My dissertation looks into the role of radio, and its viability as a media platform and social tool in the future. One of the key themes i am looking into is the lack of interactivity offered to the next generation of listeners, the so called digital natives who are used to dynamic, user generated environments and content (YouTube being a great example).
The standard model of radio offers only limited interactivity. I want to explore the idea of user generated radio, based on a peer to peer model where content can be generated by the user, and eventually broadcast by them also. Below i have created a basic model of radio as it stands at the moment, and two subsequent models where the user is given increased control of content and broadcasting.
In the left diagram, a simplistic view of the current radio model, the radio station creates the content, which is then broadcast to the listeners. The middle diagram shows a model for listeners generating content which is then broadcast to the listeners. My first step will be to try and implement the middle diagram.
The basics of my idea
I envision a centralised location, in this case a website, where users can record or upload content for a radio show. The users assume the typical role of a DJ, and can record short shows talking about whatever takes their fancy. These short shows are then collated into a longer show and broadcast. This creates a scenario where users become producers generating content, but there is still a centralised hub where the audio is submitted, rated by others and then added into a show.
Once i have a solid user base, and have tweaked the model so that it functions efficiently, i can try and attempt the third model. This sees the users as content producers and broadcasters. This will be a huge challenge, and im not sure exactly how it will be implemented at this stage. I have considered the use of peer to peer internet broadcasting, so that each user broadcasts to others.
Why it’s different
I have struggled to find anyone who has tried to create this kind of model for radio. It puts the users in the driving seat, and gives them control over what they hear. It branches into another genre, becoming a form of audio blogging, which could add greater appeal. This form of peer 2 peer model is popping up in other areas, but so far has yet to rear its head in radio, which is what makes this idea innovative.
Other examples
As mentioned above there is not really any implementation of this idea in radio, but others have experimented with user generated content. One example i am looking into is noWax, a phenomenon that started in the uk which sees events set up where the guests become the DJ for the night. They each bring their iPod, get a slot and play their own playlists.
Technology
I am going to use flash for the internet implementation of my idea, as the tool with which people can record/upload audio to the website. In terms of the broadcasting with my first implementation i am not sure how i will work this yet, possibly an fm broadcast? However i will need to look into the regulations of this. I could broadcast it over the net, but again i need to look in to the technical ins and outs.
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