3.4.3
Technology & Radio Audiences
Technology and the Radio Industry
Technology and the Radio Industry
Digital technologies have had a major impact on the radio industry, some of the main changes to be aware of are defined in this section.


DAB radio
DAB radio
- DAB radio stands for digital audio broadcasting.
- DAB radio is now widely used in the UK.
- It is meant to provide a higher quality of sound and enable audiences to access a wider range of radio channels.
- Many radio stations have now switched to a digital only service.


Convergence
Convergence
- Due to many media companies specialising in different areas of the media, convergence is becoming more common.
- Media producers can use the different elements of their companies to merge technologies and media content and allow audiences to access content via a range of different media platforms.


Streaming
Streaming
- You can now access live radio broadcasts via a range of platforms such as computer, tablet and smartphone.
- This is called streaming and is another result of digital technology and convergence.


Podcasts
Podcasts
- Podcasts are another form of streaming but rather than live broadcasts they are programmes designed for specific audiences to download.
Radio Audiences
Radio Audiences
Radio is often a good example of narrowcasting, where specialist radio channels can target small niche audiences with specific tastes.


Targeting radio audiences
Targeting radio audiences
- Many radio stations will aim their content at small specialised niche audiences, such as those with a specific religious belief or lifestyle interest.


Target factors
Target factors
- Radio audiences will be targeted according to factors such as:
- Age
- Gender
- Ethnicity and religion
- Socio-economic status
- Lifestyle and hobbies
- Psychographic profile


General targeting
General targeting
- Some stations do tend to have a more mainstream target audience but they may provide more specialised programmes at different times of the day.
- For example love songs being played in a late night section of a radio stations daily schedule.
1Overview
1.1Media Language
1.3Representation
2Component 1: Section A
2.1Magazines - Vogue
2.2Magazines - GQ
2.3Advertising & Marketing
2.4Print Advertisements - Quality Street
2.5Print Advertisements - (2026 Exams) This Girl Can
2.6Print Advertisements - (2027 Exams) NHS 111
2.7Film Posters (Marketing)
2.8Film - No Time To Die
2.9Newspapers
2.11The Guardian
2.12(2028 Exams) The Sun
2.13(2028 Exams) The Guardian
3Component 1: Section B
3.1Video Games
3.2Video Games - Fortnite
3.4Radio
3.5Radio - The Archers
3.6(2027 Exams) Radio - Desert Island Discs
4Component 2: Section A
4.1Television
4.3Sitcom - Modern Family
4.4Sitcom - Man Like Mobeen
4.5(2026 Exams) Luther
5Component 2: Section B
5.1Music Video
5.2Lizzo - 'Good as Hell'
5.3Taylor Swift - 'The Man'
5.4Stormzy - 'Superheroes'
5.5Justin Bieber - 'Intentions'
5.6TLC - 'Waterfalls'
5.7Duran Duran - 'Rio'
5.8Online Media - Lizzo
5.9Online Media - Taylor Swift
5.10Online Media - Stormzy
Jump to other topics
1Overview
1.1Media Language
1.3Representation
2Component 1: Section A
2.1Magazines - Vogue
2.2Magazines - GQ
2.3Advertising & Marketing
2.4Print Advertisements - Quality Street
2.5Print Advertisements - (2026 Exams) This Girl Can
2.6Print Advertisements - (2027 Exams) NHS 111
2.7Film Posters (Marketing)
2.8Film - No Time To Die
2.9Newspapers
2.11The Guardian
2.12(2028 Exams) The Sun
2.13(2028 Exams) The Guardian
3Component 1: Section B
3.1Video Games
3.2Video Games - Fortnite
3.4Radio
3.5Radio - The Archers
3.6(2027 Exams) Radio - Desert Island Discs
4Component 2: Section A
4.1Television
4.3Sitcom - Modern Family
4.4Sitcom - Man Like Mobeen
4.5(2026 Exams) Luther
5Component 2: Section B
5.1Music Video
5.2Lizzo - 'Good as Hell'
5.3Taylor Swift - 'The Man'
5.4Stormzy - 'Superheroes'
5.5Justin Bieber - 'Intentions'
5.6TLC - 'Waterfalls'
5.7Duran Duran - 'Rio'
5.8Online Media - Lizzo
5.9Online Media - Taylor Swift
5.10Online Media - Stormzy
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