LO1: The Brief/Task 1

LO1: The Brief

You have been asked by local community radio station, Sheffield Live! to create a new and original radio show or drama.

You will create the first 5-10 minutes of the new radio show/drama and include:

• Presenters/Voice Actors
• News Bulletin
• Feature/Interview/Narrative
• Jingle/Theme
• Bedding Music & Sound Effects
• Original Advert
• Competition/Social Media Links

LO1:

• Identify Different Types of Radio Stations
• Explain & Compare the Ownership of Different Types of Radio Stations
• Analyse a Radio Station & a Programme from that Station

DAB Radio - Digital Audio Broadcast (i.e. any station created digitally for digital radio)

FM Radio - Frequency Modulation (i.e. tuning for a station)

Examples of Radio Stations & Programmes:

National Radio: BBC Radio 4

Radio 4 was created by the BBC to target a niche audience of older (40-60) demographics of both genders which is exemplified by programmes like the 'Women's Hour' and a multitude of radio dramas such as 'Buried' or 'Limelight' which target a mature audience by virtue of being crime dramas. These feature older character representations that the target audience can relate to. Additionally, other programmes feature daily life topics intended for the 'resigned' psychographic (older/retired audiences which fit into the age demographic) like 'Gardeners Question Time'. This audience would therefore, be working/post-working class audiences (interested in radio dramas and mature topics such as political discussion) within the ABC1 category.

Regional: Heart Yorkshire

Heart Yorkshire is part of the wider 'Heart Radio' owned by 'Global Radio' and appeals to a C2DE audience which is evident in the coverage of soft news topics and competitions for listeners to win prizes. Representations also illicit a mixed male and female demographic between 20-30 with presenters such as Pandora Christie and Dev Griffin. Programmes on Heart Yorkshire are determined by the presenters which are cycled throughout the hours where audiences can send messages and enter competitions (e.g. 1-4 with Matt Wilkinson or Dixie and Emma 4-7).

Public: LBC

LBC (Leading Britain's Conversation) are one of the forefront news sources for the UK and one of its hosts, James O'Brien holds a 10-1pm show where he talks to callers regarding political discussion and therefore, this would encourage an educated ABC1 (and lesser educated C2DE) audience to interact with the radio show. These callers are typically working men aged between 30-50. This radio station would not appeal to a younger audience due to hard news topics such as UK and international politics where often arguments take place that aren't suitable for a younger audience. Other programmes within LBC are general news (e.g. conflict in Ukraine or Gaza) which are also unsuitable for a younger audience. 

Community:  Sheffield Live! 

Sheffield Live is a local Sheffield-based radio show which covers news relative to the local area (e.g. traffic updates) and has shows/programmes like Sheffield Uprising (a morning show where listeners can enter giveaways and here the news) or Spinning-Jazz which is intended for an audience interested in jazz music. The audience of Sheffield Live is niche due to its purpose as community radio however, encompasses a male and female audience between ages 25-50 due to shows younger audiences may not be interested in (i.e. local news or 'business live' which are intended for everyday workers).   

Internet: Lo-Fi Hip Hop Radio

This internet radio series is iconic with an international following of 14.5 million subscribers. Programmes are non-traditional as this is a 24/7 broadcast of lo-fi hip hop however, viewers/listeners can send song requests and there are multiple other variations of the channel such as the exclusive 'Halloween Radio' for October. The community of this station is targeted as those which enjoy relaxing hip hop music whilst they are likely working or simply relaxing which is evident in the lack of voiced presenters. The audience, as is conventional of internet radio, is subsequently comprised of digital natives (male and female) between 13-21 & due to this are likely under the C2DE Pamco grading though they are likely to live in an ABC1 household as they work for school or employment.

Non-Profit: Shock Radio (University of Salford)

Shock Radio is an entirely student led radio show hosted in the media city section of Salford University to give students hand on experience with working with radio equipment and broadcasting live for others. Programmes are also student led with examples like 'Ollie & Luke at Breakfast' or  'The Culture Show'. The demographic is niche as its a student led broadcast for the university and subsequently, the target audience are university students (18-21) who are likely interested in media.