LO2 Multiplatform distribution

Radio has developed as a form of media in the way that it is encouraged and supported via the development of Web 2.0 and other technologies such as the rise of blackbox devices (Jenkins 2008). Radio can now be accessed via peoples laptops, PCs, consoles, tables and phones, which as all been made possible by technological convergence and the inception of Web 2.0. This has developed from DAB (Digital Audio Broadcast) Radio, which in turn, developed from analogue radio, which was the first and therefore oldest form of radio access. This increase in technological convergence has led to a wider opportunity for distribution by radio stations and companies. This has meant that radio can be distributed via traditional methods such as digital radio and analogue, but also through apps and websites, eating radio can be accessed on blackbox devices by listeners. This has led to a vast increase in the accessibility of radio for people, and has also provided a cheaper alternative than buying a physical radio as it is built in for free onto blackbox devices through websites and apps. 

Kerrang! Radio Unleashed is an online only radio station that was launched in 2019. Due to it being a subsidiary of Bauer Media and a sister station of Kerrang! and Klassic Kerrang! Radio it reaches a mass audience of 18-35+. Kerrang! Radio Unleashed targets the younger end of Kerrang's demographic due to it being an online only radio station it targets the generations of digital natives. They have an average of 456,600 listeners per week over the age of 16. 

The most common and popular way to listen to Kerrang! Radio Unleashed is via Planet Radio (through smart speaker, website or app) which appeals to the target audience of digital natives. This is due to a development of technological convergence that allows people to listen on blackbox devices. The theory from Henry Jenkins (2008) talks about how technological convergence has led to the use of blackbox devices. This in turn has influenced radio due to the way listeners can now tune into the radio shows they want. The invention of Web 2.0 has allowed for the increase in interactive websites and apps that has allowed radio to be accessed by audience members. This is overall beneficial for audiences that tune into radio through an app, as the app allows the shows to be available in a single place, where they can receive news and information as well as listen to old shows. 

Kerrang! Radio Unleashed singularly uses Planet Radio because it is an online only radio show. Planet Radio allows Radio Unleashed to be accessed via smart speaker, website or application on any blackbox device. This helps target their demographic of digital natives aged 16+. The Planet Radio app in particular has been made possible by technological convergence due to the ability for listeners to interact with particular shows and watch back old shows too. This is strengthened by the increase in blackbox devices as it is now easier for audiences to access via app than ever before via a phone, tablet, laptop etc. This option, like using a smart speaker, wasn't possible before the inception of Web 2.0 and therefore Radio Unleashed wouldn't have been able to exist as a solely online radio station.  An advantage of technological convergence for Kerrang! is how they can now target a wider audience than ever before. The creation of both Radio Unleashed and Kerrang Klassic has allowed them to target niches in the wider audience they have created as listeners can choose between the genres they like through the three channels available opposed to the previous option of just one. This has also allowed for a greater synergy between applications/sites as the Kerrang website can be used in synergy with the radio station of the listeners choice as a way to see what songs will come up next. In the past the listeners would only be able to find out the next song when the DJ would tell them or play the song now through the Kerrang website and Web 2.0 they are able ti see the full catalogue of music for a show and pick and choose when to listen in or what to listen to. 

Kerrang! Radio Unleashed does have a X account however due to the unscrupulous nature of heavy metal music the posts are protected and you are required to follow and get accepted by the account before seeing their posts. This shows that they don't want underage users accessing the posts and that they are abiding by their remit.