The Radio Industry

Introduction

There are THREE main areas within the radio industry. They are:– Commercial Radio– Public Service Broadcasting– Non -for- profit radio

Commercial Radio

Commercial radio stations’ income is dependant on advertising companies who buy airtime to play their adverts.

Capital FM

Capital FM is a commercial radio station that depends on funds provided by advertisement companies that pay for airtime. Capital is London’s No. 1 Hit Music Station, reaching out to over 6.9 million people every week.They will always be among the first to know about new hit music.

Public Service Broadcasting

Public Service Broadcasting is funded by the public. All of the BBC’s radio stations are funded by the licence fee they give for broadcasting television. The BBC is the main player within the Public Service Broadcasting sector. The BBC account’s for just over half of the total listening hours.

BBC Radio

• BBC Radio 1 – popular music aimed at a young audience• BBC Radio 1Xtra – hip hop, garage, RnB, drum & bass &

dancehall, aimed at a young audience• BBC Radio 2 – adult-oriented popular music• BBC Radio 3 – classical, jazz and world music, culture, drama• BBC Radio 4 – spoken-word programmes• BBC Radio 4 Extra – archive comedy, drama and children's

programming• BBC Radio 5 Live – news and sport• BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra- news and sport• BBC Radio 6 Music – rock, funk, alternative

Non-for-profit Radio

Non-for-profit Radio stations are funded by the local community and volunteers.

Funds are provided by donations given to them by local businesses and organisations.

K2K Radio

• K2K Radio is a local community radio station based in North West London.

• Aim to connect Kilburn and Kensal Rise to the world.

• The station is open to all people of all ages interested in promoting good music and good ideas.

• K2K is able to function due to funds provided by donations and non-for-profit investments.

Job Roles Within The Industry

There are many roles within the industry, however, there are some that are key to a successful radio station. They are: – Radio producer:

Creates content to include in the show and manages the entire process of production.

– Radio presenter: Creates scripts, research, be able to interview.

– Reporter:Researches stories and compiles content suitable to be broadcasted on air.

Employment In The Radio Sector

The table shows that employment rates are the highest among the ‘Radio Broadcasting’ sector

The rate of employment in the radio industry is at 100%. However, more senior roles have a lower employment rate.

Employment In The Radio Sector:Freelancing

Being a freelancer means that you are working under a contract that usually lasts one year.

Freelancing allows employees to be flexible and experience different sections within the industry before settling into one area.

Qualification Requirements

Advanced qualifications, like a degree in radio for example, aren’t always essential. However, it is expected in any other media related subject e.g. Journalism

There are specific courses available to gain basic qualifications in radio; these are looked upon highly by the mainstream industry.Work experience is regarded to be essential.

Broadcast Radio

• Broadcast is a way of sound and video being sent and transmitted live across the airwaves.

• The radio can pick up signals that were broadcast from the radio or TV station so that the general public that has a receiver can hear what has been transmitted live, meaning live on air.

Non Broadcast RadioNon-broadcast is an audio or a video that has been pre-recorded meaning something that you can play over and over again without the use of being recorded live.

There are loads of ways of using non-broadcast like Podcast and MP3s.

Non-Broadcast radio is mostly consumed through the internet. YouTube is the most common website used to display non-broadcasted content.

What makes one station better than the other?

It is hard to say that one radio station is better than another because everyone has their own personal preference.

In general, listeners prefer a good balance of music and talking/banter; a station with these elements make them seem better than others

Why is local or community radio better for a niche audience?

• Empowers citizens by providing a forum for a diversity of viewpoints and ideas.

• Promotes awareness of community-based organizations and services.

• Supports local artists, musicians, and cultural activities.

• Offers an effective instrument for community development.

• Compliments state and local educational efforts.

Which audiences prefer which stations and why?

An audience prefers a particular station because:

• It is aimed at them.• Covers their interests.• Suits their needs.

By conducting market research they’re able to know specifically what their target audience enjoys.

Personal preferenceI listen to:– Capital FM– KISS – Heart

These all appeal to me because I prefer radio with more music than talking.

The music also has to be good.