Introduction to radio

 Introduction to radio

Read Media Factsheet #224 Understanding the Industrial Context of Radio. This will give you a wider perspective on industry contexts for radio with particular focus on the industry theorists (Hesmondhalgh, Curran & Seaton, Livingstone & Lunt). 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? 

Radio is still a dominant source of information and can provide entertainment, especially where there is lack of internet  in some countries. 

2) Look at the page 4 section on media theories. Briefly summarise the ideas of Curran and Seaton, Hesmondhalgh and Livingstone and Lunt.

Curran and Seaton- due to horizontal integration there is  a lare amount of radio owned by conglomerate industries.

Hesmondhalgh- media choses profit rather than creativity and the small radio stations provide more unique reading as theu dont priortise to make more money.

Livingstone and Lunt

3) What is the definition of public service broadcasting?

"broadcasting intended for public benefit rather than to serve purely commercial interests."

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.

Universal appeal- more inclusion as there is wider audience who are willing to listen.

Universal geographic accessibility- easy and instant access available anywhere.

Attention to minorities-  due to the diversity of today's world, this is important as this provides sense of inclusivity.

5) What does the Factsheet suggest is the future of PSB radio? Do you agree?

It suggests that due to streaming services such as spotify, younger audience may not be willing to pay license fees in future. I agree with this as streaming services provide variety of different content that targets young audeince, engaging them in.