Radio: KISS FM Breakfast show CSP

 Audience

1)What is KISS FM's mission?

KISS FM’s mission is to connect with young people by sharing fresh music and content across radio, online, and social media in a way that fits our lifestyle.

2) Look at page 3. What is the target audience for KISS FM? As well as writing the key statistics from the media pack, try and suggest what psychographic groups would fit the KISS audience too.

The target audience for KISS FM is mainly 15–34-year-olds, with a 60/40 female-to-male split. While the audience was originally more London-based, 65% now live outside the city, showing how the station has grown nationally. They’re active, social through the KISS Kube app (which has over 1.3 million downloads). Shows like Breakfast and Live@KISS have the biggest audience share in London, and the listeners tend to fall into psychographic groups like trendsetters, digital natives, and experience seekers.

3) Now look at page 5 - The KISS network. How does KISS use digital media and technology to reach its audience? 

KISS uses digital media and technology to reach its audience by being on social media like Instagram and Twitter, using the KISS Kube app, and streaming shows online. They let people listen, join competitions, and chat anytime. This way, it’s easy for young people to connect with KISS whenever they want.

4) Now look at the other side of page 5. What content do KISS Fresh and KISSTORY offer and how can audiences access those stations?  

KISS Fresh plays the newest music like Hip Hop, Dance, House, and Afrobeats, including exclusive first plays from big artists and popular DJ shows. KISSTORY offers classic Old School and anthem tracks from R’n’B, Dance, Garage, and Hip Hop, featuring well-known artists and special shows. Audiences can listen to both stations on DAB in London, Freeview, Sky, online at KISSFMUK.COM, through the KISS Kube app, on social media, and at live events.

5) Read page 6. What are the different ways audiences can actively engage with the KISS radio brand? 

People can connect with KISS by listening on the KISS Kube app, online at kissfmuk.com, or on the radio. They can join competitions, chat and shout out on social media, and take part in live shows. Plus, they can go to KISS events and parties like festivals and the big Halloween event at Wembley.

6) Are listeners to the KISS Breakfast show active or passive? You can argue this point either way - explain your opinion in your answer.

I think people who listen to the KISS Breakfast show are mostly active. They don’t just listen—they take part by joining competitions, sending messages, and talking with the hosts. The show wants people to join in and have fun.

7) Now think about the clips you've watched or listened to of the KISS FM Breakfast show with Jordan and Perri. What audience pleasures are offered by the KISS FM Breakfast show? Use Blumler and Katz Uses and Gratifications theory here.

The KISS FM Breakfast show with Jordan and Perri gives listeners different kinds of enjoyment. It’s fun with music and jokes, which makes mornings better. The show also shares news and updates about music and pop culture. Listeners feel like the show matches their style and helps them express who they are. They can join competitions, send messages, and connect on social media, which makes them feel part of a group. The show also helps people relax and forget problems by giving them a fun start to the day.

8) How have audiences changed in terms of how they listen to music and radio since the 1960s?

Since the 1960s, listening to music and radio has changed a lot. Before, people used radios or records at home. Now, people listen on phones and apps like spotify or apple music, rarely listening to the radio. 

9) How does the KISS FM Breakfast show contrast with Tony Blackburn's 1967 Radio 1 Breakfast show and the launch of BBC Radio 1?

The KISS FM Breakfast show is different from Tony Blackburn’s 1967 Radio 1 show. Back then, the show was more serious and played mostly pop and rock music. It mostly just played songs and shared news. Now, KISS FM is more fun with jokes and talking, and listeners can join in using social media and competitions. KISS plays newer music like hip hop and dance, and uses apps and the internet to connect with people. It’s made for today’s younger listeners.

10) Use Stuart Hall's Reception theory to offer a preferred and oppositional reading of the KISS FM Breakfast show. For the preferred reading, why do fans love the show? On the oppositional side, why might someone criticise the show or not want to listen?

Preferred reading:

Fans love the show because it’s fun, lively, and full of music they enjoy. They like how the hosts chat, joke, and involve listeners with competitions and social media. The show feels friendly and fits well with their lifestyle, making it a great way to start the day.

Oppositional reading:

Some people might not like the show because they find it too noisy or annoying. They could think the jokes and chats are silly or the music isn’t their taste. Others might prefer quieter, more serious radio or think the show is too focused on young people and pop culture, so it doesn’t interest them.

Industry

1) When did KISS FM first launch and what type of station was it then? 

KISS FM first launched in 1985 as a pirate radio station in London, playing underground dance, house, and urban music that wasn’t widely heard on other stations at the time.

2) Look at the Bauer Media Group's list of brands. How many different types of media can you find on there? What brands do you recognise? 

Bauer Media Group has lots of different types of media like radio stations, magazines, websites, and events. I recognize brands like KISS FM, Magic Radio, Absolute Radio, Heat Magazine, and Empire Magazine. They cover a wide range of media, which helps them reach lots of different audiences.

3) How does KISS FM make money? 

KISS FM makes money mainly through advertising. They sell ad space on their radio shows, websites, and apps to brands who want to reach their young audience. They also earn from sponsoring events and live shows, plus partnerships with other companies for promotions and competitions

4) How many listeners does the KISS Breakfast show have and how has this changed in recent years?

The KISS Breakfast show has about 980,000 listeners each week right now. That’s a bit less than a few years ago when it had around 1.4 million listeners. Even though the numbers have dropped, the show is still really popular and important for KISS FM.

5) How is KISS FM regulated and what can happen if they break the rules?

KISS FM is regulated by Ofcom, which makes sure they follow rules to keep content safe and appropriate. If they break these rules, like playing something offensive or inappropriate, they can get fined or punished. For example, they were fined before for prank calls and playing explicit songs when kids might be listening. So, it’s important for them to stick to the rules to keep their listeners’ trust.