Introduction to Radio

 Introduction to radio: blog tasks

Create a new blogpost called 'Introduction to Radio' on your Media 2 Coursework blog and complete the following 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? 

Despite competition from digital platforms like Spotify, YouTube and iTunes, radio remains hugely significant. It continues to reach billions of people worldwide and is still a daily habit for many—especially during activities like commuting. In some developing countries, where internet access is limited, radio is still the main way people get news, music and entertainment. It’s also used by advertisers and emerging artists, showing its ongoing cultural relevance.

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 argue that media ownership is concentrated in the hands of a few powerful companies, which limits diversity and local voices. When local radio stations disappear, communities lose an important part of their identity and communication.

Hesmondhalgh believes that media industries tend to prioritise profit over creativity, often playing it safe instead of taking risks on innovative or challenging content.

Livingstone and Lunt suggest that media regulation should focus on protecting the interests of the consumer, ensuring they’re both safe and given access to a wide range of content.

3) What is the definition of public service broadcasting?

Public service broadcasting (PSB) refers to media content that is created to benefit the public rather than to make money. Its goal is to inform, educate, and entertain all members of society, often with a commitment to diversity, quality, and accessibility.

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: It’s important that everyone, no matter where they live, can access BBC Radio. This makes the service truly national and ensures consistency in its public service role.

Universal appeal: BBC Radio aims to offer something for everyone, regardless of age, background or interests. This helps it serve a diverse audience and justifies the licence fee by appealing to a broad public.

Guidelines that liberate rather than restrict: These encourage creativity and originality while still ensuring content is responsible. This balance allows for innovation without compromising public standards.

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

The factsheet suggests that PSB radio may need to change how it’s funded—perhaps through individual subscriptions or a restructured licence fee—as audiences now expect on-demand, often free content. This makes it harder to justify a universal fee for services not everyone uses. I agree, because if fewer people are engaging with traditional radio, it’s difficult to ask everyone to pay the same. Funding models will need to evolve to reflect changing listener habits and digital competition.