Radio Evaluation

Radio Evaluation

Subcity internet radio / Vibes fm, too very different shows, but one same goal, to raise money for Children In Need and we did that well! The strengths and weaknesses of these shows are varied.

In Subcity I thought we had our show planned out to a tee! We planned and practiced the show for almost 2 months, researched, promoted, advertised and got sponsored by HMV. We really dug our nails into this assignment, wanting to be the best radio show the college has had. Now in my honest opinion I thought that because we spent so much time on Subcity that vibes fm was sort of neglected, not in the way that we didn’t do the work, but that we didn’t put as much effort into it as we did with Subcity. The weakness’s with Vibes fm was that our live performances never happened which was meant to be the original point of the show, but we fixed this and had recorded performances which still worked very well. Now drawing comparisons from our radio shows to the ones that I analysed.

Well for a starter both shows worked, but comparing our shows to their shows, they are completely different for example with Subcity; we had a niche market area for music (Dubstep & Drum N Bass) unlike radio 1 and radio 6 where they have certain times for this certain type of music. Heart fm really don’t get a choice in what they play as they have to do whatever their area consists of and what there sponsors say. Now as with Subcity, Vibes fm also is the same that radio1 and radio 6 both have certain times where they play live lounge covers, unlike us who base our whole shows around these types of genre.

Our target audience for both shows is for the younger generation 15 – 25, we base this purely on what our research gave us from the primary/secondary research and the focus groups. These types of genre of music is specifically targeted at these ages because from 15 – 25 is when you can start going out and experiencing these styles of music.

For our audience feedback we had texts, emails, Facebook pages, YouTube pages and simply people giving the thumbs up! This seemed to work as we had 54 viewers on the day for Subcity and like 1 – 2 for vibes fm.

Now drawing another example of this is Annie Mac’s show on radio 1, at 7 – 9 on a Friday night, different types of music that gets you in the mood to go out and have a good time. Now her show’s target audience is roughly 15 – 30, which is similar to ours, From knowing this we tried to get the latest spot which was 4 - 5 . But in the future of Subcity we intend to pre-record our show and play them at these times when can get the most amount of viewer possible.

I feel on both shows that the content was bang on for the intended age, as I said earlier on, from our audience research, these types of music shows were favoured more than any other , for Subcity , this music gets you in a great mood for good night out and ready for a dance, like we’d done promotional video’s for velvet Chicago’s where this type of music is loved. Now for Vibes fm, this music much more chilled out and in my opinion more fun to watch, e.g. live bands. So you could say we don’t even need to find out why the contents of the show suits the intended age because all you have to do is look at festivals, how popular they are with the young generation. Or if you just want to chill out in the sun like most students do, listening to some relaxing live lounge, Indie and Rock tunes

Overall with both Subcity and Vibes Fm, I think that they both went very very well, I am very proud of our group! I could truthfully say that with Subcity there were almost no faults bar me getting cut off halfway through my dj set, but if I didn’t get cut off I don’t think I would have stopped, and we are happy to say that we are continuing Subcity till we run it dry! Unfortunately for Vibes Fm I think it’s the end of road for her, she had a good run, but Subcity rules our lives now!

Secondary Research

We’ve done some audience research on youtube, to found out is there actually a market for this genre of music?

We would like to play dance music, but more specifically dubstep and drum and bass. The results of my research were promising. UKFdubstep and UKFdrumandbass are the leading promote of the dubstep and drum and bass on youtube at the moment. On youtube you can find out whether people like or dislike certain tracks, comment their opinions and viewing figure for a specific tracks. This can be used as a great resource for our playlist selection, giving us ways to improve our station to suit our target audience.

Ukfdubstep: 2,145,044 channel viewers and 41,538,970 total upload views and 105,395 Subscribers.

UKFDrumandbass: 1,240,486 channel views, 25,448,452 total upload views and 73,469 Subscriber.

These results from the site show there is a massive audience for this genre of music and people are egger to hear more as shown by the amount of subscribe devoted to the channel, this evidence give us more incentive to produce this style of radio station.

