Leveson Inquiry

BBC Radio 5 Live (London)

Analysis of  Radio Newscast...

Source: BBC Radio 5 live on App 'TuneIn' radio

Research Methods

Primary Research...

·       Surveys: information can be found from an audience by simply filling out a survey containing questions related to your research.

·       Observation: another good technique in this case observe different radio news cast and how they broadcast, or present and so forth.

·    Interviews: enables you to get solid information from your target audience.

Secondary Research

·       Forums: this is where users can comment on current affairs that have happened, this can be very beneficial as it gives an insight as to what the public are thinking and aids us in terms of research.

·       Magazines/Newspapers: another form of secondary research that can be used as it can be seen as reliable and useful, especially with newspapers as they cover general, but popular news that can help with radio.

·       Websites: websites such as the BBC is a good secondary source of research as they not only cover news but they are also known for being very reliable and up-to-date.

Source: Class Notes
http://www4.caes.hku.hk/acadgrammar/report/resproc/research.htm#Primary
http://www.baxinteraction.co.uk/blog/?p=135
 

Outside Broadcast

The target demographic of our radio broadcast is 16-20 year olds. We decided as a group to have a story that is relatable to people in the local area of Tower Hamlets. We decided to produce a story based on the Government and the issues faced.

Photo Taken By Shima Begum

Hanna and I went to the Anti-Cuts Demonstration in Hyde Park, where I interviewed a few members of particular parties protesting against the Government and their cuts. I concluded from the interviews, that there was mass frustration against the Government and therefore parties joined together to form a resistance, because they were fighting for change, as these cuts affected them and their well-being.

This story will not only suit with our target audience but it is also an issue that I strongly feel about as the cuts take an effect on me as an individual., as I too face these cuts, not necessarily at this point, but in the near future.

I am from a working class background, which is very relatable to many of our audience members as some will be from a working class background. The purpose of this broadcast was to highlight the current affairs taking place in regards to the Government and London and what actions people took to stop this from happening. The broadcast intends to give information for our listeners and to help them understand what the Government are planning and allows them to keep up to date with the world of politics.

 

 



Newsnight team's 'basic blunders' damned by BBC's own investigation

Newsnight made allegations towards Lord McAlpine, a Tori politician, by linking him to the child abuse scandal in North Wales. These types of allegation were not easily backed up with sources or evidence hence, fatal errors were made in regards to Lord McAlpine. The investigation, led by BBC’s Scotland director Ken Macquarie, during their investigations; there was much confusion as to who was in charge of this investigation. It has been said that Liz Gibbons, the former editor of the programme is likely to be fired.

There were many mistakes that could have easily been avoided. The team, part of this report, failed do the most important thing when it comes to journalism, this was evidence. The team did not have any reliable evidence or anything to prove that the allegations were true. Based on the 12 Ethical Journalistic Standards, there were many rules that were evidently broken. The first rule ‘Produce no material likely to lead to hatred or discrimination on the grounds of a person’s age, gender, race, colour, creed, legal status, disability, material status or sexual orientation.’ was broken. The broadcast on Newsnight did cause some controversy and dispute, as material produced was towards a man of the elderly. These allegations also lead to hatred as many peers of Lord McAlpine were shocked as false accusations were made.

Another basic ‘blunder’ made by the team leading this invsetigation was time management. There was not enough time spent on this report, or on the research. Another major problem was the absence of both the Editor and the Deputy Editor, as this gave the team great pressure as both Editors were not at the scene. Every story before being broadcasted is always run through the Editor but they were not present. Two main rules of the Ethical Laws of Journalism were broken, 'Strive to ensure information is disseminated, is honestly conveyed, accurate and fair, and Obtain Material by honest, straightforward and open means, with the exception of investigations that are both overwhelmingly in the public interest and which involve evidence that cannot be obtained by straightforward means.' Both state that information should be honest, reliable and accurate, the team failed to do so, hence this investigation did not excute as well. This case is a clear sign of defamation, and therefore it is being investigated by OFCOM.

