Introductory Questions about BBC Hereford and Worcester

"Summarise  the weekly programme schedule - who are the main presenters?   - what are the dominant genres of programming? Give examples."

In general, the station broadcasts live programming originating from its own studios.  However, there is a block of approximately five hours in the early morning, generally between midnight and 5:00 AM, where broadcasts are taken from BBC Radio Five Live, a national station which generally broadcasts news and sport programming.  The main presenters during the week are Mike Wyer, Howard Bentham, Tony Fisher, Andrew Easton, Keith Goodon, Mike George and Rob Underwood.  At weekends, Jason Harold, Reg Moule, Ellie Targett, Mary Fox, John Hellings, Keith Middleton, Malcolm Boyden, Toni McDonald, Jim Hawkins and Genevieve Tudor are also heard.  The dominent programme genres seem to be music and talk: the station broadcasts a great deal of local news, sport, weather and travel information, as well as national and international news and sport bulletins.  Live broadcasts from local sporting events, particularly football, are also heard.

"Summarise music policy - what are the dominant genres of music? Give examples."

The station seems to play a mixture of music genres from the sixties to the present day.  However, all of the music seems to have a clear melody and use an established popular music structure, which eliminates genres such as Hip Hop and Rap.  In addition, it is very mild, I.E. genres such as Hard Rok and Dance are generally avoided.

"What is the balance of speech to music?"

The balance of speech to music across a typical day of broadcasting seems to be fairly even, although certain shows may deviate from this.  For example, very little music is played whilst a football commentry is being broadcast.

"What is the balance of live to pre-recorded material?"

Most of the material on the station is live: the majority of the pre-recorded material that is broadcast takes the form of news reports and other similar items.

"How does the station promote itself?"

The station has a website, which includes information about past, current and future programs.  In addition, schedule information can be found in such magazines as the Radio Times.  Furthermore, presenters consistently promote shows by their colleagues.

"On the basis of what you’ve heard, what sort of audience is listening?"

I would predict that the station cators for local people aged twenty-five and over who either have an interest in local affairs or who like the relaxed atmosphere that the station promotes.

"How does the station serve the BBC’s "Public Service" mission - refer to website as well as programmes."

The station regularly broadcasts news, sport, weather and travel information: a detailed news broadcast can be heard at the top of each hour and travel information is broadcast every twenty minutes.  Generally, the topics for discussion during programmes are somewhat related to the news.  In adition, the station is often used to communicate urgent, important information such as the closure of a school due to bad weather conditions.  All of this information is also shown on the website, sometimes in more detail due to airtime constraints.

"Analyse balance and  coverage of news via listening & website - what is the ratio of local to national news?"

In general, the balance of local to national news is quite even, although there is some bias towards local.  For example, when talking about the US presidential election, the station placed specific focus upon how it would affect Hereford.

"Compare with local commercial radio  (Wyvern)"

The station is very similar to its comercial competitors.  However, unlike commercial stations, it does not air advertisements for external organisations and services as capital is obtained via the television licence fee.

"Compare with national public service  (BBC R 2 & 4)"

The station is somewhat similar to BBC Radio 2, although there is more emphasis placed on local affairs on Hereford and Worcester.  However, it bares no resemblance whatsoever to BBC Radio 4: Radio 4 is primarily a talk radio station, broadcasting such things as news analysis, drama and comedy; the program has a very formal, proffessional feel.  It is also used to broadcast the Shipping Forecast.  On the other hand, Hereford and Worcester generally broadcasts in a more informal, relaxed style and most programming includes some music.