Radio evolution - ICS - Universidade do Minho

Oliveira, M.; Portela, P. & Santos, L.A. (eds.) (2012)Radio Evolution: Conference ProceedingsSeptember, 14-16, 2011, Braga, University of Minho: Communication and Society Research CentreISBN 978-989-97244-9-5The development of the news-informationproduction model on general-interest radio in Spain:the case of Cadenaser.comMARÍA DEL PILAR MARTÍNEZ-COSTA; ELSA MORENO & AVELINO AMOEDOUniversity of Navarramarcosta@unav.es; emoreno@unav.es; avamoedo@unav.esAbstract:The current digital environment has caused a shift in the conceptualization, production andprogramming parameters that condition traditional general-interest radio contents. Establishedprofessional procedures are being transformed by the availability of new (multimedia, hypertextualand interactive) languages and the convergence processes shaping both platforms and contentdistribution. The purpose of this paper is to offer an in-depth account of the formulation ofproduction strategies and broadcast criteria in relation to on-air and online news-informationcontents on general-interest radio stations in Spain, as well as a description of the workprocedures implemented in radio station newsrooms. The focus of inquiry is Cadena SER, anational, commercial broadcasting company in Spain.Keywords: radio production, radio convergence, radio journalism, Internet radioNews-information production on general-interest radio before platform convergenceThe expansion of the Internet in the mid-1990s enabled communication companies to initiate contentcoordination processes across platforms so as to evolve into multimedia and multiplatform conglomerates(Salaverría 2010: 29). Such convergence processes in newsroom organization were initially led by the print media,and only much later began to have an impact on general-interest radio operations. A greater impetus could onlybe achieved once it became clear that the traditional model of radio production and distribution had to beintegrated into the editorial coordination, content development and broadcast flow of other digital platforms.Nevertheless, the concept of convergence involves more than the mere integration or merger ofnewsrooms; it also encompasses changes in editorial management and organizational culture: in other words,changes in the way content production, management and distribution are structured, which amounts to “the moststrategic, most complex, most painstaking dimension of the transformation process as a whole” in the newsroom(Orihuela, 2011: 85).“Problems relating to adaptation [within the new media environment] have thrown the productionprocedures and professional profiles that had developed over many years into disarray” (Salaverría, 2010: 33). Thedefining features of such procedures on radio include the exclusive use of sound, sequential narrative continuity,constant updates and listener participation. However, radio language is now multimedia: the narrative ishypertextual, publication takes place in real time, and the listener plays a more active role in media conversationand content production.ECREA: ‘Radio Evolution: technology, contents, audiences – conference 2011 | 123