Radio: Launch of Radio 1 - Tony Blackburn CSP

 Radio 

1. When was the last time you listened to anything on the radio? Do you remember which station? I remember listening to Kiss Fm.

2. Why do you not listen to the radio? It hasn't been apart of my routine.

3. Is there anything radio stations could do that would attract young people like you? They should add songs that typically would be listened to by young people.

4. Do you (or members of your family) have a subscription to any music streaming services like Spotify or Apple music? Which ones? Nope usually mainstream music is listened to on Youtube.

5. Why does the digital age (internet) mean that people do not listen to music on the radio anymore? They conventionally like listening to it on Youtube or Spotify now that the generation is more online.

 

Historical, social and cultural context

1) What radio stations were offered by the BBC before 1967? Name the radio stations and then say a little bit about what content (what was on each station).

The radio stations offered by the BBC before 1967 were The Light Programme which was light music and entertainment, The Home Service showcased News and current events,The Third Programme which was Classical music.

2) How was the BBC reorganised in September 1967? The BBC was recognised as radio networks that we still have till this day such as Radio 2, Radio 3 and Radio 4 which replaced the old light,Third and Home Service.

3) What was pirate radio and why was it popular? (Remember that the ‘pirate’ part refers to the fact that DJs had to illegally broadcast from boats) Pirate Radio was a popular Pop music Radio station back in the 1960s.

4) Why did pirate radio stop broadcasting in 1967? Pirate radio was stopped because other radio stations grew and were really popular and in August 1967 came the Marine Broadcasting Offences Act which was intended to stop pirate broadcasting.

5) How did the BBC try to attract young audiences to Radio 1 after pirate radio stations were closed down? (Think of the ‘popular’ pop music that younger people wanted to listen to) They introduced new Pop radio stations which are still listened to today. 

6) What was 'needle time' and why was it a problem for BBC Radio when they wanted to offer more music to young people? 'Needle time' was created in the United Kingdom by the Musicians' Union and Phonographic Performance Limited to restrict the amount of recorded music that could be transmitted by the BBC during any 24-hour period this was a problem for them as it meant they couldn't offer more music.

7) How did BBC Radio 1 offer different content to previous BBC radio stations? BBC Radio 1 offered different to previous BBC radio stations this was because it was an attempt to create a brand new Pop music service to replace pirate radio stations.

8) Who was the first presenter for BBC Radio 1 and why did these new Radio 1 DJs disrupt the traditional BBC? (Think about why they didn’t seem to ‘fit’ the BBC reputation in 60s) Tony Blackburn was the first presenter for BBC Radio 1 the new Radio 1 DJs disrupted the traditional BBC because it had a purpose of replacing pirate radio stations and creating a new pop music station for the younger generation.

9) Listen to excerpts from the Tony Blackburn's first 1967 broadcast - how might it have appealed to young listeners? (Think about what he talks about and what is played) this may have appealed to young listeners as he showcases each radio station in a fun manner to encourage listeners to turn on their radio stations. 

10) What things did Tony Blackburn's radio show borrow from pirate radio - which made it very different to previous BBC radio content? Tony Blackburn's radio show borrowed sounds and narrations which were typically heard of on Pirate Radio stations. 

 

Audience and industry

1) What was the target audience for BBC Radio 1 in 1967? The age group for BBC 1 Radio was people aged 15–29.

2) Why did Radio 1 initially struggle to attract young listeners? Young people rejected the idea of Radio 1 having to follow BBC Public's remit to educate young people and provide information aswell as entertainment which was unlike Pirate radio stations which had less restrictions.

3) What audience pleasures did Radio 1 offer listeners in 1967? (Use Blumler and Katz Uses and Gratifications theory - if you cannot remember this it is on your media glossary and is also on slide). Radio  1s audience pleasure was personal relationships as they wanted to be like Tony Blackburn whilst listening to him routinely as he included jokes and entertainment like Pirate Radio stations.

4) How is the BBC funded? (Clue - we, the public, pay a Licence______ fee______) The BBC was funded by taking money from listeners which still goes on today as part of a Licence fee.

5) The BBC has a remit (duty) to ‘inform, educate and entertain’. What do you think Radio 1 was trying to do to meet this remit (duty)? Is it mostly information based or educational or entertaining? They tried to provide entertainment along side having to inform listeners and educate them.