Woman's Hour Flashcards
Two episodes studied
11/12/23 - Cancer during pregnancy, Israel Gaza war, wedding dresses.
09/01/24 - Midwife shortages, dating at 81, Jackie Mag anniversary.
When was the first episode of WH broadcast?
October 1946
Who originally presented WH and why?
Alan Ivimey
Men predominately dominated the media during this time period.
Why were earlier episodes thought to be patronising for some women?
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.
How has WH evolved overtime?
The programme has evolved to cover hard-hitting topics including abortion, domestic violence and equal pay, alongside lighter elements.
What is the audiences profile of WH?
Age - 35+
Demographic - ABC1, educated and professional, socially conscious.
Gender - predominantly aimed at women, topics are seen from a female perspective.
Who are the current presenters of WH?
Nuala McGovern
Anita Rani
What has Nuala McGovern done in her career that is significant to WH?
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.
What has Anita Rani done in her career that is significant to WH?
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.
Why is the choice of Anita Rani as a presenter significant to the role of the BBC?
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 of all of the United Kingdom’s nations and regions’.
Example of stories on current affairs and politics?
‘Israel Gaza War’ (2023)
‘Afghan government rebel over women’s rights’ (2025)
How do stories on current affairs and politics link to WH audience?
Links to the audience’s interest in social justice and gender equality.
Also, resonates with educated listeners.
Example of stories on feminism and social justice?
‘Employment Rights Bill’ (2025)
‘Women in counter terrorism policy’ (2025)
How do stories on feminism and social justice link to WH audience?
Aligns with the show’s commitment to challenge the stereotypes made about women.
Aimed at their predominantly female audience.
Examples of stories on health and well-being?
‘Cancer during pregnancy’ (2023)
‘Breast Cancer study’ (2025)
How do the stories on health and well-being link to WH audience?
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.
Examples of stories on workplace and career?
‘Employment Rights Bill’ (2025)
‘Business woman Sara Davies’ (2025).
How do the stories on workplace and career link to WH audience?
This is empowering and motivating for female audiences, especially seeing as they may be working women (omnibus on Saturday 4pm reflects this).
Examples of stories about personal stories and empowerment?
‘Dating at 81’ (2024)
‘Overcoming domestic violence’
How does the content on personal stories and empowerment link to WH audience?
Highlights how women are able to overcome adversity.
How many people in the UK, according to RAJAR figures, tuned into the radio every week in 2024?
87%
72% consume digitally
27% consume online
How is the BBC Sounds significant to radio?
BBC Sounds shows the changes in patterns of consumerism as people are able to now listen on the go whenever they want.
How does the BBC Sounds and WH reflect cultural changes for women?
Women may now be in work rather than adhering to the 10am slot everyday.
They can therefore catch up online.
What is FM radio?
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.
What is DAB radio?
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.
What is interactive radio?
This enables audiences to have more control on the radio station, for example, listening to pre-recorded programmes rather than live broadcast.
What is podcasting?
Popularised by the ipod, these can be linked to a radio show or are standalone broadcasts.
What are some benefits of technological advancements in the radio industry?
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).
How is WH technologically convergent?
BBC Radio 4.
BBC Sounds which is available on PCs, laptops, tablets and phones.
BBC website.
Apple podcasts.
What is the slogan for BBC Sounds?
‘Listen without limits’
How many people played something on BBC Sounds in 2020/21?
There were close to 1.3 billion UK plays of radio, music and podcasts on BBC Sounds.
How is the fact that the BBC is a PSB seen in WH?
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’).
Why can WH take more risks in being part of the BBC?
WH can be more niche as the BBC does not rely on commercial funding.
What is the BBC’s public purpose?
‘To reflect, represent and serve the diverse communities of all of the United Kingdom’s nations and regions’.
What is BBC 4’s remit?
‘To be a mixed speech service, offering in-depth news and current affairs…’.
What is stripping?
A technique used in radio and TV whereby certain programmes are broadcast at the same time every day.
When is WH scheduled?
10am everyday (stripping)
Omnibus on Saturday at 4pm
What is the significance of the scheduling of WH?
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.
How does the BBC market their products?
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.
What is Curran and Seaton’s media theory?
The idea that media companies are driven by the logic of profit and power. This inhibits variety and creativity.
How does WH reject Curran and Seaton’s theory?
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.
How may the BBC align with Curran and Seaton’s theory?
The BBC also has to ensure that their product appeals to all audiences, which may take a more mainstream approach in certain aspects.
What is Livingstone and Lunt’s media theory?
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.
How do the BBC respond to Livingstone and Lunt’s concern about the conflict between citizen and consumer?
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.
How does the BBC oppose Livingstone and Lunt’s claim that ‘new media’ is harder to regulate? Give an example.
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.
What is Young and Rubicam’s theory?
Categorise audiences into 4 main categories - Mainstreamers, aspirers, reformers and succeeders.
What categories would the WH audience be according to Young and Rubicam’s theory?
Mainstreamers - the BBC is a large media conglomerate that several audiences trust.
Reformers - the content reflects a need for societal change.
What is Van Zoonen’s media theory?
Gender stereotypes will only change if more women are seen in the media.
How does WH link to Van Zoonen’s theory?
There are now two female presenters who offer content from a female perspective.
What is bell hook’s media theory?
Women of lower class or different ethnicity are even more oppressed by patriarchy.
How does WH link to bell hook’s theory?
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.
What is Henry Jenkins media theory?
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.
How does WH link to Jenkin’s media theory?
Audiences of Woman’s Hour may construct their social identities from the content that is produced - links to their reformer psychographics.
What is Clay Shirkey’s media theory?
Consumers now ‘speak back’ at the media as they are becoming more active than passive.
How does WH link to Clay Shirkey’s theory?
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.
