BBC Sounds - Audience and Industry

I am listening to Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling

How are audiences grouped and categorised for this show?

• Iain Stirling predominantly talks for the podcast so I would argue the podcast targets a white middle class male audience
• may attract an American audience as the story is from Phoenix, Arizona
• may also attract a Scottish audience, as Iain Stirling is from Scotland

How does this show attract/target its audience?

• Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling have a presold fan audience
• the pair were presenters on Love Island between 2019 and 2022, so have a presold audience
• Laura Whitmore attracts a female audience, whereas Iain Stirling attracts a male audience
• attracts the audience through the pair advertising their podcast on their social media and being advertised on the BBC through TV advertisement and radio

How can audiences interpret this show in different ways?

• murder and crime can be a complex topic and some audiences may find the show as disturbing and others may find it interesting

How does this show use technology to target a specialised/niche/cult audience?

• BBC sounds is available on the app, website and on the radio, so very accessible
• categories podcasts into different categories so fans of a certain genre can find similar media products

In what ways can audiences use this show, and how does this reflect their identity and cultural capital?

• audiences who have a like for true crime can have this show reflect a part of their identity

Industry

How is this show produced, distributed and circulated, and by who?

• produced by Radio 5
• distributed by BBC Sounds
• circulated by the BBC

In what ways does radio use specialised forms of production, distribution and circulation?

• production - sound effects, pauses for tension, editing skills
• distribution - radio being able to be accessed nationally, with several radio towers and through the use of BBC Sounds, which can be accessed through the app or website
• circulation - radio and apps allow for a wide target audience

How have recent changes in radio changed production, distribution and circulation?

• increased use of digital technologies allow for the radio to be accessed in several ways, including apps, websites and radio

What economic factors may have affected this show? How financially successful do you think it was? Was it made commercially or not for profit?

• I think the show has a low budget as it does not feature a lot of music and does not have any guests
• I think the show makes a profit, but is not a huge money-maker for the BBC

How have new digital technologies affected how this show is regulated?

• harder to regulate as people can lie about their age and listen at any time