Woman's Hour Flashcards
(28 cards)
What type of programme is BBC Woman’s Hour?
A daily magazine-style radio show on BBC Radio 4, focusing on issues relevant to women.
When did Woman’s Hour begin, and what was its original purpose?
Launched in 1946 to entertain housewives during chores and reduce daytime boredom.
Who originally presented Woman’s Hour, and why?
A male presenter—reflecting the fact that men typically controlled media production at the time.
What does the 10am weekday slot suggest about its target audience?
Traditionally aimed at older or wealthier women at home during the day, such as retirees.
What does the Saturday omnibus show reflect?
Changing audience habits, acknowledging that many women now work weekdays and may catch up on weekends.
How has Woman’s Hour adapted to modern audiences?
It’s available online via BBC Sounds, the website, and app to reach digital and global listeners.
Why can the BBC afford to make niche programmes like Woman’s Hour?
It’s a public service broadcaster funded by the license fee, not needing to chase large mainstream audiences.
What is the BBC’s public service remit?
To “inform, educate and entertain.”
How does Woman’s Hour reflect the BBC’s remit?
It is both informative and entertaining, blending chat, humor, and serious discussion to educate and engage audiences.
How does the tone of Woman’s Hour appeal to listeners?
The chat-based, conversational style with jokes and laughter helps make serious topics more accessible and enjoyable.
Why is Woman’s Hour relatively safe from budget cuts?
It is a low-cost radio show compared to large-scale TV productions.
How does presenter Anita Rani contribute to the BBC’s diversity goals?
As a woman of South Asian heritage, her role supports the BBC’s aim to reflect ethnic diversity in programming.
What does having two female presenters suggest about the BBC’s approach?
It reflects a modern, progressive stance in media production and increased representation of women.
What social issues does Woman’s Hour often reflect?
Feminism, #MeToo, gender pay gaps, and wider issues around ethnicity, disability, sexuality, and representation.
Why might many female listeners relate to Woman’s Hour content?
It discusses real-life experiences, often covering topics traditionally seen as taboo or underrepresented.
What age group does Woman’s Hour primarily target?
Women aged around 35–54, with content tailored to their life experiences and interests.
How does the BBC engage younger or different segments of the target audience?
With interactive content on social media and through spin-offs like Late Night Woman’s Hour.
Why do some people criticise Woman’s Hour?
Some men view it as sexist for focusing on women’s issues, and some women feel it still centres too much on outdated domestic topics.
Who regulates radio in the UK?
Ofcom
Why is the 10am timeslot important for regulation?
It’s a pre-watershed slot, so content must remain reasonably safe and suitable for daytime audiences.
What’s the purpose of Late Night Woman’s Hour?
To cover more adult or controversial content for slightly younger women (aged 35–55) in a post-watershed slot.
What challenge does radio face with younger audiences?
Radio listenership is declining among younger people, who often prefer other digital platforms and media formats.
What is the typical age of Woman’s Hour’s main audience?
55+, with many listeners over 65.
Why was Late Night Woman’s Hour created?
To broaden the audience by attracting slightly younger women aged 40–49, using a familiar brand.
