Our key concepts for Radio are industries and audiences so these are the areas we need to consider when studying the texts.
BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat notes and background
Radio 1 Newsbeat is an example of a transitional media product which reflects changes in the contemporary media landscape. Newsbeat is both a traditional radio programme with regular, scheduled broadcast times, but it is also available online after broadcast.
The broadcast itself and the use of digital platforms provides opportunities for audience interaction. Newsbeat also exemplifies the challenges facing the BBC as a public service broadcaster that needs to appeal to a youth audience within a competitive media landscape.
Listen to today's Newsbeat bulletins by using the BBC Newsbeat page on the BBC website and then linking to BBC Sounds and scrolling to 8am or 12.45pm.
BBC Radio 1: History
BBC Radio 1 launched in 1967 playing pop music and using jingles in the style of American radio. It was a significant change from previous BBC content and was hugely popular in the 1970s and 1980s (some shows had 10m+ listeners).
It became available on DAB digital radio in 1995 but not promoted until digital radios were more popular in 2002. It is available via digital TV and online via BBC Sounds.
Radio 1 is famous for events as well as radio – summer Roadshows, Big Weekends and the annual Teen Awards.
Industries: Radio in decline
Although the BBC still boasts impressive audience figures for BBC Radio 2 and 4, it has struggled to attract young listeners to BBC Radio 1 in recent years.
Since 2010 listeners have declined – and although BBC R1 targets 15-29 year olds the average listener in 2017 was aged 30. Radio 1 is increasingly focusing on digital and social media with 16m weekly YouTube views reached in 2018.
Radio 1 Audience profile:
- Slightly more female than male
- 58% ABC1 (against population average of 55%)
- 90% white
- 41% of audience is in target audience range of 15-29
- Median age of 32
Industries: BBC remit and regulation
In 2011, BBC Radio 1 was part of a review into what the license fee should fund. Critics suggested that the content of BBC Radio 1 and 2 should be left to the commercial sector.
In response, the BBC made major changes at BBC Radio 1, aiming to re-target a core 15-24 audience and offering more diverse programming.
Since 2017, the BBC has been regulated by Ofcom. It is responsible for BBC content and ensuring it is delivering on its remit.
BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat: Blog tasks
Newsbeat analysis
Read the notes and listen to the extracts from Newsbeat above before answering the following questions:
1) Use BBC Sounds to listen to Radio 1. Scroll to a Newsbeat bulletin (8am or 12.45pm are good options) and write notes on how the bulletins may:
a) appeal to a youth audienceb) help fulfil the BBC's responsibilities as a public service broadcaster.
Media Factsheet #224: Industrial contexts of Radio
Read Media Factsheet #224 Understanding the Industrial Context of Radio. You'll need your Greenford google login to access it. Answer the following questions:
1) Read the first two pages of the factsheet. How does the Factsheet argue that radio still has cultural significance in the digital age?
2) Look at the page 4 section on media theories. Briefly summarise the ideas of Curran and Seaton, Hesmondhalgh and Livingstone and Lunt.
3) What is the definition of public service broadcasting?
4) Look at the list of eight key principles for BBC Radio on page 6 of the factsheet. Choose the three you think are most significant and explain why.
5) What does the Factsheet suggest is the future of PSB radio and how might Radio 1 fit into this?
Industry contexts: reading and research
1) Pick out three key points in the 'Summary' section.
2) Now read what the license framework will seek to do (letters a-h). Which of these points could we relate to BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat?
3) Which do you think are the three most important aspects in the a-h list? Why?
4) Read point 1.9: What do Ofcom plan to review in terms of diversity and audience?
5) Based on your reading and research, do you think BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat offers licence fee payers good value for money?
1) What was Ben Cooper trying to do with Radio 1?
2) How does he argue that Radio 1 is doing better with younger audiences than the statistics suggest?
3) Why does he suggest Radio 1 is distinctive from commercial radio?
4) Why is Radio 1 increasingly focusing on YouTube views and digital platforms?
5) In your opinion, should the BBC’s remit include targeting young audiences via Radio 1 or should this content be left to commercial broadcasters? Explain your answer.
Extension task: new Media Factsheet!
There is now a Factsheet for the Radio 1 Newsbeat CSP. Read Factsheet #246 BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat. This would be ideal revision for the CSP and Radio topic.
Due date on Google Classroom
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