Radio, SCP Newsbeat + WOTW Flashcards
(23 cards)
Gerbner’s Cultivation Theory
the more time people spend ‘living’ in the television world, the more likely they are to believe social reality and TV ‘reality’ are one and the same.
Gerbner argues that watching television doesn’t cause a particular behaviour or belief, but instead over time adds up to our perception of the world around us.
The BBC Charter defines the main objective of the BBC as the promotion of six public purposes. These are:
- Sustaining citizenship and civil society
- Promoting education and learning
- Stimulating creativity and cultural excellence
- Representing the UK, its nations, regions and communities
- Bringing the UK to the world and the world to the UK
- In promoting its other purposes, helping to deliver to the public the benefit of emerging communications technologies and services and, in addition, taking a leading role in the switchover to digital television.
The History of the BBC
The BBC started daily radio broadcasts on November 14, 1922. In 1927, it became a public corporation led by John Reith. At that time, TV was just starting to be developed.
What is Public Service Broadcasting (PSB), and how is the BBC funded?
PSB is broadcasting made for the public, funded and controlled by the public—not by the government or advertisers.
The BBC is a PSB, mainly funded by a yearly TV licence fee paid by UK households and organisations that watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer.
TV licence in the UK
A TV licence costs £157.50. You need one if you watch or record live TV on any channel, or use BBC iPlayer (live, catch-up, or on demand). This applies to any device—TV, phone, computer, tablet, game console, etc.
What is a hypothecated tax, and how does it relate to the BBC?
A hypothecated tax is money collected for a specific purpose.
The TV licence fee is an example of a hypothecated tax as it can only be used to fund the BBC.
The BBC and earning extra money:
As the BBC gets its money from TV licences, it does not take money from companies or shareholders, so it does not have to do what they want. but, it is not allowed to broadcast advertising commercials in the middle of a programme.
So the BBC makes extra money in several ways including selling their programmes to broadcasters in other countries.
Who was John Reith, and what did he do for the BBC?
John Reith (1889-1971) was the founder of the BBC. He was the first general manager when it started in 1922 and became its first director general in 1927. He established they key principles for public service broadcasting in Britain.
What was the BBC’s original purpose, and what is its motto?
Lord Reith summed up the BBC’s purpose “to inform, educate, entertain,” which is still part of its mission today. Its motto, “Nation Shall Speak Peace Unto Nation,” was adopted in 1927 and reflected the BBC’s ambition to bring people together through broadcasting.
What is Newsbeat?
Newsbeat is a BBC News product that has radio bulletins broadcast on BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 1 Xtra and BBC Asian Network
Changes in audiences:
Why are young people watching less BBC, and how does this affect the BBC’s audience?
Young people are watching less BBC TV, with the average age of BBC1 viewers now 61. However, 91% of 16-34-year-olds still access BBC content in other ways, like online. Despite this, BBC TV’s share of young viewers has dropped to 66%. Digital platforms are now the main source of news for younger audiences.
how does Newsbeat adapt to modern media trends?
it’s a traditional radio programme but also available online after broadcast. It’s a multi-platform product with a website and social media presence on platforms like Twitter and Facebook, reflecting the shift to digital and social media. (therefore Newsbeat is a transitional media product/reflects changes in the contemporary media landscape)
Bulletin definition=
A short, official statement or broadcast summary of news
News values definition =
The criteria which influence the selection and presentation of events published as news; deciding what makes a story ‘newsworthy’.
Who is newsbeats current editor, and what are they responsible for?
Danielle Dwyer is the current editor of Newsbeat and is responsible for all its output across BBC Radio 1, 1Xtra, BBC iPlayer and online.
How does Newsbeat adjust its style of talking/language to appeal to young listeners?
Presenters on Newsbeat are told to use simple, plain language and speak as if talking to a friend. The focus is on clear communication, avoiding complex words to make the news accessible without “dumbing it down.”
Appyling Gerbner’s Cultivation theory to Newsbeat
Gerbner’s Cultivation theory would suggest the BBC could be accused of utilising these multiple platforms to influence the dominant ideologies of society by perpetuating stereotypes in its reporting from crime to immigration.
How does the BBC influence society, and why is it important to remain impartial?
The BBC, as the national broadcaster, has massive influence through its multiple platforms, including TV channels, radio stations, websites, and social media. What the BBC chooses to report on (e.g., crime or immigration) affects public discussion and shapes society’s dominant ideology. Following Reithian values (“inform, educate, entertain”), the BBC must remain unbiased and impartial due to its significant power in shaping public opinion.
Ideology definition
A system of ideas, ideals and beliefs, that an individual, group or society holds to be true or important; these are often shared by a culture or society.
The 1938 War of the Worlds radio broadcast
The War of the Worlds aired on October 30, 1938, as a Halloween episode of The Mercury Theatre on the Air on CBS radio. About 6 million people listened, and it was rumored that over 1 million were frightened/disturbed, believing the fictional alien invasion was real.
WOTW’s form
It’s an early example of a hybrid radio form, adapting H.G. Wells’ story using news and documentary-style reporting. This realistic format made the fictional alien invasion seem real, causing panic among some listeners and showing the powerful influence of media.
Why is WOTW’s historically significant?
The broadcast is a historically significant example of mass media appearing to have a direct effect on audience behaviour. The realistic news-style format caused panic in some listeners, supporting early media theories like the Hypodermic Needle Model.
The academic research carried out into the broadcast (and the ongoing dispute about the extent of the effect) provided some of the early media audience research and the findings have been extremely influential in the media, advertising and political campaigning.
=======================
Research into the broadcast—and debates about how many were actually affected—was some of the earliest media audience research. It has had a lasting influence on media studies, advertising, and political campaigning by showing how media can shape audience behaviour.