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2231984/Two-BBC-executives-face-sack-botched-Newsnight-investigation.html

 

Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB)

DAB has gradually become the new face of radio

technology. Digital Radio, not only has better reception for listeners to enjoy, but also compatible on many devices. This is a major advantage as you can access the Radio from anywhere. For example, you can listen to the radio on your mobile and on the T.V. New forms of technology have become converged, there are apps on smart phones such as ‘Tunein Radio’(picture shown on the left) in which I have, the app allows me to listen to the radio and lets me do various functions such as rewind to what I have already listen to and listen to podcasts. This sort of technology in my opinion is what keeps Radio going as the public have easy access to do many things such as listen to radio as a technology such as the mobile phone is portable, thus highlighting that radio can be listened virtually anywhere.

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/reception/digitalradio/

Case study of a Radio Station: BBC

The ex-BBC Presenters Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand were prosecuted for obscene phone calls to 78-year- old Fawlty Towers actor Andrew Sachs. They left lewd messages regarding his granddaughter. The allegations were that he claimed to have sexual Intercourse with his daughter. Mr. Sachs was deeply upset. These phone calls were broadcasted to two million listeners on Radio 2; as a result Ofcom fined BBC £150,000. The laws that they broke was the Telecommunications Act 1984.

 

In terms of the 12 Legal and Ethical contexts of Local Radio Journalism, the two presenters would have Brocken the following rules. The first rule is ‘Do nothing to intrude into anybody’s private life, grief or distress unless justified by overriding consideration of the public interest.’ They both intervened in Mr. Sachs private life and caused him a lot of distress as accusations were made towards his family, his granddaughter to be precise. The second rule in which they broke was Produce no material likely to lead to hatred or discrimination on the grounds of a person’s age, gender, race, colour, creed, legal status, disability, material status or sexual orientation. The phone call did result to complaints which therefore Ofcom fined them. they  also caused grief to a 78-year-old-man which is stated above that material should not be produced that lead to hatred on the basis of age.

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1080621/Russell-Brand-Jonathan-Ross-face-prosecution-obscene-air-phone-calls-Fawlty-Towers-actor-78.html

Sound Codes

Music, can determine the mood of the News Cast and the News that it is portraying. If there is music that is upbeat the news is soft news, it evokes a good emotion and keeps the audience entertained. If there is no music during the news, this explains that the news is serious and any music here will be irrelevant and can cause controversy.

Silence can mean many things. It can be used when you are introducing a new topic, also silence can be used to deliver hard news or condolences. This gives the audience an idea what has happened and how serious the case was.

Sound Effect are used for comedic purposes. Sound effects have an affect on the audience and keeps them entertained and engaged in the News Cast.

Voice is based on a persons tone of speaking this gives the audience acknowledgement of what type of news is portrayed. If the tone of the voice was serious than we know the news is Hard if the Tone was happy, chirpy we know the news is soft News purely for our entertainment.
Source: Class Notes

The Demonstration at Hyde Park (Outside Broadcast)

Hanna and I decided to complete one of the tasks for our radio production, the Outside Broadcast. This was my task, we decided that my Outside Broadcast will be based on Government issues. There were many movements that were protesting against the government because they were unhappy about the cuts. Here are some of the pictures myself and Hanna took during our time at the March, towards Hyde Park. Enjoy :)

 

The March started at Temple

 

 Me at the March

 

Hanna at the March

Plaque Cards
 

Workers Liberty Party



Ofcom

What is Ofcom?

Ofcom stands for office of communications. Ofcom regulates TV and Radio Programmes in the UK; they have legal duties to follow and intend to protect viewers and listeners especially children under the age of 18. Ofcom have a broadcasting Code, where strict rules and standards that must be followed by a fellow broadcaster.

How Ofcom works?

