Woman's Hour Flashcards
when was Woman’s Hour first broadcast, and on which station?
It first aired in 1946 on the BBC Light Programme and moved to BBC Radio 4 in 1973.
What was the original purpose of Woman’s Hour?
To inform and educate women about domestic topics, lifestyle issues, and current affairs.
How has the show evolved over time?
It shifted from primarily domestic topics to covering broader social, political, and cultural issues, including feminism, gender equality, and women’s rights.
What genre does Woman’s Hour belong to?
Factual magazine radio programme with a mix of interviews, discussions and features.
What is the typical format of the show?
Includes interviews, discussions on current events, and listener interaction, with regular segments on health, politics, and culture.
Who are the presenters of Woman’s Hour?
Anita Rani and Naula McGovern.
What is the primary target audience of Woman’s Hour?
Women aged 35+, but it attracts a wider demographic interested in gender-related issues.
How does Woman’s Hour represent women?
It aims for diverse and authentic representation, tackling issues like domestic violence, gender pay gap, and body image.
How does the show appeal to a modern audience?
By addressing contemporary feminist issues, featuring diverse guests, and engaging with social media.
What kind of language does Woman’s Hour use?
Formal yet accessible language with expert interviews and personal testimonies to create an informative and relatable tone.
What technical codes are used in Woman’s Hour?
Soft background music for smooth transitions. Clear audio quality for interviews. Use of clips and soundbites for context.
How does Woman’s Hour contribute to gender representation debates?
It challenges gender stereotypes by featuring women in politics, business, and culture, promoting female empowerment.
How does the show reflect changing gender politics?
It covers #MeToo, gender pay gap, and discussions on trans rights, reflecting evolving gender discourse.
Who regulates Woman’s Hour?
Ofcom regulates BBC radio content, ensuring compliance with broadcasting standards.
How is Woman’s Hour funded?
Through the BBC license fee, making it free of commercial advertising.
Who produces Woman’s Hour?
It is produced by the BBC, specifically for BBC Radio 4.
What is the significance of the BBC producing Woman’s Hour?
As a public service broadcaster, the BBC is committed to impartiality, diversity, and education, which shapes the programme’s content and tone.
How is Woman’s Hour distributed and accessed by audiences?
Live broadcast on Radio 4. Available on BBC Sounds for on-demand listening. Podcast format, making it accessible to a younger, digital-savvy audience.
What is a significant Woman’s Hour episode that sparked public debate?
The 2021 Emma Barnett interview with Zara Mohammed, the first female leader of the Muslim Council of Britain, caused controversy due to its perceived aggressive questioning.
Why was this episode controversial?
It raises issues about Islamophobia, gender representation, and the tone of journalistic questioning in feminist media spaces.
What was the landmark episode for raising awareness of gender issues?
The #MeToo special (2018), which featured interviews with survivors and activists, highlighting the impact of sexual harassment on women’s lives.
How does Stuart Hall’s Reception Theory apply to Woman’s Hour?
Preferred reading: Woman’s Hour is seen as empowering and educational, promoting gender equality. Negotiated Reading: Some listeners may agree with certain viewpoints but disagree with the show’s tone or coverage of specific issues. Oppositional reading: some may view it as biased or exclusionary, especially around sensitive issues like transgender rights.
How does Laura Mulvey’s Male Gaze theory relate to woman’s Hour?
Woman’s Hour challenges the male gaze by giving women a platform to share their experiences and perspectives, promoting female agency.
How can bell hook’s theory of intersectionality be applied to Woman’s Hour?
The show increasingly addresses intersectional issues, such as the experiences of women of colour, LGBTQ+ women, and working-class women, moving beyond white, middle class feminism.
How does Woman’s Hour engage with social media?
Twitter/X: Live-tweets key interviews and discussions. Instagram: Shares quotes, photos, and clips to attract a younger audience. BBC Sounds & Podcasts: Extends its reach beyond live radio, appealing to on-demand listeners.
What does the digital presence have on Woman’s Hour’s audience?
It makes the show more accessible and interactive, attracting a wider demographic and allowing for real-time audience feedback.
How does Woman’s Hour address feminist issues?
It covers topics like: Gender pay gap, reproductive rights, domestic violence and abuse, body positivity and beauty standards.
How does the show represent contemporary masculinity?
While focusing on women, it occasionally includes discussions on masculinity, fatherhood, and men’s mental health, contributing to broader gender discourse.
How is Woman’s Hour perceived by critics?
Praised for being progressive, informative, and empowering. Criticised at times for being out of touch with younger feminists or lacking diverse perspectives.
What influence has Woman’s Hour had on British media?
It has been a trailblazer for women-focused programming, inspiring other shows. It has shaped public debates on women’s issues by bringing them into mainstream media. Its longevity gives it cultural and historical significance.
How does Woman’s Hour appeal to both loyal and new audiences?
Loyal audiences: Consistent format, regular presenters, and familiar tone.
New audiences, Contemporary topics, online availability, and guest diversity.
What psychographic profiles does Woman’s Hour target?
Reformers: Progressive listeners interested in social justice issues.
Aspirers: Those seeking cultural enrichment and lifestyle content.
Mainstreamers: Listeners tuning in for reliable, trusted content.
How does Woman’s Hour use interactive elements to engage audiences?
Listener call-ins and personal stories.
Social Media polls and discussions. Encouraging audience participation through emails and letters.
What BBC values does Woman’s Hour reflect?
Impartiality: Balanced coverage of controversial issues.
Diversity and Inclusion: Representing a range of perspectives.
Public service ethos: Informing, educating, and entertaining the public.
How does Woman’s Hour reflect the BBC’s commitment to public service broadcasting?
Covers current affairs and social issues. Provides free access through BBC Sounds, fulfilling the BBC’s accessibility remit. Avoids advertising, maintaining editorial independence.
What role does Ofcom regulation play in Woman’s Hour?
Ensures accuracy, fairness, and impartiality. Protects against offensive or harmful content. Requires Woman’s Hour to reflect diversity and avoid discrimination.
How does Woman’s Hour reflect contemporary British society?
Discusses gender equality movements like #MeToo. Covers political issues (e.g., gender pay gap, abortion rights). Represents cultural diversity, addressing issues affecting women from various backgrounds.
How does Woman’s Hour represent British values?
Freedom of speech through open discussions. Equality and diversity by platforming underrepresented voices.
How does Gerbner’s Cultivation Theory apply to Woman’s Hour?
Regular exposure to progressive gender discussions may influence listeners’ views on feminism and equality. Reinforces norms of inclusivity and diversity through repeated themes.
How does Uses and Gratifications Theory explain Woman’s Hour appeal?
Information & education: Audiences learn about gender issues and current affairs. Personal identity: Listeners relate to shared experiences of Womanhood. Social interaction: Encourages discussion on social media and with peers.
How does Woman’s Hour reflect the citizen vs. consumer regulation debate? (Livingstone and Lunt)
As a BBC public service programme, it prioritises citizen interests over commercial gain. Ensures impartiality and sensitivity when discussing controversial issues.
How does digital distribution challenge traditional regulation models?
The podcast version of Woman’s Hour is available without time restrictions, bypassing the watershed. Content regulation becomes harder to enforce as audiences access it on-demand. Raises concerns about protecting vulnerable audiences from sensitive topics.
