Distinction Theory Questions (ASDA FM BBC R1)
Question 1:
a) What is the purpose of in-store radio?
In-store radio is doing what I can see as two basic things, whilst creating a friendly music atmosphere it's also using this chance to promote deals, items and stuff in their stores. It's an easy way to make listeners and store customers to get information without them having to go around the store looking for deals (or looking for flyers). They also have made a huge Net Profit since it has been in use, meaning it probably works on a sub-concious level as well.
b) Who are the target audience of ASDA FM?
The target audience of ASDA radio is extremely large, the music choice is extremely mainstream - which means they will be able to play music for all ranges of customers. They play one song, followed by a line-up of adverts. The adverts are aimed at anyone (depending on what merchandise they're selling) for example, one advert might be for "duck-breast" and one might be for a "new Power-ranger toy". This means that they target anyone from home-owners and mothers, father to little children themselves.
c) What type (genre, style, era) of music do ASDA FM play?
ASDA FM mainly sticks to present day main-stream pop... It's an easy category as the songs are usually upbeat and happy sounding. It also means that its a safe genre to pick, as it is acceptable for all ages to hear it (from toddlers shopping to elderly people).
d) How well do you think that the Radio station reaches out to the target audience/actual audience through the music played?
I think although the music may appeal to a large majority of the population it's not a great idea to have too much music on that specific radio station. Many people's tastes differentiate, I don't think many of their songs will appeal to adult/elderly shoppers and more likely deter them. However, if they're trying to get a younger audience to shop with them, then its most likely to work.
Question 2:
Radio 1: How effective is the station at serving the target audience of 15-29 year olds through the stations music programming?
Radio 1: How effective is the station at serving the target audience of 15-29 year olds through the stations music programming?
BBC Radio 1, one of the most popular Radio stations in the United Kingdom for ages 15-29. Does this mean they're targeting their audience correctly?
Throughout the news recently Radio 1 has been focused on lowering the target demographic, and to make sure they're correctly targeting the "teen culture". From what I can see from the line-up on the stations website 'http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/programmes/schedules/england/2013/06/01'. The radio has a basic structure which the use which brings their users in.
I especially listened to late-night Radio as from primary research on my friends, that's when they we're most likely to tune in to. I also did secondary research on the rest of the shows time-table. Each day on the show it's split into 4 parts: Early/Late (1:00-5:00) Morning (7:00-10:00) Afternoon (13:00-16:00) Evening (19:00-23:00)
Each part, is specifically used to grab the most attention from the audience, for example, throughout the morning-afternoon, there is more talking, more mainstream music. Comparing to evening when there is less talking, and a lot of music choice, it differs from the day and really tries to hit the teenage night-life culture.
During the morning show the station aims to deliver an easy start to the day, it briefs you with easy to listen to music, upbeat conversation and the news. No on in their right mind in the morning listen's to hard-core clubmix music. However, do not confuse this with BBC Radio 4, the mix is just about perfect with music, humorous conversation and relevant news that it keeps the younger population interested. Afternoon is usually fairly similar to mornings, possibly without a little more music.
Getting into evening/night Radio 1 changes over into more like a dj-station, with a lot of music mixes, especially club and latenight electro/dubstep/drum and bass music.
Throughout the news recently Radio 1 has been focused on lowering the target demographic, and to make sure they're correctly targeting the "teen culture". From what I can see from the line-up on the stations website 'http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/programmes/schedules/england/2013/06/01'. The radio has a basic structure which the use which brings their users in.
I especially listened to late-night Radio as from primary research on my friends, that's when they we're most likely to tune in to. I also did secondary research on the rest of the shows time-table. Each day on the show it's split into 4 parts: Early/Late (1:00-5:00) Morning (7:00-10:00) Afternoon (13:00-16:00) Evening (19:00-23:00)
Each part, is specifically used to grab the most attention from the audience, for example, throughout the morning-afternoon, there is more talking, more mainstream music. Comparing to evening when there is less talking, and a lot of music choice, it differs from the day and really tries to hit the teenage night-life culture.
During the morning show the station aims to deliver an easy start to the day, it briefs you with easy to listen to music, upbeat conversation and the news. No on in their right mind in the morning listen's to hard-core clubmix music. However, do not confuse this with BBC Radio 4, the mix is just about perfect with music, humorous conversation and relevant news that it keeps the younger population interested. Afternoon is usually fairly similar to mornings, possibly without a little more music.
Getting into evening/night Radio 1 changes over into more like a dj-station, with a lot of music mixes, especially club and latenight electro/dubstep/drum and bass music.
