for media practitioners - everywhere!
about roles
content is king in a world where media offer so much choice. Technologies change, and people adapt to these new technologies. But the bottom line is that it is Content that draws the listeners, viewers and users.
And Content means Programming. Does it meet their needs? Are listeners made to feel respected and of significance in a de-personalised world? Radio may be heavily impacted by technology but ultimately the listener only cares about content that meets needs and what makes him or her feel good.
We could look at programming from various angles but this web-site explores the varied roles that radio in particular plays in the lives of its listeners. Parallels can also be drawn with other media.
- It helps the broadcaster to better understand the diversity of programming available.
- It expands the reader's understanding as it reviews the wide scope of possibilities that abound. And finally...
- ... it helps the broadcaster develop programming strategies by reviewing the roles most suitable for the audience.
Here you can find the full text of all six chapters of this Internet-published update of Radio Programming Roles as well as additional materials. You can also explore the various roles and see both examples and discussion questions for each. These are all free for download or printing.
Request a free log-in to have access to the book, its chapters, exercises and blog as well as up-dated revisions, downloads and archived materials. Signed-up users also receive a monthly newsletter free of charge. It encourages you to interact with the site, to submit your own examples or discussion questions - or even to submit your own papers and articles.
NEW! A new section on the left has been introduced. Listening Post has been developed to direct attention to the importance of Listening. Follow the link to the blog site - and get ready to engage the discussion! It brings another dimension.
Topics in the new publication on this web-site include the following:
- The fourteen roles of radio - unpacked together with practical examples and discussion questions
- The Gray Matrix - a useful planning tool for understanding the balance between cultivating relationships and imparting knowledge
- Dimensions of the Message - understanding the most important elements of the Christian broadcaster's message
- Incarnational Radio - getting radio out of the studio and into the community
- Finding Answers - addressing the importance of audience research
- Using New Technology - looking at the impact new media technologies are having on radio broadcasting
More chapters are being planned as additional dimensions are brought into the mix. Existing chapters are being updated and the language simplified, especially as the roles get put under the spotlight each month in the newsletter. Click on the Blog tag to find out, and also to express your views.
Use Facebook and Twitter by clicking on the links. Facebook has a Radio Roles discussion group you can join. Following radioroles on Twitter will keep you in touch with the latest developments. And don't forget to try out the version of Radio Roles you can read on your smart phone or iPad.
You can find translations of the first edition of Roles in French, Indonesian, Russian and Spanish by visiting the Downloads page as well as other useful resources for study and training.
Enjoy!
Last updated May 17 2012