A viewer/listener must put forward a complaint. When they believe that rules and regulations of Ofcom have been broken. Ofcom then asses the complaints against the Broadcasting Code to see if any further action is needed. These investigations can take up to weeks or even months depending on the issue.

     

 

Source:http://www.ofcom.org.uk/about/what-is-ofcom/

 

Preliminary Task

 

Audio- Prelimenary Task.

 

 

 

 

  Veiw of our Prelimenary Task.

Our Preliminary
Task was based around the concept of discussion, my self and Sonia were the co host

we satrted off talking about new technology that has emerged. Overall, the atmosphere was very relaxed. What we need to improve was our presentation skills, there was a lot of

hesitations and more practice was clearly needed.

Trio FM Preliminary Script

Sonia: Hi guys you are now tuning in with TRIO FM with Shima

Shima: and Sonia… Okay let me just get to the point who has heard of the iPhone 5?

Sonia: don’t even talk about it I hate it

Shima: What! What are you on about it’s the best thing ever

Sonia: Trust me it’s not

Shima: okay, anyway let’s just talk to our local fan who has come in kindly, she has been sending in so many fan mails and is a long term fan, further ado lets introduce Beatrice

Applause sound Effect

Hanna: Hi guys, I have an iPhone 5 I actually hate it I hate the entire empire because it looks like the iPhone 4 and rolled it so it looks like a chapatti

Shima: really?

Hanna: yes!

Sonia: Thanks Beatrice I thought you were a fan! Anyway lets go to the news headlines

Sound Effect.

Omnidirectional & Unidirectional Microphones

Source: http://www.wisegeek.org/what-are-omnidirectional-microphones.htm#
http://www.learningaboutelectronics.com/Articles/What-are-unidirectional-microphones

Microphone Techniques

 

 

key information and tips when using a microphone.

·         Keep the microphone close to your mouth but at a certain distance

·         Pop Filter is good to use as it stops certain sounds from recording

·         A Quiet place to record is essential

·         Using a mike stand, instead of holding it

·         When Reading a script  it should be a maximum of one page

·         Using a music stand so the paper can be placed upon it

·         To watch your breathing when recording

·         To take time when reading script

·         Ensure that what is being recorded is natural

Defamation Case

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cycling/19822662

The Legal and Ethical Contexts of Local Radio Journalism

In order of Importance…

1. Produce no material likely to lead to hatred or discrimination on the grounds of a person’s age, gender, race, colour, creed, legal status, disability, material status or sexual orientation.

2. Do nothing to intrude into anybody’s private life, grief or distress unless justified by overriding consideration of the public interest.

3. Take no unfair personal advantage of information gained in the course of her/his duties before the information is public knowledge.

4. Strive to ensure information is disseminated is honestly conveyed, accurate and fair.

5. Obtain Material by honest, straightforward and open means, with the exception of investigations that are both overwhelmingly in the public interest and which involve evidence that cannot be obtained by straightforward means.

6. Protect the identity of sources who supply information in confidence and material gathered in the course of his/her work.

7. At all times uphold and defend the principle of media freedom, the right of freedom of expression and the right of the public to be informed.

8. Resist threats or any inducements to influence, distort or suppress information.

9. Differentiate between a fact and an opinion.

10. Not by way of statement, voice or appearance endorse by advertisement any commercial product or service save for the promotion of his/her own work or of the medium by which he/she is employed.

11. Avoid Plagiarism

12. Do his/her utmost to correct harmful inaccuracies.
 

I decided to put ‘Produce no material likely to lead to hatred or discrimination on the grounds of a person’s age, gender, race, colour, creed, legal status, disability, material status or sexual orientation’ as the most important. Producing a story that will discriminate people will not only drive an audience away, it will also be classed as racism. Stories that will affect the audience in an negative way highlights that the journalist is to blame for breaking the legal rules and displaying horrific material, this also  tarnishes the organisation that the journalist is working for, hence I think it is the most important as it leads to a domino effect.

