WOMANS HOUR Flashcards
How is the show scheduled?
Stripped - broadcast live at the same time, on the same days, on the same channel.
BBC Radio 4 10am every weekday, with the Omnibus on a Saturday at 4.
This attracts audiences whop associate programmes with parts of their day.
Live broadcasting on the radio
Despite being less popular, the BBC has kept up with the technological change from analogue to digital radio so the show can still be accessed on the radio.
This attracts older/more traditional audiences who have radios/wish to listen live.
Social media accounts
Woman hour has social media accounts on Instagram, Facebook and X all under the same name (@bbcwomanshour) making it easy to find for audiences.
Small clips of the show are often added - so listeners can share/comment their opinions on episodes.
This might also attract a younger audience who are more avid users of social media.
On the accounts, the hashtag womanshour is used, encouraging audience interaction.
Digital convergence
On BBC sounds, audiences can catch up on any episode or listen live on any device.
BBC Sounds slogan ‘listen without limits’ reflects the idea that the app is accessible, free and can be used at any time.
This accommodates towards the modern working woman and modern technology.
Also encourages a younger audience less likely to listen to the radio live. Reported in 2021 that 900,000 more BBC Sounds accounts were created by people between the ages of 16-34.
Woman’s hour podcast
Episodes are available on the Woman’s Hour website, where audiences can subscribed and get notified when a new episode releases.
These podcasts are also available on streaming platforms such as Spotify, encouraging a wider, global audience.
Interactivity
On the Woman’s Hour website, audiences can apply to join in on discussions live on air. Alternatively, they can send comments on social media which might be aired in the show .
Uses and gratifications theory and technology.
Through social media and the opportunity to discuss topics live on air - audiences are socially interacting about the show, which is why it appeals to them.
Hesmondhalg’s cultural industries theory and technology.
Through making Woman’s Hour technologically converged, it means audiences can be maximised through it being accessible on a variety of platforms.
Shirky’s active audiences theory and technology/audiences.
Woman’s hour offering the interactive features into their show reflects audiences desire to be active within media products they consume - they are able to be part of the media product.
How does the host Emma Barnett generate an audience?
An experienced broadcaster and journalist - especially for the BBC as she previously did the BBC radio 5 late morning show. She also does an Agony Aunt column in The Sunday Times meaning she is unafraid to cover potentially taboo or controversial topics whilst being open and honest.
How does the host Anita Rani generate an audience?
She is an established TV presenter, specifically to the BBC (as she was a presenter on Countryfile). Her Indian ethnicity and her celebration of this beings diveristy to the show too - more people can personally identify with her.
How does having two female hosts generate an audience?
This change from a male presenter (Alan Ivimey - 1946) to two female presenters not only makes the show more relatable and less patronising, but also aligns with the rise of feminism.
How is the show not subjectively female?
Although feminine topics such as IVF and women’s sexual heath are female centric, more gender neutral topics are discussed too. For example, racism in the music industry with pop star Leigh Anne Pinnock. Men might be interested to hear the female perspective on the sorts of topics.
How does the shoe fulfil expectations of the BBC?
It entertains - through the hosts interaction with guests/audiences themselves. It informs and educated through more serious topics such as abuse in the gymnastics industry. It fulfils the BBC’s remit which is attractive to audiences. It also fulfils BBC Radio 4’s remit due to it being a magazine style chat show.
How does interactivity generate an audience?
The hosts hold a direct mode of address, encouraging audiences to WhatsApp, call in or comment on social media. This makes audiences feel they are part of the show, and that their voice can be heard.
How are the topics discussed on woman’s hour appealing?
There are a mix of lighthearted and serious topics. For example, the abuse of olympic gymnasts or racism in the music industry is counteracted by more positive topics such as the black book festival.
For those who enjoy the more taboo aspects of the show, a spin off show - late night woman’s hour was made - which airs at 10pm, post watershed, meaning ore explicit content can be discussed.
What is a public service broadcaster?
It must broadcast programmes which serve public interest, rather than commercial interests. This means that instead of being funded by adverts, it is funded by a license fee (The UK TV license)
What/why does the BBC have a remit?
To ensure it serves public interest.
‘To inform, educate and entertain’. All broadcasts aim to serve this mission statement.
How is the BBC intergrated?
Vertically, it owns companies which do other parts of the production process.
EG radio and TV.
What are the pros and cons of vertical intigration?
Pros:
- Beats competitors
- More control over the company
- Keeps costs low
Cons:
- Fewer opportunities to make change in the production process.
How is WH regulated?
By Ofcom, who ensure no explicit/offensive content is broadcast, alongside adhering to complaints.
EG Audiences complained to Ofcom about Barnett’s potentially Islamaphobic comment on WH in 2021.
What is BBC Radio 4’s remit?
A mixed speech service, with in depth news and other speech eg drama/comedy/factual/magazine programmes.
How is WH a low cost show to produce?
It only requires a studio and hosts.
How does the BBC/WH go against Hesmondhalgh’s cultural industries theory?
Their aim isn’t to maximise profit and minimise risk - the BBC can afford to make niche/risky content as they do not rely on advertising revenue.
