FEATURE:
Tune In
IN THIS PHOTO: Lauren Laverne (BBC Radio 6 Music, BBC Radio 4)/PHOTO CREDIT: BBC
Looking Back on What Radio Provided Us All in 2020 – and What Hopes I Have Going Forward
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WHEN news broke of the pandemic….
PHOTO CREDIT: @ocv_photo/Unsplash
early last year, I think a lot of us started to turn to radio in order to provide some form of company and distraction. Not only has the sheer range of radio stations – both AM/FM and digital – lured more people and provided that choice; many have bonded with presenters and tune in because it is almost like they are hearing from a family member! That may seem like an exaggeration, but it is clear that many radio stations have welcomed in their listeners like a family lately. Given that we are all going through the same struggles, radio has responded and so many of us have been kept uplifted and hopeful because of that important lifeline. The first weeks of lockdown meant that many more people were turning to the radio. This article reports on some of the positive news that came through:
“Radio stations are reinventing themselves during the coronavirus pandemic and being rewarded with record online listening figures as a result.
And a number of local commercial and BBC stations across the UK are stepping up their game with extra local content and interactivity with listeners.
Some stations are reporting double-digit increases in online listening in recent weeks.
Global says that there has been a significant increase in connected radio listening, with daily reach up 15% and hours up 9%, between 9-17 March. LBC displayed the most notable growth, with its daily reach growing 43% and listening hours increasing 17%.
Figures for Bauer a week later also show an average daily reach increase of 15%, and average daily hours up 13% week-on-week. The broadcaster also reported a record daily reach for Bauer Radio streaming on Friday 20 March.
Some of the biggest increases have been especially noted across morning programming – which suggests that people are keeping devices on when they would normally be heading out to work.
These increases come on top of significant growth in online listening over the past year. The most recent RAJAR figures for Q4 2019 showed that online listening was the fastest growing method in the UK, up 33% year-on-year.
Meanwhile, BBC Local Radio, which standardised all programme schedules to protect the workforce and limit footfall into the studios is also going above and beyond to keep communities together.
More than 100,000 people have contacted BBC Local Radio’s coronavirus helpline since it was set up two weeks ago and has seen the biggest response the BBC has ever had to a Local Radio campaign”.
Although some stations have been hit and advertising revenue has dropped, I do feel like radio in general has played a vital role over the course of the past year. Broadcasters are deemed as essential workers. And rightly so! I feel like we have all been lonely and isolated, so being able to tune into our favourite station every day has been such a relief and sense of warmth.
IN THIS PHOTO: Craig Charles (BBC Radio 6 Music/BBC Radio 2)/PHOTO CREDIT: BBC
I think radio’s important role will continue through this year and, as we are not out of the woods and will be struggling for quite a while to come, that invaluable sonic balm and hug is more important now than ever. Even when we come through the other side and things are markedly better, I don’t think people will abandon radio and spend more time outside/engaged in other forms of entertainment. All of us who listen to the radio owe the stations and broadcasters a huge debt…and I would like to think that listener figures will climb through this year. I listen to BBC Radio 6 Music, and BBC Radio 2. On BBC Radio 2, I tune into Ken Bruce’s weekday morning show. He is one of the best and most recognisable voices on the radio. I also listen in to Jo Whiley, and Sara Cox: everyone at the station has been brilliant when it comes to making us feel better and less alone. BBC Radio 6 Music is my station of choice and, from Chris Hawkins first thing, through to Lauren Laverne’s breakfast show, over to Mary Anne Hobbs, Shaun Keaveny and everyone on the weekday schedule, I have been made to feel a lot safer and more positive because of these people. I also listen to Craig Charles, Radcliffe and Maconie, and Steve Lamacq frequently; all at the station are simply brilliant! Everyone has worked hard and had to come into buildings and studios that are a lot quieter than normal! I can only imagine how strange it has been for everyone, though I never get the sense of that when I listen to BBC Radio 6 Music (and other stations).
IN THIS PHOTO: Angela Scanlon (BBC Radio 2)/PHOTO CREDIT: Angela Scanlon
In terms of other things this year, I hope that there is continued work regarding gender disparity at various stations. I know things have improved the past couple of years, and stations like BBC Radio 2 have made quite big strides moving female broadcasters to more prominent timeslots. From Ana Matrronic, to Zoe Ball; to Vanessa Feltz, through to Elaine Paige…there are some phenomenal female broadcasters on the station. Angela Scanlon is one of my favourite broadcasters on BBC Radio 2, so it would be great if she got more airtime this year. I also loved Cat Deeley’s broadcast on 2nd January on BBC Radio 2, and she is someone else I would love to hear from more from. On BBC Radio 6 Music, we have phenomenal women like Lauren Laverne, Mary Anne Hobbs, and Cerys Matthews on their schedule - I do think there needs to be a bit of a move this year to bring in more women. I am a big fan of Gemma Cairney. She stepped in for Lauren Laverne over Christmas, and she has proven herself to be a very popular choice. She is so bubbly, passionate and uplifting; having her in a more permanent setting on the station, I feel, would be welcomed by many. Similarly, music news reporter Georgie Rogers is someone I have been lobbying for regarding getting her own show. I think that she could bring something exciting and fresh to the station. In terms of gender and racial equality, I feel many radio stations need to make a pledge to create balance going forward.
IN THIS PHOTO: Gemma Cairney (BBC Radio 6 Music)/PHOTO CREDIT: Katherine Anne Rose/The Observer
Even though there do need to be more women on BBC Radio 6 Music, it is not a problem so big that it affects me listening – just something I hope will be rectified and addressed in the next couple of years. In general, radio has been such a pillar and fountain of comfort for those who need us – which is pretty much all of us! I do feel like we will see some line-up changes on some stations this year. Regardless, I wanted to salute all radio stations really, as they have provided their audiences with so much. These very key workers have been brilliant and, as we look ahead this year to some brighter possibilities, the broadcasters who have joined us in our darkest days will be right alongside us! I have so much respect and appreciation for the broadcasters and teams who have done such sterling work over 2020. Let us hope that the army of listeners who have tuned in and discovered new radio wonders lately stick firm and understand the power and importance of radio. For all the good things about T.V. and podcasts, I do think that radio offers something more personal and enriching. My 2020 was so much better because of stations like BBC Radio 6 Music and BBC Radio 2 – I know many others feel the same way and have felt like their favourite presenters have been talking directly to them every day. It goes to show that, even in such a modern age, that radio remains such…
IN THIS PHOTO: Ken Bruce (BBC Radio 2)/PHOTO CREDIT: Andrew Crowley
AN important and invaluable format.