 

 

 Source: OCR Media Studies for AS Third Edition, Julian McDougall
 

 

 

 

 

 

Radio Analysis - Buzz Asia 963 London

Over the course of my AS level Study of Media, I will frequently listen to a Radio station and comment, how I find it intriguing. I will also listen how the Radio DJ presents themselves and what conventions commonly occurred. I will also check look out for the types of sound codes they used.

 

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News Values Leaflet

A Brief Leaflet on what News Values are and the 12 rules of News Values.

Source: Class Notes/ OCR Media Studies For AS, Third Edition, Julian Mcdougall

Useful Interview Tips

Don’t rush your radio interview

• You will trip up over your words
• You will um and err
• You will ramble on and on………….

Tips for sounding clear in your radio interview

• Speak in short sentences – one thought per sentence.
• Take time over the first three words of the sentence – so that you don’t rush into the sentence.
• Don’t rush any syllables – make sure each syllable in the word is pronounced.

Listen to the radio interviewer – don’t panic!

• Use the time to focus on what the presenter is saying before he/she gets to your interview. 
• You may pick up on some useful information or background context to the interview topic.
• this will help you responsed to the answers given to you.

Contolling nerves in your radio interview

• Don’t butt in to the question – wait for the presenter to finish asking the question before you respond
• Focus on understanding the question, rather than rehearsing your response in your head

Keep your radio interviews interesting to your audience!

• Telling a story – if you imagine each of your responses are a short story – this will automatically inject more energy and expression into your voice
• Emphasise important words – these are the key words that make up the essence of your sentences and will help you to sound more convincing
• Smile – when you smile your voice smiles and it comes across more appealing and personable to the listeners.

         http://www.skillstudio.co.uk

History of Radio

History of radio  By shimabegum

Tecniques when Interviewing

 

Interviewing a person whether it is on television or on the radio, the same rules apply. This video explains that there are a few pointers or tips needed when interviewing. There are a few factors that make a good interview such as, doing your research, asking relevant questions to the interviewee , to ask open questions e.g. What? Why? How? When?  and have a good relationship with the interviewee, to make them feel at ease and Listen to what is being said.

 

Source: BBC Blast ( YouTube)



Radio Analysis- Capital FM

Over the course of my AS level Study of Media, I will frequently listen to a Radio station and comment, how I find it intriguing. I will also listen how the Radio DJ presents themselves and what conventions commonly occurred. I will also check look out for the types of sound codes they used.

 

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Survey Analysis

Target Demographic 16-20 year-old

Trio FM conducted a survey on Survey Monkey which 25 of our target demographic kindly completed

1. The two most popular answers were“rarely” and “never”. This highlights that radio was not as popular as it was approx.50 years ago. There are many factors that contribute towards this such as the development of technology. In today's society, many people prefer to watch than listen. The rise of television and the Internet highlights that radio ceases to exist, as the internet allows you to not only search the internet for research or entertainment purposes but you can also watch TV. The internet even allows you to listen to the radio through a website or an App. Although radio is not as popular as other forms of technology however, technology has enabled people to listen to radio as technology has become portable allowing the listener to listen virtually anywhere hence, radio is not at all forgotten or lost.

2. We asked our target audience what radio station they preferred. Three specific radio stations, “Kiss 100” ”Capital FM” and ”BBCRadio 1” were frequently found. Although these are popular radio stations, why our audience found them interesting was due to their huge emphasis on music.All these radio stations tend to play the same genres of music, hence lots of people listen to them.

3. We asked our audience what topics interested them. Our target demographic said that “music”, “weather”, “celebrity gossip” and “local current affairs” interested them the most. These are conventions found in a typical radio newscast. Most people are interested in finding out about the weather, if there were hazardous weather condition, the listeners would be aware of it. Another topic, which was popular, was “local current affair" such as the London Olympics, Young Mayor...etc.

