About that Diagram

I chose radio for the diagramming assignment for a couple of reasons.

First, I like it quite a lot. I listen to public radio frequently, and have become fond of one of the new independent radio stations as well.

Second, I see radio existing at an interesting place in a media spectrum. Because it is audio-only, radio constrains users in terms of the messages it can deliver because it's audio-only. Listeners often are engaged in at least one other task while listening to radio, whether driving, working or cleaning, so those preparing messages transmitted by radio must compete with already divided attention. Yet for these disadvantages, radio and radio personalities can be tremendously influential. Listeners actively seek Rush Limbaugh, Howard Stern, Dr. Laura, and their local baseball announcers' broadcasts.

Corporate radio dominates much of the commercial radio marketplace, with Clear Channel stations reaching hundreds of millions of listeners. The artists whose music makes the cut are guaranteed massive exposure and that exposure influences the tastes of Americans nation-wide.

Radio is also evolving. Radio stations, even little indie stations, are offering links to iTunes on their websites, so listeners can purchase the songs they've heard on air. This affiliation links these stations' independent stance with one of the largest forces in music today. However, there are independent and pirate radio stations, college stations and online stations that also exist and broadcast the work of local artists, too.

So, I see radio as existing at a convergence of commercialism and independence, traditional models and innovation, passivity and devotion among listeners. I included in my diagram some of these contradictions, and I hope to further explore some of these themes in the coming weeks.