LO2: P3: Describe the Multiplatform Distribution Methods

 Describe the Multiplatform Distribution Methods 

Overall for my report I will be focussing on the radio station of BBC Radio 1 and one of the station's programmes called 'Going Home with Vick and Jordan'. I will be discussing how the radio station is distributed to their target audience alongside how they use multiple technologies as well as the any technological convergences they take advantage of. I will further talk about where the audience can access the programme and what kinds of alternatives they can offer to their audience. To end it off, I will include some links and images of the radio station and programme before concluding my report. 

My chosen radio programme of 'Going Home with Vick and Jordan' is firstly distributed to their target audience through the broadcasting on the radio station called BBC Radio 1. The BBC radio station is broadcasting throughout the United Kingdom through multiple methods across different platforms. It simulcasts by using analogue broadcasting of the FM frequencies, DAB digital radio broadcasting, digital television and online services through the use of the Internet. The BBC Radio 1 station's signals are distributed between the frequencies of between 97-99FM. This means that for the audiences to access it they need to tune the frequency of their radio channel - either from a radio in the car or a radio as the physical product radio - to this frequency to access BBC Radio 1 and therefore this programme.Specifically on the television channels, by using the satellites to broadcast their signals, on Freeview the listeners can access the radio show on the channel number 700 when it is on air of BBC Radio 1. This is usually from 3.30pm to 5.45pm but can differ depending on the station's schedule for that day or week. Here is the link to the schedule of the radio station which changes weekly: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/schedules/bbc_radio_one#on-air. As the target audience is aimed at 15-29 year olds, this is the age range that is most likely to be using the technological world daily and therefore to target them within their distribution methods they also decided to make it available online. The target audience can also access the radio programme through the Internet, as they can visit the BBC Radio 1's website and listen to 'Going Home with Vick and Jordan' when it is airing at the scheduled time. Here is a link to that website where they can access the radio station through the Internet: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live:bbc_radio_one

BBC Radio 1 uses multiple technologies to broadcast their station and therefore the stations' programmes like 'Going Home with Vick and Jordan'. One example of this is the television as the audience can access their radio station through the TV channels even if they don't own a separate radio system at home. They also use a different technology when broadcasting through the web and can access this version of distribution methods through different devices such as a computer, laptop, tablet or phone. BBC Radio 1 also takes advantage of different technological convergences as the audience doesn't necessarily need an actual radio to listen to the radio station. For example, they can access the radio through their car or through an app on their phone or on the web which means they have used the convergence of technology such as the radio and the mobile phone. 

My chosen radio station of BBC Radio 1 does also offer different types of products for the users to listen to apart from music radio programmes. They also offer a podcast with the main presenter being Scott Mills and the podcast being called 'Radio 1's Scott Mills' Daily Podcast'. This would appeal to a different type of audience and gives a range of products into their services. Here is a link to the web version where the audience can re-listen to the podcast on demand: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02nrv1j/episodes/downloads. BBC Radio 1 also offers the target audience the option to download any of their shows. To do this, the users can either download the iPlayer Radio app or go to the Radio 1 website, look for the title 'Mixes' and once the app is downloaded onto the mobile phone all of their radio programmes are downloadable. This means that the users can listen to their podcast or radio programme anywhere without the reliability of using the Internet connection from their chosen device. 

To conclude my final report, I have focused on the radio station of BBC Radio 1 and where appropriate the station's programme of 'Going Home with Vick and Jordan'. I have discussed how this radio station is distributed to their target audience and why they have decided to do this for their target audience. Furthermore, the different devices available to listen to the radio station and how the BBC have taken advantage of any technological convergences. I have also talked about the alternatives they offer, such as podcasts, and the chance to download their radio programmes with including proof with links to websites and multiple images.