I’m using radio 1xtra as the example as it is most similar to our station because it’s a station, with similar format, style, playlist and most importantly target audience. On air at the moment in the mainstream radio broadcasting network.

Here are some listing figure I found from the bbc.com/radio/siteusage site, this show some positive figure although BBC radio 1 figure dominate the radio 1 xtra figure. We have to take in to consideration that radio one is analogue channel and 1xtra which is exclusive to DAB radios. Also we have to me realistic we are targeting a niche demographic, but at the same time are trying to expand that market into the mainstream which is a step that the BBC have already taking implemented by combining radio 1xtra with radio 1, which mean that radio 1 is taken over by 1xtra at a night time on curtain what they would consider ‘party night’ like Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Here evidence of that with a Saturday night schedule from the radio 1 from 7 Pm onwards is just 1xtra presenter and shows.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/programmes/schedules/england/2010/10/09

Radio Analyse

In this radio analyse I shall analyse three completely different types of radio programmes to get a firm grasp on what I need to achieve in this assignment. The three different genres of programmes I shall be analysing are Radio 1, BBC 6 Music and Heart FM, I will have to compare there audience profiles to see what the differences are and to draw some comparisons.
BBC Radio is one of the most popular radio stations across the globe, specialising in the newest and most current music going, all down to the fact that there is so much different variety of shows! Throughout the day is chat shows and top of the chart music, but after seven pm everyday is the alternative music which us kids love.

It includes electronic dance, hip-hop, rock and many more. Now here are the interesting facts, their target audience is from the 15-29 age groups, but the average age of the listeners are 33, now why is that? Well it is most likely that the fact that people over the age of 33 are still into their music, simple as, or that they could be on the way to work or coming back from etc, there are many different answers to why their audience ranges. Also radio 1 is one of the oldest stations going; it was launched back in 1967 due to the popular demand of music as the pirate radios had been shut down.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/info/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/help/faq/#a

BBC Radio 6 Music is one of the BBC's digital radio stations, it was launched recently in 2002, and was the first national music radio station to launched by the BBC in 32 years, the difference between Radio 6 and Radio1 is that it more alternative all the time, whereas radio one plays all the top of the chart stuff. The audience that they gain is from 15+ who enjoy alternative music. The Presenting styles between these two are completely different! On radio 6 it feels much more one to one like the presenter is just speaking to you in my opinion. Whereas radio 1 it’s like there talking to everyone! Another thing to compare to is that almost all of radio 1 presenters are famous, let’s take Fearne cotton for example, she was and still is involved in TV, formally none of Top of the pops which is no more, but people can put a voice to face which unlike radio 6’s presenters, we hardly know them. Both of these stations are from the BBC which means no sponsorship or advertisement, which a lot of people like including myself because there is more music and presenting.

In 2010 the BBC Trust announced that they had rejected the proposal from rivals to close down to make more room for other radio stations. Surprisingly enough their viewing figures were pretty darn good at weekly audience of 1.194 million which is definitely too much to close down this station.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/6music/

Heart FM, a network of many local radio stations around central& southern England and North Wales. They pride themselves at breakfast and drive times of the day and simulcast at other times of their shows. The presenting styles of Heart Fm are completely different to the BBC stations they present to the local surroundings unlike BBC’s where they present to everywhere so when the news comes on, it will only be to the surrounding area along with the biggest stories. Unlike BBC, Heart Fm is funded by a lot of sponsors by the local businesses etc. The BBC is funded by its licenses which are mainly from the TV licences. The Heart Fm stations are owned by Global Radio and there are that are owned independently by a franchise.

http://www.heart.co.uk/

All of these Radio Stations have something in common, they all have presenters and specific genre of music taste in the many different shows they play, but some don’t. For Example Asda Fm, which is obviously , in shop music while the customer shops around, but still they don’t have a presenter instead they have a recorded VOX POP which every now and then will say’ Your listening to Asda Fm’ then followed by advertisement . You can listen to the show online, but I really don’t know who would want to.

http://www.asda.co.uk/corp/asda-fm.html

The show consist of old cheesy music mixed up with a few new songs and some classics, I suppose it has to be done to make sure the audience is happy while they shop.

