Newsbeat is an example of a transitional media product which reflects changes in the contemporary media landscape. Newsbeat is both a traditional radio programme with regular, scheduled broadcast times, but it is also available online after broadcast. The broadcast itself and the use of digital platforms provides opportunities for audience interaction. Newsbeat also exemplifies the challenges facing the BBC as a public service broadcaster that needs to appeal to a youth audience within a competitive media
landscape.

Newsbeat has a duration of 15 mins, this emphasises the target demographic as young people may have a shorter attention span.

Takes an informal approach to a stereotypically formal programme.

Uses social media in order to connect with their audience.

Industries:

• Newsbeat as a BBC News product with bulletins are broadcasted on BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 1 Xtra and BBC Asian
Network
• The funding of BBC Radio through the license fee, concept of hypothecated tax
• Issues around the role of a public service broadcaster within a competitive, contemporary media landscape
• The distinctive nature of the programme connected to its public service remit
• Arguments on the need for addressing a youth audience already catered for commercially
• The influence of new technology on media industries – Newsbeat as multi–platform media product. e.g. Website,
Twitter or Instagram
• The regulation of the BBC via Ofcom and the governance of the BBC

Audience:

• The techniques the broadcast uses to target a youth audience and create audience appeal. e.g. Presentation style, News values, Content selection.
• 84% are 12 – 15 ages
• The opportunities for audience interaction, participation and self-representation
• The way external factors – such as demographics and psychographics – are likely to also affect audience response and
• produce differing interpretations
• Cultivation theory including Gerbner
• Reception theory including Hall

Social and Cultural contexts:

• Newsbeat is part of BBC News. The BBC has a unique place in society as the ‘national’ broadcaster with an expectation of
impartial reporting of the news. There is an expectation that the BBC will be a reliable source of accurate reporting in the
context of rising concerns about fake-news.
• The BBC is at the heart of political arguments regarding its social role, the content of its programming and the fact that it
offers competition for commercial media industries.
• Traditional news providers (Radio, TV and Newspapers) are in competition with a host of digital websites and social media
platforms who have become the primary providers of news for many, especially young people.

Possible questions Newsbeat:

How does Newsbeat challenge the social and cultural contexts in which it’s made

How is the BBC regulated

How does Newsbeat appeal to a younger audience

AUDIENCE:

2-step flow model Lazarfeld

Uses and Gratifications Haas, Katz and Gurevitch 1973 personal social needs.

INSTITUTION

David Hesmondalgh

John Reith established the tradition of independent public service broadcasting in UK

84% of viewers are 12-15

the Ethos of the BBC is to inform, entertain and educate.

Theodor Adorno explained that Leisure time should be used productively instead of recreational entertainment. This exhibits the idea of Populism and paternalism.

Habermas, transformation of the public sphere.

Jean Seaton- theory of public service broadcasting

Peacock report- Richard Collins 2009

The Royal charter and mid term reviews, regulation.

In the essay I will argue that the rule of Mrs Thatcher sparked the deterioration of the relationship between the state, public service broadcasters and the public. This transformed the public sphere.