LO1 Task 1: Investigation of the radio industry

LO1 Task 1: Investigation of the radio industry

Kerrang is a specialist rock music radio station owed by Bauer Radio, it broadcasts to London on DAB and across the uk on freeview and various online platforms. As part of the larger conglomerate structure of Bauer media, Kerrang also has several sister stations including: Absolute Radio, Heat Radio, Kiss and Magic FM. First aired in 2002 Kerang provides "Everything that rocks" to 15 - 35 age range, with majority male listernship and 50% ABC1 profile. This radio station predominately broadcasts soley music programs.

In comparsin stations such as HallamFm target a local/ regional audience. With the station reaching South Yorkshire and North Midlands via DAB, whilst also being able to be accessed on line via "listen live". Similar to Kerrang, Hallam Fm is part of the larger conglomerate Bauer media and Bauer radio. However, unlike Kerrang, this station follows the format of a contemporary hit radio and therefor targets a majority female audiance (54/46%) and older age demographic of 25-45.

Another example of a local community radio would be Sheffield Live. Owned by Commedia Sheffield and launched in 2003 Sheffield Live provides a variety of radio shows including talk, sport, news, and lifestyle shows. Unlike the previous two this station is a community radio show, meaning its broadcast to local area (Sheffield, Doncaster, Rotherham) covering local issues.

Due to these radio shows not being part of a public service provider conglomerate such as the BBC and there stations such as BBC Radio 1, 1extra and 2 etc, they are heavily dependent on running adverts in order to form revenue streams to fund the show. It is common place for radio shows to frequently interlude the music and talk sections with adverts. Smaller local radio stations such as Sheffield live would likely advertise smaller local businesses and events due to them not having the bigger reach of larger national radio stations, whilst also allowing advertisers to target a smaller, more specific demographic. Whereas stations such as Capital and Kiss may be seen to advertise large scale company's, one such as example would be food chains such as Mcdonalds which appeals best to the younger audience of capital fm.

Using the PPT’s attached and your knowledge of media ownership and audiences,  explain and compare how each radio station operates based on who their target audience is:

1.       Kerrang FM (Commercial, national)

2.       Hallam FM ( local, regional)

3.       Sheffield Live ( community, local)

4.       Internet (e.g. streaming)

5.       non-profit (e.g. University, College, School)

6.       Public ( BBC radio)

Include how each one is different in regards to the types of programmes broadcasted:

Talk/music

Sport

Current events

Lifestyle

Dramatisations