Feedback

SUB CITY AUDIENCE FEEDBACK

First Broadcast 05/10/10

Time – 11:32am-12:32pm

Audience Figures during first broadcast

Numbers based on the u-stream login service (the amount of people logged on and viewing show

Pilot

Listeners – Viewing figures obtained via u-stream during broadcast

As this was the pilot of the radio, no substantial or initial advertising of the show had been implemented because of this listeners had not yet heard of the radio show. But the graph does display listener numbers increase during the peak lunch

brea

k hours. Where people will be positioned to access the online radio bro

adcast service.

Second radio broadcast

Time- 2:30-3:30

Practice show (new idents and news feature)

Audience base has grown due to th

e creation of sub city YouTube channel, the Yo

uTube channel crate a

audience base for our show as the style and featured music featured in the show will be available to listen to through the YouTu

be service.

Suitable advertisements have been implemented int

o our YouTube and face book pages with dates and features.

YouTube channel

Subscribers – 50

Listeners

Approval ratings for our show

We asked 20 people whole had listened to the channel

Age range – 17 to 20 (media students) - people whom have access and knowled

ge of the broadcast at the time

Questions

Answer (yes or no)

Please circle

Male/female

Age-

Do you like the music tracks featured on the show?

Do you think the feature content suitable for the style of the show?

Did you listen to the whole hour of the show?

Do you approve of the informal style of language featured in the show?

Is the content of the news feature relevant to you?

Answers

Do you like the music tracks featured on the show?

Do you think the feature content suitable for the style of the show?

Did you listen to the whole hour of the show?

Do you approve of the informal style of language featured in the show?

Is the content of the news feature relevant to you?

As these results were collected during the pilots and test runs the information collected maybe inadequate, as the results were all collected from media students.

Focus Group

The focus group has been made into a video which can be found on the subcity youtube channel. For the focus group I created questions that were relevant to both the show and charity. I tried to get the group thinking about ideas and concepts which we could use on the show to help promote the idea of Children in Need. Here is the link to it, www.youtube/watch?v=A2Bvx-7o8cA

Analysis

The findings in general where that the majority of students have done some work for charity however they have had to have been pushed towards it. i.e by school.

We also found out that students feel that some sort of collaboration with big artists (Netsky & Nero) as a charity single would help raise money for charity and also keep to the genre of the channel.

Students also thought that a good way to engage the audience for the full two hour show would be to include guests and quiz shows. We have addressed this as you can see in the script by including guest speakers Arron Snipe and the winner of the presenter challenge being announced.

We also found out that people are most likely to listen to our channel when they are either surfing the internet or driving. This is most likely to be at around 3-5pm. We concluded this because the majority of people in our age bracket get home from college/work and go onto the internet to sites like facebook and twitter.

James did a focus group so we coshow, after gathering the information we used it to our advantage and put the peoples ideas into the real thing.In other words .uld gather information about how people felt about our radio

Script Subcity

Sub city 2^nd practise script

Charlie: The time is.... you’re listening to Sub City FM and we’re kicking the show off right now with

Nero Innocence (3:40)

James: We’ve got some big weekend tracks coming up in the show. Later on we’ll be talking to Greg Martin about upcoming events; I’ll be chatting to you about what YOU can do for Children In Need, and what we will be doing here at Sub City FM.

(Leave Nero Innocence to play through)

Charlie: That was one of Nero’s best ever releases, you would think that you can’t get many bigger tracks than that, but here’s Nero’s new exclusive release me & you.

(Play Nero me & you) (4:43)

Charlie: Make sure you listen out for the rest of the tracks from Nero’s new album on Sub City, but if you can’t wait that long, then check out our YouTube channel.

