Introduction to Radio

BBC Sounds

Read this Guardian feature on the launch of BBC Sounds and answer the following questions:

1) Why does the article suggest that ‘on the face of it, BBC Radio is in rude health’?

It has half the national market, with dozens of stations reaching more than 34 million people a week. Radio 2 alone reaches 15 million listeners a week and for all the criticism of the Today programme (“editorially I think it’s in brilliant shape,” says Purnell), one in nine Britons still tune in to hear John Humphrys and his co-presenters harangue politicians every week.

The problem is that ever since the BBC was founded almost a century ago it has been based around an era of broadcasting that was designed towards a comprehensive offering: a shared listening – and then viewing – experience. But just as Netflix upended TV viewing habits, the growth of podcasts and Spotify means listeners increasingly expect their audio content to be personalised to them. Put simply, they no longer need to listen to a playlist or a schedule that does not perfectly suit their needs.

2) According to the article, what percentage of under-35s used the BBC iPlayer catch-up radio app?

Just 3% of under-35s use the iPlayer catch-up radio app, which will soon be axed.

3) What is BBC Sounds?

A new app and website that formally launches on Tuesday with a glitzy event at Tate Modern. It will bring radio live streams, catchup services, music mixes and podcasts together under one roof.

Personalised recommendations will push listeners towards content they would not necessarily have listened to – a Radio 3 documentary or a specially commissioned podcast such as the Today programme spin-off, Beyond Today, for instance. BBC radio presenters will produce music mixes – although, unlike on Spotify, listeners will not be able to skip individual tracks.

4) How do audiences listen to radio content in the digital age?

A growing number of people listen to the radio via voice assistants such as Amazon’s Alexa.

5) What does Jason Phipps suggest is important for radio and podcast content aimed at younger audiences?

There is a need to reconsider the entire tone of how the BBC tells stories, shifting away from rigid formality if it wants to attract the precious under-35 audience: “It has to be a warmer, more story-led journey. You need to report the very personal experience of it.

“The very best stories are fundamentally anchored around the personal experience. You’re trying to find the human in the machine. Journalists have a process but younger audiences can find that very cold and want to access the actual response of human beings. They really want to understand the heart of the story.”

6) Why does the BBC need to stay relevant?

Because the BBC is really important and valued by licence fee payers

Now read this review of the BBC Sounds app.

7) What content does the BBC Sounds app offer?

Music, news, drama, documentaries, true crime, comedy – if you want it in your ears, you start with the orange button. The app lets you click through to any live BBC radio station, but it also offers you other forms of listening, from podcasts to playlists. You want music to cheer you up? Here’s a big beats hip-hop playlist “to keep you moving”. You’d like to know how Rita Ora made her album? Try this short behind-the-scenes doc. How about something spooky for Halloween? Here’s a selection of drama, music and stories.

8) How does it link to BBC Radio?

The app lets you listen to any live BBC radio station

9) What are the criticisms of the BBC Sounds app?

Not enough content

No good-quality content

10) Two new podcasts were launched alongside the BBC Sounds app. What are they and why might they appeal to younger audiences?

greatbigowl.com

thenosleeppodcast.com

They are about scary topics