Radio Launch 1

 Historical, social, and cultural contexts:

1) BBC radio home and BBC radio light were radio stations available before the 60s.

2) Radio 1 wasn't as popular as the BBC had hoped when it first launched because it wasn't seen as "cool" by the youth.

3) Pirate Radio was when radio stations would broadcast from international waters so they didn't have to obey UK laws about radio. This meant that they could play all types of songs at any time aimed at a younger audience which made it so successful.

4) Pirate radio stopped broadcasting in 1967 due it being outlawed by the marines broadcasting offences act. The government closed the legal loophole meaning anyone who wanted to listen to popular had no choice but to go Radio 1.

5) Many of the DJs who were on pirate radios then worked for Radio 1 after being outlawed meaning the style of music was very similar, so it kept majority of its audience.

6) "Needle Time" was the restriction given by the musicians union phonographic performance which only allowed the pirate radio stations to play music for 5 hours a day as it was threat the usage of records declining.

7) Radio 1 differed to other radio stations as it exclusively only played music and fun discussions for young people.

8) Tony Blackburn was the first presenter/DJ and they were upset at the traditional BBC as they didn't offer a lot freedom for creativity for the presenters.

9) It was very fast paced, meaning it wouldn't ever bore the younger audience, and the music played was popular at the time.

10) It wasn't formal like the other radio stations and played "informal" pop music which was of appeal to a younger audience.

Audience and Industry:

1) The target audience was 15-24

2) Radio initially struggled to attract young listeners as the BBC stood for conservative values rather than to fit their audience needs.

3) In terms of psychographics, explorers may be a big majority of listeners and the fast paced music and style of pop is of appeal to those who search for adrenaline and enjoy a constant thrill.

4) BBC is funded through people paying TV license.

5) Preferred reading of Radio 1 would be that it offers responsible and legal music for young people, whereas an oppositional reading might be that BBC 1 took away the fun and thrill of pirate radio.