Investigating the audiences profile on BBC Radio 4 - UNIT 14

BBC Radio 4.

BBC Radio 4 started to air during September 1967. BBC Radio 4 is owned by BBC. It is funded by the TV licences. The purpose of BBC Radio 4 is speech. It covers a range of different programmes from the wittiest comedy to the most compelling dramas in the UK. 

Audience Profile.

• Demographics 
• Age - The overall age for BBC Radio 4 is for 55 and older. This is because there are programmes that interest that age group. 
• Gender - Both genders listen to BBC Radio 4, however shown on the BBC statistics, it is shown that 49% are males and 51% are female listeners. Some shows can be appealing to specific genders. For example, the programme "Womans hour". This is more targeted for women rather than the men. This shows that some programmes are targeted for specific genders.  
• Nationality - There is a mix of different programmes that fit everyone's nationality. However, we know that BBC Radio 4 is a British national radio station. An example of this is the programme "shipping forecast". This is a programme that shows the latest weather reports and forecasts for the UK. 
• Religion - There is a mix of different programmes that fit everyone's religion. However, in this case, there is a programme of "prayers of the day". This programme is a virtual prayer which is spoken by Bishop David Walker. 
• Ethnicity - There is a mix of different programmes that fit everyone's ethnicity. This can range from all backgrounds.  
• Lifestyle - The audience that consume this type of radio have a lifestyle of being quite sensible. They do endless travelling and visiting a variety of places. 
• Spending power - When looking at the spending power of BBC Radio 4, we can see that the audience is 55 and older. We can see that they have better income as they are ABC1. This means that the audience that are listening are working high degree and demanding jobs. 
• Listening figures - Below is the listening figures on BBC Radio 4:

Structure of a day's schedule of BBC Radio 4

Early/Late

Here we can see that the demographic that this is shown for is the younger generation. This is because they are either travelling to school or coming home from school. This means that the demographic that BBC is trying to present it for is the younger generation. 

At the beginning of the day, BBC 4 Radio has a clear structure of how they present their shows. They present programmes that gives information and news during the early hours in the morning. The overall duration of these programmes is up to 2 to 4 minutes. This is because the presenters are trying to be direct and go straight to the point. For example, the shows "Shipping forecasts" and "midnight news". They provide information for the audiences, so that they can prepare for the day. This is the same for the early and late parts of the day as the timings are the same to each other. 

Morning.

Here we can see that the demographic that this is shown for is the females. This is because they are either travelling to work and listen to women's hour or they stay and work from home. 

After the early morning, BBC Radio 4 start to present shows that are less direct and attracting some audiences. For example, the programmes that are shown are "Womens hour" and "Crossing continents". These are good examples of how BBC 4 Radio lower down and start to show more programmes that are appealing to some more audiences. Furthermore, these shows also start to increase in duration. These shows range from 15 - 30 minutes. 

Afternoon.

Here we can see that the demographic that this is shown for is the nationality. This is because they are home and would like to watch something that is a bit more lively. This allows BBC to put on something more appealing to the audiences. 

During the afternoon, BBC Radio 4 continue to showcase more and more shows that start attracting various audiences. These audiences are a lot more diverse and bigger as more shows are being presented. For example, shows such as "McLevy" and "Open country" open audiences' interest in BBC Radio 4. The durations of these shows are the same as the shows that are shown in the morning. This is because there are a lot more programmes available, leading to various audiences being able to continue to listen to their favourite show on BBC Radio 4. 

Evening.

Here we can see that the demographic that this is shown for is the older generation. This is because they have just finished work and would like to listen to something a bit more upbeat and comforting. 

During the evening, we can see that the schedule is starting to slow down on the momentum of shows that it is going to present. Instead, there are shows such as "In our time" that start to show that the aim of BBC Radio 4 is to bring a taste of reality back into the schedule. One reason that they have done this is to allow the audience to catch up on what they have missed throughout the day. Furthermore, the duration of these shows is 15 - 30 minutes. They remain the same duration as the ones in the afternoon.

THIS PIECE OF COURSEWORK IS FOR UNIT 14 

Types of radio operation - UNIT 14

Radio Industry operations	Definition	Examples of stations	Ethos and purpose	Funding/ Revenue Streams	Typical content	Reach/ Size
National commercial	This a type of radio station that is broadcast across the country that advertise different products and companies	Classic FM Magic network LBC  Virgin Radio	“Commercial radio provides brands with a way to speak to millions of people via a medium they trust.”	They are funded by sponsorships or they are funded by advertisers.	They aire radio and television advertisements.	Classic FM - Reach: 4467 We can see that overall national commercial radio is big that broadcasts over the country. For example Classic FM has a reach of 4467.
Public	This is a radio station that is broadcast nationally and is funded by the public. This is where the audience can talk back with the presenter. This is known as a feature of “talk back radio”.	London's heart  BBC radio  KISS (London)	“act in the public interest, serving all audiences through the provision of impartial, high-quality and distinctive output and services which inform, educate and entertain”.	They are funded by television licence fees and commercial activities.	They produce public affairs shows, television documentaries and educational programmes.	London's heart -  Reach: 7773 Overall we can see that public radio is popular and is big nationally. For example London’s heart has a reach of 7773.
Regional	This is where the radio covers only a certain area of the country discussing specific content.	Wireless group  Celador radio Lincs FM group	“serving as a reliable source of news, information, and entertainment. “	They are funded by the public. For example they are funded by grants or lottery funding.	Local voices discussing a variety of topics such as education, health and politics.	Lincs FM -  Reach: 164  Overall we can see that regional radio has a small reach. This is shown as Lincs FM is regional radio and is quite small compared to London’s heart.
Community	Community radio stations typically cover a small area with a coverage radius and are run on a not-for-profit basis	10 radio  3TFM ABC FM	“to express their thoughts in their own voice and their own style.”	They are funded by the government.	They carry news and provide information that is geared towards the community.	3TFM -  Size: Covers 3 towns  From looking at the 3TFM reach we can see that it is quite big. Evidence to support this is Ofcom statistics.
Internet	Radio that is shown on the internet.	talkSPORT Smooth radio  Gold Radio	“provide listeners with a continuous stream of audio that cannot be paused or replayed”	They are funded by advertising and sponsorship.	They offer news, sports, talk and music.	Smooth radio -  Reach:562 Although we can see that internet radio is radio shown globally we can see that the reach is relatively small.
Non-Profit	This is where the radio is being broadcasted around the country but does not earn any profits.	Desi radio  Radio Faza 97.1 FM	“cater for whole communities or for different areas of interest”	They are funded by the public. For example they are funded by grants or charities.	They offer news, information and discussion.	Radio Faza 97. 1 FM -  Size: Nottingham  Here we can see that non-profit radio has a big reach.

THIS PIECE OF COURSEWORK IS FOR UNIT 14.