Radio Flashcards
What type of medium is radio?
a blind medium: relies solely on auditory codes
When was WOTW released?
30th October 1938
WOTW as a hybrid
a hybrid of radio and horror literature, adapted a H.G Wells story into a broadcast using news conventions
Who was it directed and narrated by?
Orson Welles
Media language in WOTW
Use of technical terminology
Use of expert opinions - scientists
Moments of silence - unusual in radio, seems less planned
Use of real locations - names slightly altered
Panic in announcers voices
‘Small atmospheric disturbance’ to begin with, gradually building up
WOTW Context: radio
it was the main form of media tech in homes
direct competitor to newspapers, because it provided news immediately
WOTW Context: newspaper reactions
papers sensationalised reactions to the broadcast, they relied on anecdotes, there was no actual mass death or serious injury and most people were actually listening to a rival station
WOTW Context: WW2
the world was on the verge of WW2, radio was an escape: live entertainment and news
WOTW: FCC
radio was regulated by the federal communications commission, received 2000 letters about WOTW
FCC decided that neither Welles or CBS needed to be punished, the broadcast broke no laws
Application of Todorov to WOTW
Equilibrium - normal radio broadcast with music etc
Disruption - ‘small atmospheric disturbance’
Recognition - interruptions, finding the alien ship.
Attempt to repair - trying to shoot down the aliens - death of main reporter Carl Phillips
New equilibrium - Pierson’s survival, aliens dead by the common cold, Welles’ disclaimer at the end
Application of Hypodermic needle to WOTW
passively consumed - immediately panicked and did not question, despite absurdity and disclaimers.
Application of Gerbner to WOTW
Audiences were used to the disruption of music on the radio for news updates, so they believed them and did not question them.
CBS was widely trusted and reliable
Where and when is Newsbeat broadcast?
Radio 1, Radio 1xtra, and Asian network at 12:45 and 5:45
Newsbeat demographic
15-29 year olds
Media language in Newsbeat
Use of code switching - formal and informal
Content is simplified to be more easily understood by younger audiences
Tone is very colloquial - ‘lads like me’ and ‘meme queen’
Very busy: music, interviews, background noise
Interviews with young people for relatability
Offers interactivity through social media
Very short attention catching bulletins
What kind of media product is newsbeat?
Transitional media product, reflecting changes in contemporary media
Newsbeat Context: Radio 1
R1 launched in 1967, was a significant change from normal BBC content as it played pop music and used American radio codes, it was targeted toward a younger demographic
Newsbeat Context: BBC PSB
BBC is a public service broadcaster. It’s funded by licence fees so has no advertising
Newsbeat Context: Remit and Regulation
The BBC has a remit, to inform educate and entertain
It’s regulated by ofcom, to ensure that it is posting content suitable to audiences and fulfilling the remit
Application of Curran and Seaton to Newsbeat
BBC are a PSB so you could argue they are a conglomerate in control of newsbeat, but they don’t rely on getting larger audiences and advertising to make money, and they have more freedom.
Application of Livingstone and Lunt to Newsbeat
Citizen based regulation
Seen as an impartial and reliable news source
Holds other groups and media to account e.g. criticising MPs.
Application of Gerbner to Newsbeat
More positive news makes the audience more positive
Youth focused - they don’t want to attract people older than 29, so they make media that only applies to those people who use it to cultivate their personalities
Still discusses negative events e.g. war, cost of living etc - could lead to mean world syndrome
