🌐Media Business Unit 4 – Broadcast Media – Radio and Television

What's This Unit All About?

• Focuses on the business aspects of broadcast media, specifically radio and television
• Covers the history and evolution of these mediums from their inception to the present day
• Explores the technical aspects of how radio and television broadcasting works
  • Includes the equipment and processes involved in producing and transmitting content
• Examines the various business models employed by radio and television companies
  • Advertising-supported, subscription-based, and public funding
• Discusses the regulatory framework and ethical considerations surrounding broadcast media
• Looks at the future trends and challenges facing the industry in the digital age

Key Concepts in Broadcast Media

• Broadcast spectrum refers to the range of electromagnetic frequencies used for transmitting radio and television signals
• Analog and digital transmission are the two main methods of broadcasting
  • Analog uses continuous signals, while digital uses discrete binary data
• Terrestrial broadcasting involves transmitting signals from land-based towers to receivers (antennas)
• Cable and satellite broadcasting deliver signals through coaxial cables or via satellites in orbit
• Audience measurement techniques like Nielsen ratings help determine the popularity and reach of programs
• Dayparting is the practice of dividing the broadcast day into distinct time slots for programming and advertising purposes
• Syndication involves selling the rights to broadcast a program to multiple stations or networks

Evolution of Radio and TV

• Radio broadcasting began in the early 20th century with AM (amplitude modulation) transmissions
  • FM (frequency modulation) was introduced later, offering better sound quality and less interference
• Television broadcasting started in the 1920s with mechanical scanning systems
  • Electronic television using cathode ray tubes became the standard by the 1940s
• Color television was introduced in the 1950s, gradually replacing black-and-white sets
• Cable and satellite television emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, expanding channel options and reach
• Digital broadcasting began in the late 1990s, offering improved picture and sound quality, as well as interactive features
• Streaming services like Netflix and Hulu have disrupted traditional broadcast models in recent years

How Radio Broadcasting Works

• Sound waves are converted into electrical signals using a microphone
• The electrical signals are then processed and mixed using audio equipment (mixing console)
• The mixed audio is fed into a transmitter, which modulates the signal onto a carrier wave at a specific frequency
• The modulated signal is amplified and sent to an antenna, which radiates the signal out as electromagnetic waves
• Receivers (radio sets) pick up the electromagnetic waves and convert them back into electrical signals
• The electrical signals are then processed by the receiver and converted back into sound waves through speakers

Television Production Basics

• Pre-production involves planning, scripting, casting, and scheduling
• Production is the actual filming or recording of the content using cameras, microphones, and lighting equipment
• Post-production includes editing, visual effects, sound mixing, and color correction
  • Non-linear editing systems like Adobe Premiere and Final Cut Pro are widely used
• Television content can be live or pre-recorded
  • Live programming requires careful coordination and real-time decision-making
• Studio productions take place in a controlled environment with sets, lighting, and multiple cameras
• Field productions involve shooting on location using portable equipment and smaller crews

Business Models in Broadcasting

• Advertising-supported broadcasting relies on selling airtime to advertisers to generate revenue
  • Commercials, product placements, and sponsorships are common forms of advertising
• Subscription-based models charge viewers a recurring fee for access to content (cable, satellite)
  • Tiered pricing and bundling of channels are often used to maximize revenue
• Public broadcasting is funded through government subsidies, grants, and viewer donations
  • PBS (United States) and BBC (United Kingdom) are examples of public broadcasters
• Retransmission consent allows broadcasters to charge cable and satellite providers for carrying their signals
• Syndication and licensing fees provide additional revenue streams for content creators and rights holders

Regulations and Ethics

• The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates broadcasting in the United States
  • Grants licenses, allocates spectrum, and enforces content standards
• Fairness Doctrine (1949-1987) required broadcasters to present contrasting viewpoints on controversial issues
• Equal Time Rule mandates that political candidates receive equal opportunities for airtime
• Obscenity, indecency, and profanity are prohibited on broadcast television and radio during certain hours
• Payola scandals involved record companies paying radio stations to play specific songs without disclosure
• News broadcasting is expected to adhere to principles of accuracy, fairness, and impartiality
• Advertising to children is subject to additional scrutiny and regulations

Future Trends in Broadcast Media

• Streaming platforms are increasingly competing with traditional broadcasters for viewers and content
  • Original programming and exclusive deals are becoming more common
• Cord-cutting refers to the trend of viewers canceling cable or satellite subscriptions in favor of streaming services
• Over-the-top (OTT) delivery bypasses traditional distribution methods and delivers content directly via the internet
• Personalization and recommendation algorithms are being used to tailor content to individual viewers
• Interactive and immersive technologies like virtual reality and 360-degree video are being explored
• 5G networks promise faster speeds and lower latency, enabling new possibilities for mobile broadcasting
• Addressable advertising allows for targeted ads based on viewer demographics and behavior