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
Use BBC Sounds to listen to Radio 1. Select a Newsbeat bulletin (8am or 12.45pm are good options) and then answer the following questions:
1) What news stories were featured in the bulletin you listened to?
2) How does Newsbeat appeal to a youth audience?
3) How might Newsbeat help fulfil the BBC's responsibilities as a public service broadcaster?
Media Factsheet #246: BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat
Read Factsheet #246 BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat. You'll need your Greenford google login to access it. Answer the following questions:
1) How is the history and launch of Radio 1 summarised in the factsheet? If you studied this as part of GCSE Media you will already know much of this.
2) Look at page 3 of the factsheet. How is Radio 1 attempting to appeal to its 15-29 age demographic?
3) What did young people used to get from radio? Focus on audience pleasures / Uses & Gratifications here (see top of second column on page 3).
4) How has Radio 1 and Newsbeat in particular diversified its content for the digital age?
5) How is Newsbeat constructed to appeal to audiences?
6) What are the three key ideas from David Hesmondhalgh and which apply to Radio 1 Newsbeat?
7) Now look at Curran and Seaton. What are their key ideas and can they be applied to Radio 1 Newsbeat?
8) What key idea for Livingstone and Lunt is on the factsheet and how does it link to the CSP?
9) How can we apply Stuart Hall's Reception theory to Radio 1 Newsbeat?
10) Choose one other audience theory on the factsheet and explain how it links to Radio 1 Newsbeat.
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?
A/A* Extension tasks
As an extension, read this Guardian interview with former BBC 1 Controller Ben Cooper. It's a few years old but has some excellent discussion of the challenges facing radio and public service broadcasting. You may want to answer the following questions:
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.
Due date on Google Classroom
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