offer?

8) How does it link to BBC Radio?

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

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

ShoutOut Network

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

1) What is the ShoutOut Network?

2) What podcasts are offered by the ShoutOut Network?

3) What audience do they reach?

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

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

Complete for homework - due first lesson after half-term.