DRAFT:
My argument to the BBCs newsbeat is that they are trying to include younger audiences in order to stay relevant. By discussing different topics that are relevant to young people like the cost of living issue. They use upbeat music and young presenters to keep their audiences entertained instead of boring them. However their target audience (15 – 29) isn’t being reached. Statistics show that the mean age of listeners are 30 even though it is targeted to teens and young adults.
The BBC created a news program called ‘newsbeat’ which was introduced in 1973 and launched on commercial radio stations across the UK which was different to the typical news. Newsbeat can be heard on BBC radio 1, BBC Radio 1 Xtra and BBC Asian Network at 12:45 and 17:45 for 15 minutes. The BBCs main target audience for newsbeat are for ages between 15 – 29 and they are active with their audiences letting them call in or message them about their problems that relates to the topic they are reporting on. A quote from the head of BBC radio 1 “Radio 1 is about giving young people a voice, thoughts, concerns and attitudes on what its like to be young in the UK in 2022”
The BBC is a Public Service Broadcaster, funded by the TV licence fees. It includes no advertisements and focuses to educate people on what is going on. Radio broadcasting is regulated by Ofcom which focuses on content including use of language, impartiality and protection of under 18s. Because Radio has moved online and to podcasts, regulation has become more stricter.