The Archers- context

What type of radio made radio more accessible and when was it introduced?

DAB digital radio was introduced in 1995

What is technological convergence?

When multiple technologies are merged into one.

What is The Archers about?

Residents of the fictional farming community of Ambridge

How did The Archers help farmers?

It relayed important farming information about how to increase food production after WWII

When was it established?

1951

Where does it air?

BBC radio 4

How many episodes air a week?

6 with an omnibus on Sundays

What time do they play?

At 7pm with a repeat at 2pm the next day

Who regulates Tv and radio?

Ofcom

What time is the watershed?

9pm

What is their target audience?

Educated middle-class people

Why do people watch The Archers? (Entertainment)

For the entertainment/diversion from their everyday lives

Why do people watch The Archers? (Information)

To be educated about rural life or topical inserts

Why do people watch The Archers? (Social interaction)

To discuss the narrative either in person or on Facebook/X

Why do people watch The Archers? (Personal Identity)

To compare their life experiences with those of the characters

What are the three types of radio funding?

• Public service funding

• Commercial funding

• Charity funding

How does public service funding work?

The public pays their TV licence fee which allows the BBC to fund projects

How does commercial funding work?

Companies pay to advertise during the radio show

What radio stations are funded through commercial funding?

Capital, Kiss, Heart

How does charity funding work?

Donations and fundraisers