Social Media & Radio: A Case Study

Social Media & Radio: A Case Study Spring 2014

Demet Akat | @DemetAkat Becca Liss | @BeccaGLiss

#OldRadioNewMedia

Introduction: The Project

  Impact of social media on radio broadcasting:   Background & Theory

  Research Questions

  Case Study – TRT (Turkish Radio & Television) FM

  Future Implications

  Conclusions

#OldRadioNewMedia @DemetAkat @BeccaGLiss

Introduction: The Importance

  Looking at media studies as a whole, radio is highly under-researched

  “Radio was a neglected medium, invisible, the Cinderella of communication studies and a wall flower at the media studies ball” (Lacey, 2008)


Background: The Theory

  Uses & Gratifications

  “People were using the Internet and traditional media (i.e., television, newspapers, and radio) for the same reasons: social interaction, surveillance; and relaxation” (Johnson, 2012)

  “People use the media to satisfy certain needs, such as to pass time, cure boredom, find excitement, social interaction, as well as to survey the environment” (Rosales, 2013)


Introduction: The Questions

  How does social media contribute to the interaction between listeners and radio broadcast?

  Does social media have an impact on radio popularity?


Background: The Case Study   This was the first radio

station in Turkey to broadcast through FM transmitters

  TRT FM is the most accessible radio station across Turkey

  Radyo 2 (TRT FM) is the main channel for popular music among TRT Radio Stations


@TRTFM

Background: The Case Study


@TRTFM

Case Study

  Interviewees (1-4)

  Overall themes they talked about

  Memorable quotes


@TRTFM

Interviewees

@tulaytuzun

Tulay Kankalp Tuzun on Facebook

TRT Anchor (1998 – Present)

Fine arts, music, politics, entertainment, etc.

BA in Business administration


Interviewees

@suhauner

Suha Uner on Facebook

TRT Anchor (1989 – Present)

Covers a variety of topics on shows

Degree in French Literature


Interviewees

[email protected]

Cem Temel

TRT Producer (1998 – Present)

Runs daily news show

Pursuing Ph. D. on Republican History of Turkey


Interviewees

@okyanus1011

Deniz Sezer

Vice-Producer at TRT

Live & Taped shows (focus on entertainment)

Degree in Accounting


Main Themes

  Interaction

  Audience Contribution

  Visuals

  Station Promotions


Theme 1: Interaction

  Social Media makes the audience interaction easier.

  Listeners feel more connected when there is more interaction.

“The listener has a warmer relationship with the radio through the social media. The radio show takes a different form with the help of the instant messages. Sharing different opinions,… getting instant responses from the host for a request or a critique, being able to interact with the host directly; all these are benefits of the audience of a radio show that uses the social media platforms.” Tulay Tuzun


Theme 1: Interaction


Theme 2: Audience Contribution

  SM makes listeners more active in the content curating process.

  Through SM, it is easier to get feedback quickly from the listeners.

“..social media platforms are helpful to a better understanding of the listeners’ expectations. We are making some changes in the content according to those expectations, when it is possible.” Cem Temel


Theme 2: Audience Contribution


http://audience411.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/AudienceInteraction1.png

Theme 3: Visuals

  SM makes Radio visible through sharing visual content.

“Social Media gave us the opportunity to make our studios visible for our listeners through pictures we post on Facebook or Twitter.” Deniz Sezer


Theme 4: Station Promotions

  SM is a great opportunity for introducing the coming shows on their radio station.

“In these social platforms, we introduce our future guests and the content of the shows and sometimes inform listeners about the whole TRT corporation. “ Tulay Tuzun


TRT

  Streaming Application


@TRTFM

What’s Next?

  Comparative studies among additional radio stations regarding social media use and popularity

  Utilizing additional social media platforms to interact with listeners

  More academic focus on the relationship between social media and radio


TRT & Literature

  How Radio is utilizing social media:   Twitter – sharing breaking news & contest alerts

  Facebook – promotions, programs, events, sample music & photos of artists

  Mobile Apps – live listening/streaming; on demand

#OldRadioNewMedia

(Rosales, 2013)

@DemetAkat @BeccaGLiss

Conclusions

  Four Themes

  More to explore

  Turkey & Social Media
