Woman's Hour

Question 1

When was the first episode of WH broadcast?

Answer 1

October 1946

Question 2

Who originally presented WH and why?

Answer 2

Alan Ivimey

Men predominately dominated the media during this time period.

Question 3

Why were earlier episodes thought to be patronising for some women?

Answer 3

They focused on the role of the housewife with features including ‘mother’s midday meal’ and ‘how to hang your husband’s suit’.

This reflects the culture of the 1940s where there was a hegemonic view.

Question 4

How has the content of WH evolved overtime?

Answer 4

The programme has evolved to cover hard-hitting topics including abortion, domestic violence and equal pay, alongside lighter elements.

Question 5

What is the audiences profile of WH?

Answer 5

Age - 35+

Demographic - ABC1, educated and professional, socially conscious.

Gender - predominantly aimed at women, topics are seen from a female perspective.

Question 6

Who are the current presenters of WH?

Answer 6

Nuala McGovern

Anita Rani

Question 7

What has Nuala McGovern done in her career that is significant to WH?

Answer 7

In her 20-year career, she has presented across the BBC network, and is currently one of the leading presenters on the BBC World Service.

She has reported for the BBC on many of the most important events in recent history, including as part of BBC radio’s prestigious ceremonial team, commentating at both the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and the coronation of King Charles III.

Question 8

What has Anita Rani done in her career that is significant to WH?

Answer 8

One of the lead presenters on BBC One’s Countryfile.

Presented a range of explorative documentaries for the BBC including Bollywood: The World’s Biggest Film Industry.

Question 9

Why is the choice of Anita Rani as a presenter significant to the role of the BBC?

Answer 9

The choice of Anita Rani addresses one of the key purposes in the creative remit of the BBC – ‘To reflect, represent and serve the diverse communities’ in the UK.

Question 10

Example of stories on current affairs and politics?

Answer 10

‘Israel Gaza War’ (2023)

‘Afghan government rebel over women’s rights’ (2025)

Question 11

How do stories on current affairs and politics link to WH audience?

Answer 11

Links to the audience’s interest in social justice and gender equality.

Also, resonates with educated listeners.

Question 12

How do stories on feminism and social justice link to WH audience?

Answer 12

Aligns with the show’s commitment to challenge the stereotypes made about women.

Aimed at their predominantly female audience.

Question 13

How do the stories on health and well-being link to WH audience?

Answer 13

Many listeners may have had children or are wanting to have children later in life - relatability.

Also, older audiences may experience life changes regarding health.

Question 14

Examples of stories on workplace and career?

Answer 14

‘Employment Rights Bill’ (2025)

‘Business woman Sara Davies’ (2025).

Question 15

How do the stories on workplace and career link to WH audience?

Answer 15

This is empowering and motivating for female audiences, especially seeing as they may be working women (omnibus on Saturday 4pm reflects this).

Question 16

How does the content on personal stories and empowerment link to WH audience?

Answer 16

Highlights how women are able to overcome adversity.

Question 17

How many people in the UK, according to RAJAR figures, tuned into the radio every week in 2024?

Answer 17

87%

72% consume digitally
27% consume online

Question 18

How is the BBC Sounds significant to radio?

Answer 18

BBC Sounds shows the changes in patterns of consumerism as people are able to now listen on the go whenever they want.

Question 19

How does the BBC Sounds and WH reflect cultural changes for women?

Answer 19

Women may now be in work rather than adhering to the 10am slot everyday.

They can therefore catch up online.

Question 20

What is FM radio?

Answer 20

Sent out as a transmission on a particular frequency.
Each one only has a very narrow frequency, so that the stations don’t overlap and interfere with each other.

Question 21

What is DAB radio?

Answer 21

There are no frequency bands to stick to, the same signal can be sent out multiple times.
This means that your radio has more chances to pick up the signal.
More reliable than FM.

Question 22

What is interactive radio?

Answer 22

This enables audiences to have more control on the radio station, for example, listening to pre-recorded programmes rather than live broadcast.

Question 23

What is podcasting?

Answer 23

Popularised by the ipod, these can be linked to a radio show or are standalone broadcasts.

Question 24

What are some benefits of technological advancements in the radio industry?

Answer 24

Suits people’s lifestyles (timing, location, devices)

Using new platforms and devices makes it more accessible to younger, digital native audiences.

Makes on demand listening possible.

Social media links from websites means that audiences can interact with one another (Uses and Gratifications).

Question 25

How is WH technologically convergent?

Answer 25

BBC Radio 4. BBC Sounds which is available on PCs, laptops, tablets and phones. BBC website. Apple podcasts.

Question 26

What is the slogan for BBC Sounds?

Answer 26

'Listen without limits'

Question 27

How many people played something on BBC Sounds in 2020/21?

Answer 27

There were close to 1.3 billion UK plays of radio, music and podcasts on BBC Sounds.

Question 28

How is the fact that the BBC is a PSB seen in WH?

Answer 28

Presenters (Anita Rani) Guests (‘Cancer during pregnancy, Israel Gaza war, wedding dresses’ episode - Emma talks to two women about their hope for peace in Israel, a Palestinian woman and a woman who works in Israel) Content (broad range from ‘Dating at 81’ to ‘Midwife shortages’).

Question 29

Why can WH take more risks in being part of the BBC?

