Radio Research

Task 1: 

Go online and have a look at the BBC radio programmes on offer today - Look at Radio 1 through to Radio 6:
- Which programmes are most clearly fulfilling their PSB remit?
- What range of programmes are offered?
- Which audiences are being targeted?
- Which one of the 3 principles are most in evidence in which programmes:

Radio 1: Their remit is to entertain a broad range of listeners who are young by playing chart music and relatable chat that engage a young audience. They do this by offering shows such as; 'Breakfast show', 'Greatest Hits with Jordan North', as well as 'Life Hacks' etc. They try to incorporate a range of artists and their songs to interest their younger viewers. Their target audience is 15 - 29 including youths and young adults.

Radio 2: Their remit is to be distinctive in their music and their speech. They offer shows such as; 'The Chris Evans breakfast show', 'Simon Mayo drive time', 'sounds of the 70's' etc, and include celebrities such as Paul O'Grady and Kylie Minogue. They offer entertaining popular music and more speech based content focussing on news, current affairs, religion, documentaries etc. They target a broader audience appealing to over 35s.

Radio 3: Their remit is to play music and cultural programs that engage its audience. Shows featured on this radio include 'Choir and Organ', 'Sound of Dance' etc. Their approach is to focus on more classical music and chats around this particular subject. This radio appeals to an audience that prefer listening to radio that will educate, mainly an older audience.

Radio 4: Their remit is to inform, educate and entertain listeners through speech programmes appealing to audiences that prefer intellectual chat.  'The loneliness experiment' and 'Tips for making your money go further' are featured on this station. Also shows like Woman's hour, Book of the week etc are shown. The content is for more mature and serious chat, covering news topics and current affairs.

Radio 5: Their remit is to cover live news and sport that bring stories that have just happened. They provide shows such as; 'Football Daily' and '5 live breakfast etc. They play shows evolved around health and lifestyle, including OCD and disabilities.Showing that they focus more on discussion and analysis of sport and news rather than music. Their audiences targets sports fans and mostly an older audience as it is just chat.

Radio 6: Their remit is to entertain listeners with popular and alternative music. They provide shows such as; 'Baloji Session', and 'Tom Ravenscroft' etc. They play songs outside the mainstream market supported with live music and new artists. they target all ages music lovers.

Task 2:

Who was the first ever Breakfast show presenter on Radio1?

Tony Blackburn

List some other DJ's who have presented the show?

-Noel Edmonds

-Dave Lee Travis

-Mike Read

-Mike Smith

-Simon Mayo 

-Steve Wright

-Chris Evans

-Zoe Ball

-Sara Cox

-Chris Moyles

Nick Grimshaw Factfile:

• born on 14th August 1984 (age33) in Manchester. 
• his occupation is a television and radio presenter. 
• he worked for Channel 4 appearing on The Album Chart Show as well as ITV as a judge on The X Factor. 

What are the current listening figures for the Radio 1 Breakfast Show?

The weekly listening figures in 2017 were 5722 listeners. 

Who is the controller of BBC Radio 1?

Ben Cooper

How is Radio 1 funded?

This is funded by an annual television license fee.

How does Radio 1 try and be distinctive?

They offer new and current music by a range of artists who are mainly British and live music. Radio 1 also include relevant news.

What is the difference between BBC radio stations and commercial stations?

The difference is that BBC radio stations are a PBS, meaning people's taxes fund this. It makes the function completely aimed at the public. Commercial radio stations don't have to conform to the public so they just provide a show which they think suits everyone.

How does BBC Radio 1 aim the show at its target audience other than the programme content?

Radio 1 are having The Biggest Weekend concert/festival to appeal to their audience. On the social media platforms of Radio 1, there are constantly new posts/tweets on celebrity guests who are relevant to the target age group, e.g. R1BS recently posted facts you didn't know about Niall Horan because he just appeared on the breakfast show. 

How can you see Radio 1 fulfilling PSB responsibilities?

Radio 1 show a range of new and British music to appeal to its audience. they definitely show a combination of music and speech because the hosts generally end up conversing about the music they play and talk about latest news.

Task 3:

Look at the BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show website, and a variety of its social media.

What can you see that is aimed at the target audience of 15-29 year olds?

On the website artists such as Demi Lovato and Shawn Mendes are shows, who appeal to younger listeners, as they are more likely to know who they are and like their music. 

What can you see that might appeal to audience outside the target group?

Jared Leto is also featured on Radio 1 Breakfast Show; he is more likely to appeal and target an older audience, outsde the 15-29 target audience group. 

How can you see Radio 1 fulfilling PSB responsibilities?

One of the shows featured on the Breakfast Show are the Heart Rate Monitor challenges, which are for entertainment purposes to appeal to their younger audience. They also feature popular celebrities and artists to encourage younger viewers to listen in and watch.