Comparison of TV shows

 400 WORD ESSAY:

The shows I have decided to talk about are the lifestyle radio Magic Radio and The Archers which I had previously talked about in my 1000-word essay. It could be argued that Magic Radio is like the radio drama The Archers in some ways. One similarity is that both radio shows have relatable style dialogue, which makes the audience feel as though they are with the host/ characters in the conversation. Magic Radio has hosts who interact with their audiences in different ways. For example, sometimes it is via phone-ins or social media or they may ask rhetorical questions that the audience can answer. Similarly, The Archers also have a relatable feel to their drama. This is seen through how their characters speak to one another in a familiar tone and lingo, which is likely used by its audience. With this tone, audiences can feel as though they are with the characters experiencing this with them, adding a sense of verisimilitude. Additionally, there is a use of informal language, which helps to create a natural tone as we feel comfortable. The shows mentioned are both very friendly and engaging. Together, both the Archers and Magic Radio demonstrate their similarities through their relatable tone and nature, helping the audience immerse themselves fully in the conversations.

However, the shows also present their differences. This is evident through the difference in whom they are addressing and speaking to. Magic radio tends to constantly break the fourth wall as it directly addresses the listeners and audience. As previously mentioned, Magic Radio sometimes allows its audience to get involved with phone-ins. These are games that the audience can actively participate in when listening to the radio show. The idea of a lifestyle radio is to be as relatable as possible so that it can engage the audience, therefore it is likely that the show will often address the listeners directly. In contrast to this, The Archers does not break the fourth wall as it refrains from directly addressing the audience. The show guides itself without any narration which demonstrates how it lacks total engagement, unlike Magic Radio. With this lack of direct address, the show allows the audience to interpret their opinions by themself, which makes the show unique for every listener and more meaningful. It could be argued that having a fourth wall allows the audience to become more connected than having a narrator since we are making these personal and individual bonds with the characters and the show.

In conclusion, both radio shows demonstrate how radio programmes can use different methods in order to entertain and attract their audiences. There is no specific set rule as to what your radio drama should be like, the only thing you need is the equipment to air a radio.