4. Our survey showed that the majority of our audience members liked to listen to the radio in the morning, after school/work and on journeys. On journeys the radio accompanies the driver. Many people listen to the radio because it is a form of relaxation and it helps to relieve stress from work and school. It also fulfils a person's boredom.

5. We asked our audience if they were interested in local job opportunities. Overall, our audience were moderately or very interested in local job opportunities, therefore if we add this topic to our radio station, it will intrigue and benefit listeners, as they will be able to take from what is being broadcasted.

6. Genres of music that interested our audience the most were, “RnB”, “Hip Hop” and “Pop.” These genres are quite popular and current, it also highlights what our target audience currently like to listen to, and what interests them the most.

7. We asked our target demographic if they were interested in celebrity gossip. Many people were not interested in“Celebrity Gossip”, however, if we were more specific as to whom we would interview or talk about, like Olympians or celebrities who benefit society, the outcome would have defiantly be different.

8. We asked our target demographic if they think having an agony aunt on the radio is a good idea. Exactly half of our audience agreed to having an agony aunt on the radio, the other half disagreed,which could be due to the fact that it was not a common convention found in radio. Hence, many people were confused and unsure about whether an agony aunt would be suitable or not.

9. Our audience preferred a “funny and entertaining”or “laid back” host because this interests listeners and keeps them entertained. A serious news host would bore our target demographic. a serious tone can only be used for hard news and not throughout the whole radio broadcast.

10. We asked our audience if they preferred Local or national news. Local news was generally more popular because people are interested in knowing what happens around their local area, as it involves them and evokes more emotion.This is known as Proximity as it is news within an area code.

 

 

 

 

What I understand by ‘news’ and ‘local news’?

Define News?

 

My definition of News is information, News is our ticket to understand what not only occurs in our part of the world but also what situations, circumstances happen globally. News helps us broaden our knowledge, but also used for our entertainment. News gives information for people to process and develop a good understanding of, it can be spread through the means of media, such as television, internet, radio and newspaper. News is described as a mixture of both hard and soft news, they have equal media attention depending on the level of importance or the impact it may have. News is also aimed to inform the public of current affairs that can affect people economically, globally, financially and socially, for example the Recession in Britain is prominently known to be an ongoing issue since 2009. This issue is still yet to be resolved. The Recession has had a huge effect on the British nation, as there has been an increase in inflation and redundancy. This piece of news comes under the topic of economy, as it explains, what is actually happening in terms of our money and what affect it has had on the people of Britain.

 

Define Local News?

Local News is focused more towards issues and stories which arise within one area. Examples such as crime, information on government events, e.g. mayor of London elections or successful GCSE results commonly occur in Local News. Local News has a huge impact as it relates to people that live in the area. It allows the audience to engage in such matters, as they may have had something similar happen to them or it associates in their area. Local News gives people self involvement which is a good trait for Local Radio as it intrigues listeners and increases the chance of more potential ‘Local’ Listeners. Local News provides an in depth understanding for people and shows acknowledgment. Learning and Understanding Local News help involve Local people in current affairs and events as people from the area are more willing to be active as it may concern them the most.

What Interests me....?

The type of news that interest me are Celebrity Gossip, I like to find out what famous stars get up to in their daily lives, I like finding out interesting things about Celebrities. I also have an interest in Sports, I am a big fan of the Olympics and have a keen interest in Tennis and Football. I enjoy listening to hard news whether it is international, National or Local; I find it very interesting to know what happens around the world. The main thing that interests me is Music, although I like to listen to the latest music, the main genres I prefer to listen to are Pop, Hip Hop and Rnb.

What My Audience are interested in...
My audience are within, roughly the age group of myself; hence we will have similar kind of tastes. I believe that my audience will have an interest in celebrity gossip; some may be interested in sports. My audience will definitely love music mainly in the genres of Pop and Hip Hop which we could potentially be the genre of our backround music for my radio production.

Producing a Radio Station