Radio

Question 1

What type of medium is radio?

Answer 1

a blind medium: relies solely on auditory codes

Question 2

When was WOTW released?

Answer 2

30th October 1938

Question 3

WOTW as a hybrid

Answer 3

a hybrid of radio and horror literature, adapted a H.G Wells story into a broadcast using news conventions

Question 4

Who was it directed and narrated by?

Answer 4

Orson Welles

Question 5

Media language in WOTW

Answer 5

Use of technical terminology
Use of expert opinions - scientists
Moments of silence - unusual in radio, seems less planned
Use of real locations - names slightly altered
Panic in announcers voices
‘Small atmospheric disturbance’ to begin with, gradually building up

Question 6

WOTW Context: radio

Answer 6

it was the main form of media tech in homes
direct competitor to newspapers, because it provided news immediately

Question 7

WOTW Context: newspaper reactions

Answer 7

papers sensationalised reactions to the broadcast, they relied on anecdotes, there was no actual mass death or serious injury and most people were actually listening to a rival station

Question 8

WOTW Context: WW2

Answer 8

the world was on the verge of WW2, radio was an escape: live entertainment and news

Question 9

WOTW: FCC

Answer 9

radio was regulated by the federal communications commission, received 2000 letters about WOTW
FCC decided that neither Welles or CBS needed to be punished, the broadcast broke no laws

Question 10

Application of Todorov to WOTW

Answer 10

Equilibrium - normal radio broadcast with music etc
Disruption - ‘small atmospheric disturbance’
Recognition - interruptions, finding the alien ship.
Attempt to repair - trying to shoot down the aliens - death of main reporter Carl Phillips
New equilibrium - Pierson’s survival, aliens dead by the common cold, Welles’ disclaimer at the end

Question 11

Application of Hypodermic needle to WOTW

Answer 11

passively consumed - immediately panicked and did not question, despite absurdity and disclaimers.

Question 11

Application of Gerbner to WOTW

Answer 11

Audiences were used to the disruption of music on the radio for news updates, so they believed them and did not question them.
CBS was widely trusted and reliable

Question 11

Where and when is Newsbeat broadcast?

Answer 11

Radio 1, Radio 1xtra, and Asian network at 12:45 and 5:45

Question 11

Newsbeat demographic

Answer 11

15-29 year olds

Question 11

Media language in Newsbeat

Answer 11

Use of code switching - formal and informal
Content is simplified to be more easily understood by younger audiences
Tone is very colloquial - ‘lads like me’ and ‘meme queen’
Very busy: music, interviews, background noise
Interviews with young people for relatability
Offers interactivity through social media
Very short attention catching bulletins

Question 12

What kind of media product is newsbeat?

Answer 12

Transitional media product, reflecting changes in contemporary media

Question 12

Newsbeat Context: Radio 1

Answer 12

R1 launched in 1967, was a significant change from normal BBC content as it played pop music and used American radio codes, it was targeted toward a younger demographic

Question 12

Newsbeat Context: BBC PSB

Answer 12

BBC is a public service broadcaster. It’s funded by licence fees so has no advertising

Question 12

Newsbeat Context: Remit and Regulation

Answer 12

The BBC has a remit, to inform educate and entertain
It’s regulated by ofcom, to ensure that it is posting content suitable to audiences and fulfilling the remit

Question 13

Application of Curran and Seaton to Newsbeat

Answer 13

BBC are a PSB so you could argue they are a conglomerate in control of newsbeat, but they don’t rely on getting larger audiences and advertising to make money, and they have more freedom.

Question 14

Application of Livingstone and Lunt to Newsbeat

Answer 14

Citizen based regulation
Seen as an impartial and reliable news source
Holds other groups and media to account e.g. criticising MPs.

Question 15

Application of Gerbner to Newsbeat

Answer 15

More positive news makes the audience more positive
Youth focused - they don’t want to attract people older than 29, so they make media that only applies to those people who use it to cultivate their personalities
Still discusses negative events e.g. war, cost of living etc - could lead to mean world syndrome