Distribution methods mind map

 P3:

Listening platforms poster

 

Multiplatform distribution methods

BBC radio station analysis. 

P3 & M2

BBC radio 4 report

P1 & P2:

Programme structure & content analysis

M1:

The Archers 

This programme is called The Archers which is based on the lives of farmers. The programme was established in 1951 to educate farmers for the increase of food production during World War 2 and to communicate essential information for farmers to understand. The Archers is on every week from Sunday to Friday with 13-minute episodes. The show starts at 7:00pm and are repeated the next day at 2:00pm, except for Saturdays. 

The Archers is broadcast on BBC radio 4 and can be accessed via the internet. There are many ways to access the radio, for instance using enabled devices such as smart TVs and smartphones or other Wi-Fi connected devices. By listening to BBC radio 4 you can have a more personalised experience. The audience for the archers is targeted at well-educated middle-class professionals, anyone of the age 56 and above. The audience is usually female with the typical age of 56. It has been running for 56 years and is broadcast twice a week. 

The Archers programme includes an editor, Jeremy Howe, who leads a production team and group of writers, plans the script meetings with the team and plots the twists and swirls of the families in Ambridge, which is the village The Archers is set in. The actors receive their scripts a few days before recording which takes place every four weeks in a radio drama studio at the BBCs premises. Each episode of The Archers programme is only 13 minutes long. 

The Archers storylines and content reflect what happens in the real world. This is because the Archers covers the topics related to social issues/life and relationships, as well as political issues. The show often explores current events and difficulties faced by communities, allowing the audience to identify the different perspectives and experiences. They are based on real events. An episode of the archers was released on the 30th of January 2024, outlining the storyline of Mia and her fashion show. The tension builds as Mia’s emotions control her actions. She is unable to conceal her anger when the people around her dropout as her models. The anger has led her to unintentionally offend people and comment on their appearance (1:53 YouTube, Tuesdays episode 30/1/24). For example, Mia commented on the Button sisters and their hair, which left the Button sisters furious. However, Mia ends up receiving a male model for the fashion show as she receives a message from Kenton saying he will model. This lightens the mood of the storyline so far. Jolene, who is another character, involved in this storyline, notices a group of men in the car park with vehicles. This is alarming for the character and leads Jolene to calling the police, only she left her phone upstairs. Kenton yells at the men outside and tells them they can’t stay in the car park. This leads to Kenton being attacked by the dog the men carried as their protection, leaving Jolene in shock and agony, blood on her hands. The men disappeared. 

This episode of The Archers builds up the dramatic setting as the characters are led into intentional danger. The “covered in blood” described from the episode represents how intense the setting is and how much of a negative impact it had on the characters. The dialogue used in the episode signifies an intimidating atmosphere as the tension builds up and the story is driven forward.  

The Archers uses a tune which is heard in a maypole dance and goes by the name Barwick Green by Arthur Wood. The tune included in The Archers is catchy and fluent towards the audience, therefore the music and sounds being used in the programme engage and attract the audience by putting in the effort to make it entertaining. The music also becomes recognisable to fans of the programme. 

Running order for the radio: 

23:30-6:00 

The radio is filled with news content such as the weather and politics, with news and more. 

The timing for when the shows are aired: 

9:00-11:30 

The radio moves onto entertaining and educating the public so that the audience enjoys what is presented on the radio, as well as being informed about the news and political issues. 

19:00-23:0 

The radio suggests shows that are less formal and more entertaining during the last hours of the day 

Genre	Radio drama
Edited by	Jeremy Howe
Produced by	Julie Bekett
Recording studio	BBC Birmingham
created by	Godfrey Baseley

 

The characters 

• Jill Archer=played by Patricia Greene 

• Leonard Berry=played by Paul Copley 

• Ruth Archer=played by Felicity Finch 

• David Archer=played by Timothy Bentinck 

• Pip Archer=played by Daisy Badger 

• Josh Archer=played by Angus Imrie 

• Ben Archer=played by Ben Norris 

• Justin Elliott=played by Simon Williams 

• Lilian Bellamy=played by Sunny Ormonde 

• Alan Franks=played by John Telfer 

• Amy Franks=played by Jennifer Daley 

• Usha Franks=played by Souad Faress 

• Tony Archer=played by David Troughton 

• Pat Archer=played by Patricia Gallimore 

• Helen Archer=played by Louiza Patikas 

• Tom Archer=played by William Troughton  

• Lee Bryce=played by Ryan Early 

• Natasha Archer=played by Mali Harries 

• Johnny Phillips=played by Tom Gibbons 

• Peggy Woolley=played by June Spencer 

• Brian Aldridge=played by Charles Collingwood 

• Jennifer Aldridge=played by Angela Piper 

• Adam Macy=played by Andrew Wincott 

• Debbie Aldridge=played by Tamsin Greig 

• Kate Madikane=played by Perdita Avery 

 

The tone and style crafted by The Archers is created by the actors. Elaborating on this, the nature of the storylines concentrates on certain characters and groups through the overuse of dialogue which makes the tone more dramatic. The episodes of the Archers are informal which makes the dialogue more expressive. An informal and conversational tone can make conversations feel more relaxed, casual, and friendly. It helps create a comfortable atmosphere and encourages open communication.  

 The inspiration of The Archers programme came from another radio programme called Special Agent, which is a radio thriller serial that was broadcast in the BBC light programme.  

During the Archers programme, various meanings are created through the engaging storylines, character interactions and themes explored in each episode. The show delves into topics like relationships, family dynamics, rural life, and social issues, allowing listeners to connect with the characters and their experiences. The meanings created can range from emotional connections and thought-provoking discussions about the complexities of everyday life. It’s a show that resonates with its audience in many ways. 

The purpose of The Archers is to entertain and engage its audience through compelling storytelling. It aims to reflect and explore various aspects of the rural life and social issues which allow people to connect with the experiences of the characters in The Archers.