ESSAY 2: CHANGES OVER TIME

How has public service broadcasting changed over time?

Public Service Broadcasting is defined as a broadcasting service that aims to give priority to the interests of the public rather than commercial interest. It involves radio, TV and other media outlets who receive funding to avoid political interference or commercial influence. The communications regulator, Ofcom, exists to ensure that broadcasters fulfil their remit of public service despite changes in sociocultural values, production, distribution, and technology in the new digital age, which have all affected broadcasters, specifically the Radio 1 Breakfast Show.

Cultural diversity and political influence are just two examples of changes in sociocultural circumstances which may affect audiences, and these are evidenced by the Radio 1 Breakfast Show. Firstly, radio was a monopoly of the BBC until the first commercial stations (LBC and Capital Radio) were licensed by the regulator Ofcom in 1973. Being a monopoly meant that the BBC could decide what the audience’s taste in music should be, making access to pop music very restricted in the early 1960s. However, competition from pirate stations forced the BBC to develop a pop station, which was Radio 1, in 1967 to serve their audience. This was successful, and throughout the 70s and 80s commanded weekly audiences of up to 24 million listeners but the deregulation and globalisation of markets in the 1990s placed public broadcasting systems under threat as digital technologies began to develop and audience tastes were being met elsewhere, demonstrating how political influences can affect audiences. In terms of diversity, the BBC aims to reflect a diverse young audience. This is because the Service License of 2016 states it should be "reflecting and representing the whole UK population". Additionally, the station hosts several live events each year which connect the station directly with listeners that are not served by other areas of the media, particularly in ethnic minorities, demonstrating how changes in cultural diversity have positively impacted audiences of the Radio 1 Breakfast Show.

Public Service Broadcasting has also experienced changes in its production, which has been reflected in the Radio 1 Breakfast Show. The introduction and subsequent growth of digital technologies have allowed Radio 1 to carry out remote recording and broadcasting. This has meant that guests can participate in the show from anywhere, provided they have an internet connection. Therefore, changes in production have meant the Radio 1 Breakfast Show can facilitate a wider range of guests and fulfil their aim to represent a diverse young audience through technology allowing for greater diversity in content being produced. Similarly, the growing need for diverse voices to be given a platform has also brought about changes in the Radio 1 Breakfast Show’s production. Techniques have evolved to increase audience interaction and participation, for example phone-ins being incorporated into the show, allowing listeners to contribute and engage with the hosts to keep the broadcast dynamic and engaging. Content segmentation has also been another new production strategy implemented to increase engagement. The show is often separated into different ‘blocks’ for example track of the week, celebrity guest and weather. By dividing the 210 minutes of the show into smaller segments, production teams can plan so that the show remains cohesive to maximise entertainment, showing how changes in production have allowed Radio 1 to adapt to changing audience needs.

The distribution of public service broadcasting has also changed over time. In the past, the main distribution channel for the Radio 1 Breakfast Show was traditional radio broadcasting, transmitted via FM and AM frequencies and reaching audiences across the UK. However, due to digital radio platforms such as DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting), the Radio 1 Breakfast Show has expanded its distribution reach. As well, digital radio offers access to the show on a wider range of devices, including smart speakers, and with the simultaneous developments in technology, online streaming has emerged allowing listeners to access the show via the BBC Radio 1 website or app from anywhere with an internet connection. This offers greater flexibility and convenience, enabling listeners to tune in regardless of their location or time zone, especially with the development of BBC Sounds, the BBC's audio streaming platform, which offers catch-up services for the Radio 1 Breakfast Show, allowing listeners to access past episodes on-demand. Catch-up services enhance the show's accessibility and extend its lifespan beyond the live broadcast. Podcast versions of the show are also available on BBC Sounds, allowing the show to reach new audiences who prefer podcast consumption over traditional radio. By expanding their channels of distribution, the BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show can be accessed globally, reaching listeners outside of the UK who are interested in British music, culture, and entertainment. Another way the distribution of Radio 1 has changed is through the use of social media. Radio 1 utilises social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to distribute content and engage with audiences. Short clips, highlights, and behind-the-scenes footage are shared on these platforms, extending the show's reach and visibility to a broader audience, allowing for real-time interaction and feedback from listeners.

Changes in technology have also influenced public service broadcasting. Radio 1 is suffering because its core audience is turning away from live radio due to the arrival of streaming services, and the BBC has been criticised for being expansionist and exceeding its public service remit by providing content that could be provided by commercial broadcasters. However, those who defend the BBC suggest that they need to provide new services and entertainment to remain relevant in the digital age, proving how changes in technology have impacted on public service broadcasting. The Radio 1 Breakfast Show’s use of social media platforms is also significant here, since they show how changes in technology have allowed for more content distribution and audience engagement. The presenters tweet frequently, whilst extracts from interviews are uploaded to the Radio 1 YouTube channel, aiding visualisation for the radio show and reflecting the media habits of young and modern audiences. A source at Radio 1 reinforced this idea, stating that ‘teens are addicted to their phones so you can see why Radio 1 does so well on YouTube and Facebook.’ Therefore, developments in technology, which brought about the subsequent rise of social media, has undeniably influenced public service broadcasting, especially the Radio 1 Breakfast Show.