BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat: Blog tasks

BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat: Blog tasks

Newsbeat analysis

Use BBC Sounds to listen to Radio 1. Select a Newsbeat bulletin (8am or 12.45pm are good options) and then answer the following questions: 

1) What news stories were featured in the bulletin you listened to?

there was new music releases and government news.

2) How does Newsbeat appeal to a youth audience?

They being in people that the youth knows and popular gen z actors

3) How might Newsbeat help fulfil the BBC's responsibilities as a public service broadcaster? 

The BBC's aim is to inform, educate, entertain. Newsbeat helps the BBC fulfil this as it includes all 3 types of content.

Media Factsheet #246: BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat

Read Factsheet #246 BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat. You'll need your Greenford google login to access it. Answer the following questions:

1) How is the history and launch of Radio 1 summarised in the factsheet? If you studied this as part of GCSE Media you will already know much of this.

Radio 1 was opened by Tony Blackburn on the 30th September 1967 at 7am. The reason BBC launched radio 1 was to combat pirate radio.

2) Look at page 3 of the factsheet. How is Radio 1 attempting to appeal to its 15-29 age demographic? 

Radio 1 was trying to appeal to the 15-29 age demographic by dedicating at least 60 hours a week dedicacted to specialist Music. They also created Radio 1Xtra in order to draw in BAME communities.

3) What did young people used to get from radio? Focus on audience pleasures / Uses & Gratifications here (see top of second column on page 3).

They used to be able to gain an insight into the world beyond their experiences.

4) How has Radio 1 and Newsbeat in particular diversified its content for the digital age?

They have diversified their content by using target content.

5) How is Newsbeat constructed to appeal to audiences? 

By using technology so that there is a higher chance of their target audience listening to newsbeat.

6) What are the three key ideas from David Hesmondhalgh and which apply to Radio 1 Newsbeat?

Cultural industries, Risks and power

7) Now look at Curran and Seaton. What are their key ideas and can they be applied to Radio 1 Newsbeat? 

Media concentration, diverse ownership which can be applied to their diverse content and them being a public service broadcaster.

8) What key idea for Livingstone and Lunt is on the factsheet and how does it link to the CSP?

The idea was about how to appeal to the younger generation.

9) How can we apply Stuart Hall's Reception theory to Radio 1 Newsbeat?

We can apply reception theory by seeing that there are multiple different readings for radio 1 newsbeat to audiences.

10) Choose one other audience theory on the factsheet and explain how it links to Radio 1 Newsbeat.

U&G Theory can be linked as newsbeat provides people with entertainment, personal identity and information.

Industry contexts: reading and research

Read the first five pages of this Ofcom document laying out its regulation of the BBC. 

1) Pick out three key points in the 'Summary' section.

They made new licence requirements; they are now able to hold BBC accountable and the BBC is the most popular media organisation. 

2) Now read what the license framework will seek to do (letters a-h). Which of these points could we relate to BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat?

Someone these points can relate as it can strengthen news since radio 1 has to broadcast extended news in peak time each weekday.

3) Which do you think are the three most important aspects in the a-h list? Why?

I think the most important aspects are diversity, higher requirements for kid shows and strengthening the news. This is because it links to information and entertainment which is 2 of the things that the BBC thrive for.

4) Read point 1.9: What do Ofcom plan to review in terms of diversity and audience? 

They plan to review how audiences are represented. They are going to ask people what they expect the BBC to do in term of diversity. 

5) Based on your reading and research, do you think BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat offers licence fee payers good value for money?

I feel like it gives a decent value for money as you do get a whole bunch of different types of media in the licence fee.