Introduction to radio: blog tasks

 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? 

It argues in other parts of the world, where internet is not available, radio is still the dominant form of entertainment and surveillance. It also says that radio is still everywhere: in cars, TVs and voice activated speakers.

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: Media output is concentrated in the hands of a few

David Hesmondhalgh: Media puts profit before creativity 

Livingstone and Lunt: Media regulation should have a consumer based approach 

3) What is the definition of public service broadcasting?

Broadcasting intended for the publics benefit rather than profit and 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 geographic accessibility - BBC is mainly impartial which people in other countries may not have in their local news

- Attention to minorities - people should be represented in the media as it has a huge affect on children too

- Direct funding and universality of payment - the focus will always be on the people rather than commercial interest 

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

It suggests that the BBC will slowly loose their audiences and will have to change the way they gain fudning, moving away from licence fees, which I agree with as the future generations start to move away from radio towards other forms of media which are more stimulating such as movies or receiving news on social platforms.