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.
a transitional media product which reflects changes in the contemporary media landscape
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
MEDIA INDUSTRIES
Newsbeat as a BBC News product with bulletins are broadcast 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. eg
Website
Twitter
Instagram
The regulation of the BBC via Ofcom and the governance of the BBC
The BBC are the largest public service broadcasting cooperation in the UK, their ethos is to: “provide impartial, high-quality and distinctive output and services which inform, educate and entertain”
Newsbeat seems to be a multi-media product which can be accessed on the newsbeat website, this includes audio clips from newsbeat broadcasts on the radio, images and articles.
Newsbeat follows quite a simple structure, using simple dialogue that is easy to grasp and understand for its younger demographic.
The news is framed through ‘sound-bites’ whilst a presenter steers the stories. The use of an informal tone, quick overviews, upbeat links, and audience participation.
“Presenters and reporters on Newsbeat have been told to steer clear of polysyllabic words and address listeners as if they were talking to a friend, the programme’s editor has revealed.”
In 2016, Newsbeat moved from having its own separate app and website to being a part of the BBC News webpage. This was because research showed that those aged 16-25 were engaging with BBC News already.
Newsbeat is a radio programme produced by the BBC, it was created in 1973 (51 years after the BBC was founded)
It is broadcast on BBC Radio 1, BBC Asian Network and BBC 1 Extra.
Each broadcast is 15 minutes long and are transmitted at 12:45 and 17:45 each weekday. The broadcasts can also be listened to, on demand, through the BBC Sounds app or BBC website.
Rather than replacing the traditional BBC News interuptions each hour, Newsbeat provides a more interactive service orientated towards a teenage audience.
The Newsbeat web page is a part of the BBC website, rather than having a separate domain, it is intertwined with a wide range of content (This encourages a younger audience who would most likely view content online, on a mobile device.)
“Newsbeat promises its younger listeners all the news they need to know from the UK and around the world“
Regulation
Even though the BBC is closely monitored by the UK Government, Ofcom also regulates the BBC meaning that it has to follow The OFCOM Broadcasting Code “so that BBC viewers and listeners are appropriately protected”
Ofcom produces a annual report, commenting on how the BBC are complying with their regulations
Audience
Target Audience: Young people aged 15-29.
How do they try and attract this demographic?
Newsbeat reflects it’s relatively young audience through their radio presenter team being similar to the demographic
News is presented in ‘chunks’ – Explain complex news stories in a way that is easy to understand and access.
Lots of the news covered is revolved around celebrities, popular culture (providing entertainment)
Focus on issues regarding young people: listeners can feel themselves represented.
Interactive content: Active audiences (Lazarfeld – Two step flow)
Globalisation through creating versions of newsbeat in other parts of the world.
