APPLE BEATS 1

1) How have our music listening habits changed since 1960?

AM-FM

Downloadable music

Radio shows broadcasting 

2) When did Apple Beats 1 Radio launch and what is it?

Beats 1 is wholly owned by Apple and launched in 2015 as a free live streaming global 'always on' radio station. It claims to work across genres but often focuses on indie and rap music.
3) What is the difference between Beats 1 Radio, iTunes and Apple Music?

iTunes is all about media ownership, functioning as both a virtual record store and an efficient digital library for music and other media (movies, TV shows, etc) that you own personally. The software comes pre-installed on all Apple devices, and is available as a free download for non-Apple PCs and mobile devices. iTunes doesn’t require a subscription fee to use.Beats 1 Radio is an internet-based global radio station.
Apple Music is all about streaming. You pay a flat fee to unlock access to Apple Music’s entire catalogue, but you don’t actually own the music you listen to. 

4) Why was Apple so keen to enter the online music world and compete with Spotify, Deezer and Amazon Music (and others)?

To gain more control of the streaming market:  Apple already has a loyal and substantial consumer base through iTunes.  Apple Beats 1 is another method of keeping Apple customers away from competitors such as Spotify, Deezer, Amazon Music etc.

5) Why did Apple choose the three selected DJs for launch? 

Established DJs who will bring their own fan base –  there are ‘guest’ DJs who are well known singers and groups.

6) How does the use of DJs differ from Spotify, Amazon Music and other streaming services? 

Beats1 sells itself on the quality of the DJs and in this it is different to Spotify, Deezer and Amazon Music as it allows the audience to develop Personal Relationship (Blumler and Katz) with the DJs. 

7) How does the content of the Julia Adenuga show differ from Radio 1? 

 London DJ from former pirate station Rinse FM - expert on grime music

8) Why does Beats 1 radio give Apple the power to make or break new artists? Is this a good thing or a bad thing for the music industry?

Beats 1 demonstrates emerging, future developments in the media and provides an opportunity to study issues linked to ownership, globalisation and convergence.

9) Read the BBC feature on the launch of Apple Beats 1 Radio. Did the industry experts think it would be a success? Why?

"A rising tide lifts all boats" is the expression, and I think it's good for the radio industry that a tech company so used to changing the way we operate as human beings - with iPads and smart phones - wants to do radio. Having a presenter tell you "this is the next big tune that you need in your life" is so much more engaging and exciting than a streaming device." 

10) Give arguments for and against the idea that Beats 1 will be a threat to traditional media industries (e.g. radio stations, record shops, online music retailers etc.)

“Beats 1 isn't about radio, it's about music. Most radio stations offer local news, travel, information and entertainment so Apple's new single radio station won't have much of an impact on most of them. People who listen to local radio generally don't listen for the music. However, specialist music stations such as 1Xtra, Kiss, 6 Music (and to an extent, Capital and Radio 1) will be more at risk.” - Roy Martin - managing editor, Radio Today

Audience

1) Who is the target audience for Beats1 and Julia Adenuga in particular? Refer to demographics and psychographics.

Content exclusive to Beats1 such as Taylor Swift back catalogue (which is not available on Spotify).  Artists sign exclusivity deals with certain online providers.  This does influence what music DJs can play as artists who have signed up to Apple may get preference.

2) Why do people listen to Beats1? Which aspects of Blumler and Katz’s Uses and Gratifications theory relate to Beats 1 and its audience?

Personal relationship-As they could become a fan and develop a relationship with the djs a star guest appearances.

3) Can the audience actively interact with the Apple Beats 1 Radio or are they passive when listening? How? Give examples. 

The audience are listening passively as there are no opportunities to phone-in or speak directly to the artists while they're on-air. However, there is some active listening as listener can actively add songs they hear to their library and playlists.

4) Is Apple Beats 1 aimed at a mass or niche audience? How does this differ to BBC Radio 1?