The Surgery (Radio 1)

Diverse ownership

Curran and Seaton

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Where Radio 4 is dominated by niche programming that serves a mature ABC1 audience, the station’s sister broadcaster, Radio One, targets a mainstream demographic aged 15 to 29. Yet even here the BBC showcases its public service remit to inform and educate - its diverse ownership status steering the content of R1 towards a clear civic-minded remit.

The Surgery for instance is a weekly slot that fields health based questions. Staffed by impartial experts and medically trained professionals it offers advice, guidance and support on issues ranging from sexual health to sleep hygiene. The Surgery links to Seaton and Curran’s thinking by:

1. Giving impartial expert advice from a diversity of informed contributors.

2. Combining an entertainment driven format with serious discussion that is designed to benefit its listeners.

3. Inviting audiences to join in health debates via Twitter hashtags.

4. Ensuring that key contributors and presenters come from diverse social and ethnic backgrounds.

5. Raising awareness of sensitive public interest issues including gender politics and body shaming.

Mainstream demographic

A mass audience - usually targeted with content that offers a middle-of-the-road perspective.

Media terminology used

Diverse ownership

Refers to media companies or organisations that don't just exist for commercial gain. Key diverse media producers include public service broadcasters.

Public service broadcasting

A type of media organisation that doesn't produce products for commercial gain. The BBC as a PSB for instance seeks to inform and educate its audience as well as providing products that might entertain.