BBC Radio One
Explain how popular music programmes target, reach and maintain their audiences. Refer to BBC Radio one Breakfast to support your answer.
One of the more modern ways in which popular music radios and other platforms like BBC breakfast radio reach their audience is through cross media convergence. Due to advancements in technology, the stations target audience of 15-29 year olds have grown up with access to more efficient means of listening to music and being entertained than listening to the radio and as a result, radio one has seen a drastic decline in listeners over the past few years whilst competitor music platforms like Spotify have seen a rise in as much as 32% of annual listeners in the past year alone. To combat this, Radio one has attempted to move more online through allowing access to the broadcasts online at any time, to setting up social media accounts in order to allow more tech aware fans to interact, ask question and request songs to be played. The integration with online platforms such as twitter, YouTube and Instagram allow those who may not have access to radio's or those who are not able to listen to the breakfast broadcast to still listen, view and enjoy the broadcast. furthermore, whilst apps like apple music and Spotify provide users with a wider variety of choice in music with freedom to pick playlists, Radio one attempts to offer an additional service of entertainment through the presenters hit has. since its creation in 1967, their have been 15 presenters to take up the role of breakfast host, everyone was hired in order to appeal to the audience at the time and increase or maintain viewers, for example 90's presenter Zoe Ball was to appeal to the clubbing culture present in the UK at the time. The current presenter Greg James uses the unique appeal of audience interaction to entice viewers to listen. This method of allowing the audience to have a say in what is played makes them feel listened to and encourages them to listen more.
Another way radio broadcasts like radio one target their audience is through the use of live performances and giving up and coming artist a platform. Firstly, radio one will have several live performances from big name stars like Kanye West, Miley Cyrus, Billie Ellish and more in order to attract fans of theirs to hear unique performances, new songs or interviews. This constant flow of talent appearing on he show will allow Radio one to edge out other opponents who can not provide the same service. Radio one also offer a stage to young up incoming talent a place to be heard. Due to the growth in many music genres such as drill, grime, rap and pop Radio one has offered a place for all those songs to be heard to attract the audiences of them, furthermore they will give rising talent within those genres a place to perform as to build a following. This will draw many listeners to radio one in order to hear new music by new artists.
ReplyDeleteLots of promise Ethan - it is clear you have a good understanding of how Radio 1 interacts with their audience. Going forward, I would say try to keep in mind the macro/ micro structure that you have developed throughout the duration of the course - you need to talk about the radio industry as a whole first. Mention the nature of Radio 1 as a PSB and therefore have a duty to inform, educate and entertain, which is not the remit of other commercial stations. Continue to consider how the change in listener habits has required R1 to embrace new technology. For example, this has resulted in the technologically condensed nature of Radio 1 through social media accounts, BBC sounds etc. More frequent and accurate facts and stats are further needed - for example, 'BBC live lounge' and '10 minute take over'. Consider the presenter's access to ‘star’ guests – partly due to status of BBC and partly presenters’ contacts and the impact this has on audiences. In addition, consider how in 2017, Nick Grimshaw recorded the lowest listening figures for BBC Radio 1's breakfast show since records began. Top answers will acknowledge how the BBC can continue to invest in content even though listeners are falling as it doesn’t depend on ratings for revenue and can produce documentaries etc linking once again to the Reithan values of inform, educate and entertain. Keep up the good effort! (8)