(Leave Nero me & you to play through)

James: Don’t forget to text us on.... tell us what you’re doing, where you’re going, or just to say hello.

James: This is also another hot track right now, the new release from the brand new producers Gemini, this is Blue. Check this out on the YouTube channel and leave a comment.

(Play Gemini – Blue) (2:33)

(Towards end of the song. Charlie: We’ve had some texts in. Big up Sub City, loving the tracks. Been searching for that Nero track for days, thanks Sub City, love Kirstie. Last week you played two Netsky tracks. Please play more! From Dave in Birmingham. Don’t forget to email us at Subcityfm@stratcast.com.

Play ident (14 seconds long)

Play long sound bed for this chat.

James: We’re now joined by our very own promo specialist Greg Martin telling us all the hottest events in around Birmingham.

Greg: ............

(Charlie and James have a conversation with Greg about events)

Charlie: In a short while we’re going to be coming back to talk about the very big event coming up, Children in Need, but first here’s Dj Die & Interface Ft. William Cartwright – Bright lights (Netsky Remix)

(Play Dj Die & Interface Ft. William Cartwright – Bright lights (Netsky Remix) 2:30)

James: Keep a look out for anything that Netsky has been involved in; it seems to be that anything he touches turns to gold.

(Leave Bright lights to continue playing)

Charlie: Before we come on to the subject of Children In need, if anyone has any suggestions, or anyone out there is already doing something for the big event, please let us now on .....

James: So it’s time to talk about Children In Need. Every year for the past few years, Stratford College has got involved with the national event, and created its own shows and dedicated an entire assignment towards the event called ‘Stratford College does Children In Need’, raising awareness and funds for the cause. I believe last year they successfully raised £722.50 (check if correct?) and this year they hope to match those figures, and raise them even higher.

Charlie: What can people do to get involved with the show then?

James: Well people can come along down to the Media Department and donate anything they can to the charity. They can come along and help, possibly getting very messy or wet; or just help out in any way they can, and showing support to the cause. If people can’t make it down to us here, then they can always tune in to listen or watch in different areas of the college, and of course on the internet: (read out website address).

Charlie: (Read out any texts we may have had on the C.I.N subject.)

Charlie: Well D’Arcy since we’re on the subject of C.I.N I think we should mention what we did here at Sub City for the cause.

James: (talks about the sub city challenge) and we will be finding out the winner of that challenge later on in the show; but first let’s just play some music man, I’m feeling a bit of Sovnger, what you saying Charlie?

Charlie: yeah man Sovnger’s good, here’s Sovnger Breathless.

(Play ident)

(Play Sovnger Breathless) (5:29)

(A few seconds into the song Charlie speaks)

Charlie: We know this one is a little different.... but we think you’re gonna like it.

Charlie: Coming up next we’ve got the news, but first just listen to this banger.

(Song finishes)

(Play news ident)

Lewis: (Lewis reads out the news) (approx five minutes)

(Play sub city ident)

James: This next song is a big track, by the very talented and diverse Plan B; made even better with a remix by Netsky. This is The Recluse.

(Play Plan B The Recluse) (4:57)

Charlie: I was gonna play a Rusko track, but because of that song I think I wanna carry on with the Netsky stuff. Here’s Netsky Secret Agent.

(Play Netsky Secret Agent) (5:35)

(Move straight into Netsky Lost in this world) (6:41)

Charlie: That track you just heard was a pure work of art. This guy is from Belgium originally, started out over a year ago now, but is fast becoming the hottest drum and bass producer in the world! Since moving to London he’s signed with Hospital Records, a big drum and bass label. And if you like Netsky, then you should definitely check out other artists signed to their label. Another one from Netsky for you now, this is Lost in this world.

(Half way into song when it breaks into a quiet beat)

James: After this song we’re gonna give you a quick recap on the C.I.N info, and then we’re gonna play you a baseline/dubstep track, stay tuned.

(Let song continue)

James: (recap on previous C.I.N info, and updated info)

James: This is Tek One vs A1 Bassline – Arrakis 97’. Enjoy! All I need to say with this one.

