BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat

BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat

Newsbeat analysis

1) Use BBC Sounds to listen to Radio 1. Scroll to a Newsbeat bulletin (8am or 12.45pm are good options) and write notes on how the bulletins may: 

a) appeal to a youth audience  

b) help fulfil the BBC's responsibilities as a public service broadcaster. 

It starts off with upbeat music to keep us interested  and talks about the news in concise yet detailed knowledge.

Media Factsheet #224: Industrial contexts of Radio


1) Read the first two pages of the factsheet. How does the Factsheet argue that radio still has cultural significance in the digital age? 

The broadcast forms of communication and even though digital platforms such as iTunes, Spotify, YouTube and many more platforms may be challenging it, it still reaches billions of people. Radio accompanies us in our cars, on commutes through mobile devices and can be found in our homes through television, radio, and voice activated speakers. Radio content sparks the imagination in totally different way than visual mediums and this is why it still remains hugely popular with audiences.

2) Look at the page 4 section on media theories. Briefly summarise the ideas of Curran and Seaton, Hesmondhalgh and Livingstone and Lunt.

David Hesmondhalgh says that the media put profit before creativity. Curran and Seaton  says that media output is concentrated in the hands of a few. Livingstone and Lunt Media regulation should have a consumer-based approach.

3) What is the definition of public service broadcasting?

Broadcasting intended for public benefit rather than to serve purely 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 allows you to listen to radio anywhere in the country. Universal appeal across the board the programming will have something for everyone. Attention to minorities offers inclusive and non-tokenistic programming.

5) What does the Factsheet suggest is the future of PSB radio and how might Radio 1 fit into this?

The BBC is surviving but its future is looking more and more precarious, especially it cannot convince the young that it is worth paying for. It could be that P.S.B radio broadcasting might have to have a separate licence fee, or we may see the development of individual subscriptions to stations. Radio is also threatened by YouTube and other more visual forms. This is why stations like Radio 1 offer more than just the show itself. 

Industry contexts: reading and research

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

The public's exceptionally high expectations of the BBC, shaped by its role as a publicly-funded broadcaster with a remit to inform, educate and entertain the public. To meet these expectations, the BBC must deliver the mission and public purposes set out in its new Royal Charter. A draft Licence setting out requirements for the BBC to fulfil its remit, and plans for Ofcom to measure the BBC’s overall performance. 

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?

Increase requirements around programmes for children. CBBC must show at least 400 hours and CBeebies at least 100 hours of brand new, UK commissioned programmes each year. Support social action campaigns on BBC radio. We are requiring Radio 1 to offer a minimum number of major social action campaigns each year.

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

Providing information and raising awareness of social issues affecting young people and giving them a platform to engage with is one of the key ways Radio 1 can set itself apart from other radio stations; Safeguard vulnerable genres such as arts, music and religious programmes. Our research shows these areas are important for some audiences; but some are in decline. We have therefore confirmed higher requirements for BBC One and BBC Two to show programmes in these genres. Support a wide range of valued genres. The BBC must support a wide range of genres across its channels and services, such as drama, comedy, factual programmes and different types of music. 

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

Plan to examine the on-screen diversity of the BBC’s programming, including in its popular peak time shows. The review will ask what audiences expect from the BBC to understand whether it reflects and portrays the lives of all people across the whole of the UK.

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

In my opinion, BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat does not offer good value for money as it remains unable to truly meet it's target audience and is being overshadowed by the likes of Youtube and Tiktok.

Finally, read this Guardian interview with former BBC 1 Controller Ben Cooper.

1) What was Ben Cooper trying to do with Radio 1?

“I want Radio 1 to be the Netflix of music radio,” 

2) How does he argue that Radio 1 is doing better with younger audiences than the statistics suggest?

He is starting out with 25 hours of on-demand “phone-first” content, such as a weekly “Top 10 most-played tracks of the week” programme, but intends to seriously ramp up the hours next year. 

3) Why does he suggest Radio 1 is distinctive from commercial radio?

Cooper talks innovation but Radio 1’s rivals, and a report submitted to the culture secretary that informed this year’s charter review white paper, accuse the station of not being distinctive enough. 

4) Why is Radio 1 increasingly focusing on YouTube views and digital platforms?

“I’m up against Pokémon Go and Minecraft for young audiences. I have to persuade people to switch off Minecraft and watch Live Lounge, get off their iPad and listen to radio. Those are the things that keep me up at night. I’m thinking about tomorrow, not today.”

5) In your opinion, should the BBC’s remit include targeting young audiences via Radio 1 or should this content be left to commercial broadcasters? Explain your answer.

I believe that content should be left to commercial broadcasters as they are able to better meet the need of consumers as their trends change and what they want as an audience changes. Radio 1 stayed with what they thought was good and has caused a large decline in listeners.