Radio 1 Launch CSP

 Historical, Social and Cultural Contexts

1) What radio stations were offered by the BBC before 1967?

BBC Radio Light (1945-1967) broadcasting mainly light entertainment (comedy / drama) and music. Replaced by Radio 2.

2) How was BBC radio reorganised in September 1967? What were the new stations that launched?

  On 30 September 1967, the Light Programme was split into Radio 1 offering continuous "Popular" music and Radio 2 for more 'Easy Listening'.

3) What was pirate radio and why was it popular?

This led to the growth of ‘pirate’ radio stations who could produce these shows for young people, 

4) Why did pirate radio stop broadcasting in 1967?

Pirate stations did not have these restrictions imposed on them because the law was difficult to apply offshore

5) How did the BBC attract young audiences to Radio 1 after pirate radio stations were closed down?

they could only play five hours of music per day. 

6) What was 'needle time' and why was it a problem for BBC Radio?

 This was called ‘Needle Time’ and in 1967 meant they could only play five hours of music per day. They were, more popular with young people than the BBC.

7) How did BBC Radio 1 offer different content to previous BBC radio stations?

Radio 1 also developed better content more suitable to the target audience as it became more popular. In the 1970s and 1980s, Radio 1 became the most listened to station in the world with audiences regularly over 10 million. 

8) Who was the first presenter for BBC Radio 1 and why did these new Radio 1 DJs cause upset initially at the traditional BBC?

Tony Blackburn was the first presenter to broadcast on BBC radio1 when it launched on September 30, 1967. The new DJs, many of whom were poached from illegal offshore pirate stations, caused significant upset among the traditional BBC establishment. 

9) Listen to excerpts from the Tony Blackburn's first 1967 broadcast - how might it have appealed to young listeners

It may have been considered cool and exciting to them as it may have been more modern to them

10) How was Tony Blackburn's radio show more like pirate radio rather than traditional BBC radio content?

The music was fit for a younger audience and was seen as cool to them.

Audience and Industry

1) What was the target audience for BBC Radio 1 in 1967?

the BBC Radio 1 target audience is 15-29 year olds

2) Why did Radio 1 initially struggle to attract young listeners?

 The median age for a Radio 1 listener is 32 and only 41% of the audience today are aged between 15-29.

3) What audience pleasures did Radio 1 offer listeners in 1967? (Use Blumler and Katz Uses and Gratifications theory).

Entertainment & Diversion: Listeners sought pure enjoyment, upbeat music, and escapism from the daily routine through the station's lively presentation.

4) How is the BBC funded?

  The tv license fee 

5) Applying Stuart Hall's Reception theory, what would the preferred and oppositional readings have been for BBC Radio 1 in 1967?

preferred

The Audience: Mainstream teenagers, young adults, and families who missed pop music after the pirate stations were outlawed.

oppositional

The Audience: Hardcore fans of offshore pirate radio and members of the late-1960s counter-culture.