Collectively we established the basic content we could use, primarily stories of local interest and social interaction. We have already collected various resarch, mainly recordings and sound clips of current radio news bulletins. Analysing the order and layout of the radio clips we were able to decide upon an appropriate plan for the typical codes and conventions of radio we may use. We did some recent research by listening to commercialised radio stations, though
mainly our local radio sattion, WishFM (http://www.wishfm.net/) Deciding we needed a broader knowlwedge of estimated audience figures and profiles for other local stations therefore we focused some of our research on typical radio demographics.Initailly we are focusing on the radio 'jingle', which is a main point of recognition for and audience, a form of branding for the show. We recognise how vital our less formal mode of address, regarding music and archive sound used will be and conisdering the local auideince, we have selected an upbeat and fast tempo sound clip to accompany our jingle. Chosen, after listening to various sound clips, free of copyright. Currently we are also working on the basic script to our show, we have allocated two female presenters, Rachael Dennis and Jade Gibson, due to the complimentary tone of voice we share. There are also other reporters, Michael Middlehurst and Joel Durkin.
Our local radio programme is “WISH FM” they cater for Wigan and St Helens. Wish Fm gets on around 82,000 listeners which is 18% of their maximum of listeners. Another show is “Rock FM” which gets around 579,000 listeners, which is 11% of their maximum listeners. Both shows are popular, and have a laid back approach to the show, like we have in our programme. Both Wish and Rock aim there programmes at the younger audience, as they play the newest music. Both of the shows talk about news, sport and weather, normally on the hour, every hour. The shows, concentrate most on music, but have different parts in each show where they will have pre recorded interviews and vox-pops. The shows talk about celebrity news, as well as local and national news.
Both shows, aim their shows at young adults, as they always keep up to date with the trend of music, and have funny, presenters that get involved with what’s going on in the show, and makes sure that the show keeps its light and cheery look upon life. Both shows are aired live, however some things, such as the news and pre recorded interviews are, recorded and edited before being put on air. However everything else is normally done in the studio live, as the show will have a majority of people covering different areas, such as the presenter, who will fade the microphone in and out, according to when he would like to speak, you will also have DJ’s who will get a line of music prepared. Also on site, there will be an editor and script writers.
The presenters in the shows are normally men, Wish Fm have 11 male presenters and 2 female presenters, and rock who also have 11 male presenters and 2 female presenters. This makes you wonder if women, and looked down upon in the radio industry. However, when listening to shows we did feel that men’s voices maintained an even tone, whereas women’s voices changed pitches frequently. Both shows cover a range of stories, they keep an even balance with local and national stories.