(Play Tek One vs A1 Bassline – Arrakis 97’) (3:09)

Charlie: Here on Sub City we feel it’s very important to promote new UK talent, and I’m talking about the music sense, not just fit girls. So now we’re gonna have a chat with one of Birmingham’s biggest up and coming Dj’s and Producer’s, Aaron Snipe.

James: So Aaron tell us a bit about you.

Aaron: (Answers)

Charlie: So at the moment you are based in Stratford but are you hoping to broaden your horizons in the future and make it national or maybe even international?

Aaron: Answer

James: So what have you got coming up, music wise?

Aaron: Answer

Charlie: We recently came to one of your gigs at Chicago’s in Stratford in aid of Help for Heroes and that gig was massive, so how does it feel to bring your music to the masses?

Aaron: Answer

James: Aaron is going to stick around with us until the end of the show and he is going to pick the winner of the (feature when the public say their favourite dubstep youtube comment).

(The presenter will read out texts that we receive about Arrons last gig saying how much of a success it was.)

Charlie: So D’Arcy earlier we talked about the sub city challenge, and what you and Greg had to do, are you ready to find out who won?

James: What d you think? Come on man tell us, bet let Greg down gently; he’ll be gutted to know he lost. That drop in Costa was scattier than the library one.

Charlie: Ok Aaron you can read that card now, see we’re so professional here we printed out the winner.

Aaron: The Sub City challenge winner is.....

Charlie: We’re gonna finish the show there, but we’re gonna leave you with a classic tune to listen to whether you’re driving, working, relaxing, no matter what you’re doing. This is Chase and Status – Take me away.

(Play Take me away)

END.

Playlist

1 1. Nero – Innocence 3:40

2. Nero – Me & You 4:43

3. Gemini – Blue 2:33

4. DJ Die & Interface Ft. William Cartwright – Bright Lights (Netsky Remix) 2:30

5. Sovnger – Breathless 5:29

6. Plan B – The Recluse (Netsky Remix) 4:57

7. Netsky – Secret Agent 5:35

8. Netsky - Lost In This World 6:41

9. Tek-One vs 1 Bassline – Arrakis 97’ 3:09

10. Chase & Status – Take Me Away 6:14

Treatment

Treatment

Working Title: The title of our radio broadcast will be Sub City.

Length: The length of our radio show will be 60 minutes.

Format: The radio show will be recorded on the Myriad desk, along with the idents. The vocals for the radio promo were recorded on the Myriad desk, but the music featured in the promo was recorded on an apple Mac laptop and also edited on Soundtrack Pro, also on the laptop. The video promos were recorded on Sony HD DV Cameras and then edited on Final cut Pro. The sound output from the Myriad desk will be in Stereo format.

Target Audience: The target audience for our show will be 15 to 25 year olds. This is because the music genres we have chosen to include in our show are most popular within these age ranges. Also this target audience is the same for Radio 1 and Radio 1 Xtra; which are the closest shows to relate our audiences with.

Synopsis: The Sub City show will be based on playing none mainstream Dubstep and Drum and Bass music that will attract the target audiences because these types of music, especially dubstep are not as commonly played on the radio as most other genres. The idea of Sub City is to play these genres of music to the largely growing audience, as well informing them of upcoming events and gigs that they can go to and hear these types of music live. The show will also include a news clip which will offer information that is relevant to the target audience ages; as well as a section of the show where we talk about children in need. A live feature of the show will be an interview with an up and coming Dj who will also announce the winner of the Sub City challenge (pre recorded video).

Feasibility: The show is very feasible to create. We are all passionate about the music we have selected to play, and we understand how our target audience will react to this type of music. We have also created a YouTube channel and Face Book page which have both received positive support and feedback from many members of the general public. The music was all easily accessible because we already had most of the songs because it is music that we enjoy listening to anyway. We ran through the show many times and each time seemed more successful than the previous, so we are more than ready to commit to the live show.

Budget: The creation of this show will not need a budget.