Examine the relationship between the music industry and the radio in the promotion of music. The radio and music industry work symbiotically

Examine the relationship between the music industry and the radio in

the promotion of music.

The radio and music industry work symbiotically with each other,

meaning that they depend on each other to help them grow, and be

successful. The radio helps to influence music sales. Before the

1980’s radio was the most important broadcast medium for determining

the form and content of popular music. The radio compiles play lists

which combine the favourite tracks of all the different DJs and

producers to provide a varied mix of music and introduces exciting new

artists along side those more established. They make deals with the

record companies on how many times their song will be played within a

certain length of time, in order to ensure maximum airplay. Radio 1’s

daytime programme is generally built around play list records, because

they try to ‘bring the best new music to the widest possible

audience’.

Unfortunately the songs that reach the play lists are decided upon by

the Head of Music, so it is difficult for up and coming artists to

really get enough airtime. The audience can only listen to what music

is chosen, so the radio acts as gatekeepers to our taste. Radio 1

tries to ensure that they support new UK artists, but more commonly

provide air time for the more established acts, mainly from the USA.

It is often the British artists that do not get enough air time, who

are operating on limited budgets and so cannot get themselves heard.

According to Feargal Sharkey ‘Radio 1’s A-list featured only two out

of 20 artists that were UK-signed, and one of those was Irish’.

DJ’s offer their opinion on their favourite song b...

... middle of paper ...

...lay a new single before

any other station, or have an exclusive interview with an artist.

This helps them gain and keep listeners.

Many people will listen to the radio whilst doing other tasks, such as

ironing. This is a form of secondary consumption, and influences

people to buy songs they have heard. In many cases you will find

yourself humming to a song that you heard earlier, and if you have

enjoyed it you may wish to buy the single. Radios also include talks

about music or musicians, from gossip to critical reviews. This gives

the listeners information about the artists and lets them delve into

their backgrounds. This may also encourage you to buy their album.

For instance if the radio focus on a Welsh band, and you live in

Wales, you may wish to buy their albums to support people from your

area.