Answer 29

WH can be more niche as the BBC does not rely on commercial funding.

Question 30

What is the BBC's public purpose?

Answer 30

‘To reflect, represent and serve the diverse communities of all of the United Kingdom’s nations and regions’.

Question 31

What is BBC 4's remit?

Answer 31

‘To be a mixed speech service, offering in-depth news and current affairs…’.

Question 32

What is stripping?

Answer 32

A technique used in radio and TV whereby certain programmes are broadcast at the same time every day.

Question 33

When is WH scheduled?

Answer 33

10am everyday (stripping) Omnibus on Saturday at 4pm

Question 34

What is the significance of the scheduling of WH?

Answer 34

The omnibus would appeal to working audiences as there is an understanding that they may not be able to tune in to the show at 10am due to work requirements. However, the 10am slot may also appeal to older audiences who may be retired or out of work.

Question 35

How does the BBC market their products?

Answer 35

Cross platform marketing: Other BBC radio stations and TV channels will promote other radio stations and events related to the BBC. Billboards and magazines: Each radio station has its own website which is within the umbrella website of the BBC. This allows radio stations to appeal to global audiences.

Question 36

What is Curran and Seaton's media theory?

Answer 36

The idea that media companies are driven by the logic of profit and power. This inhibits variety and creativity.

Question 37

How does WH reject Curran and Seaton's theory?

Answer 37

The BBC are a PSB so are able to be creative and make content that is more niche. WH adheres to C and S claim that socially diverse patterns of ownership help create conditions for varied and adventurous products.

Question 38

How may the BBC align with Curran and Seaton's theory?

Answer 38

The BBC also has to ensure that their product appeals to all audiences, which may take a more mainstream approach in certain aspects.

Question 39

What is Livingstone and Lunt's media theory?

Answer 39

The development of technology has made regulation harder. They make the distinction between consumers and citizens and claim they are in conflict with one another because too much protection can limit freedom.

Question 40

How do the BBC respond to Livingstone and Lunt's concern about the conflict between citizen and consumer?

Answer 40

The BBC operates both a consumer-based regulatory model, offering choice for audiences, and a citizen-based one, taking responsibility to self-regulate its content.

Question 41

How does the BBC oppose Livingstone and Lunt's claim that 'new media' is harder to regulate? Give an example.

Answer 41

The BBC has considered the access of potential audiences and regulated within the institution. For example, there were complaints about an episode in 2021 where The main issue was an accusation of bias and the hostile questioning style of presenter Emma Barnett. The BBC subsequently removed the clip of the interview from digital platforms.

Question 42

What is Young and Rubicam's theory?

Answer 42

Categorise audiences into 4 main categories - Mainstreamers, aspirers, reformers and succeeders.

Question 43

What categories would the WH audience be according to Young and Rubicam's theory?

Answer 43

Mainstreamers - the BBC is a large media conglomerate that several audiences trust. Reformers - the content reflects a need for societal change.

Question 44

What is Van Zoonen's media theory?

Answer 44

Gender stereotypes will only change if more women are seen in the media.

Question 45

How does WH link to Van Zoonen's theory?

Answer 45

There are now two female presenters who offer content from a female perspective.

Question 46

What is bell hook's media theory?

Answer 46

Women of lower class or different ethnicity are even more oppressed by patriarchy.

Question 47

How does WH link to bell hook's theory?

Answer 47

Radio 4 audiences are typically categorised as being white, middle class citizens, yet Woman’s Hour arguably challenges this through the presenter Anita Rani and their topics of conversation.

Question 48

What is Henry Jenkins media theory?

Answer 48

Fans construct their social and cultural identities through borrowing and inflecting mass culture images, and are part of a participatory culture that has a vital social dimension.

Question 49

How does WH link to Jenkin's media theory?

Answer 49

Audiences of Woman’s Hour may construct their social identities from the content that is produced - links to their reformer psychographics.

Question 50

What is Clay Shirkey's media theory?

Answer 50

Consumers now ‘speak back’ at the media as they are becoming more active than passive.

Question 51

How does WH link to Clay Shirkey's theory?

Answer 51

On the navigation bar of the WH website, there is a ‘contact us’ section where audiences can text on whatsapp, email or go to social media sites.

Question 52

What is the title of the studied episode?

Answer 52

'Milly Bobby Brown video, Tuppence Middleton on OCD, 30 years of Lush'

Question 53

What is the content of 'Milly Bobby Brown video' section of the episode?

Answer 53

Anita Rani is joined by two journalists who talk about the effect of the media on younger women in response to the video Milly made. Milly states in her video 'this isn't journalism, this is bullying' Beauty journalist quotes 'It's a really tough time to be a woman' Mention of unrealistic beauty standards inflicted on women. This empowers women. Aimed at younger part of demographic and socially conscious women.

Question 54

What is the content of the '30 years of Lush' section of the video?

Answer 54

Anita is joined by the co-founder of Lush who talks about the company and their ethical credentials.

Question 55

What does the episode 'Milly Bobby Brown video, Tuppence Middleton on OCD, 30 years of Lush' show about the content of WH?

Answer 55

There is a mix of serious and light-hearted topics to appeal to audiences. Shows the change from when Alan Ivimey was a presented and there was a focus on women in the domestic sphere.