Radio and Public Service Broadcasting

The BBC is the non-commercial public service broadcaster in the U.K. This means that it is funded by the licence fee (which we pay to the government). The BBC is not managed directly by the government, but by a trust. The BBC Charter states that its aim is to 'inform, educate and entertain' - thereby promising to provide a range of output on its channels. (Notice how these objectives link to Audience Uses and Gratifications theory - again!)

Diversity is a key word for the BBC. Since we fund it, and it is a non-profit making organisation, it needs to create programming to reflect the variety of social groups in the U.K. - including minorities. It also needs to cater for the disabilities that some of its viewers might have.

Digital technology has allowed the BBC to create niche channels, to target particular audiences (e.g. BBC3 - with comedy and more youth-orientated programmes, BBC4 - with arts and culture programming, CBeebies for children). This is allowing it to narrowcast rather than broadcast. Radio stations also reflect this opportunity - with 1Xtra (black, urban, gospel music) BBC Asian Network, BBC6Music and BBC7. These, like the TV, can be accessed through the i-player. The websites make podcasts available of popular shows - for audiences who want to timeshift their listening.

The BBC also runs a network of local radio stations - important in providing local news, entertainment and interaction with local communities. This is part of BBC's role of identifying and targeting all regions of the U.K. Manchester is due to become more of a centre for BBC at mediacity in Salford Quays: radio production (partic. 5live) and some of its TV programming is due to move into the new centre: see useful websites section