Exploiting Controversial Content in Hip-Hop Radio Stations

Entertainment has been significantly influenced by the most extreme degree of artistic cultural characteristics, and it has been, in many ways, a brilliant representation of the value scheme which prevails in each individual society where it transpires. The variance of entertainment can ultimately be accounted for by a vast number of differing forms, with each independent form having its own detailed attributes and persuasive devices which predominates its audience. The objective purpose of this composition was primarily to render a representation of the underestimated power of a definite form of amusement that Americans recognize as radio, and all research was accomplished in Jackson, MS.

Radio can be considered a particular basis of entertainment that has a rather remarkable power and relatively unique distinction which can separate it from its counterparts; it can freely accommodate and persuade a notably large audience within any given genre of American culture. Genres represented by the less fortunate cultures are primarily affected by radio for this meticulous matter; it cost nothing. This study was tremendously vital to the public at large because it could possibly illustrate the dramatic influence revolving around the Hip-Hop community, by listening to one of the genre's more popular radio stations; precisely, what knowledge can be gained by a content analysis of the radio station, WRJH-FM, 97.7?

Methodology

Specifically, the research method used in this investigation was a textual-content analysis - that is, a method of communication study which is widely used by researchers in order to decipher the rationale of messages and scrutinize the occurrences of unambiguous characteristics therein a particular text (Frey, Botan, & Kreps, 2000). The research was executed in accordance to Krippendorf's (1980) fundamental steps of a quantitative content analysis; therefore, a medium was selected, units of analysis were determined, categories were created for each element of communication, and a sample was chosen. WRJH-FM, 97.7 (September 25, 2007) was the examined medium, and the amount of time dedicated to each particular category was the unit of analysis, which included one type of music - music promoting sex, violence, and drug usage, another type of music - other music, disc jockey (DJ) commentary, advertising segments, and news fragments; one hour of radio listening was the predetermined sample extracted between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on September 25, 2007.

Results

The research was expected to provide support in favor of or against the hypothesis which states that the content on WRJH-FM, 97.7 extraordinarily advocates sex, violence, and drug usage (September 25, 2007). There were 0 songs played in the entire duration of the sample that did not advocate sex, violence, or drug usage; 100 percent of the music played during this time sponsored such behavior. There were also 0 fragments dedicated to any form of news. There was a total of 8 minutes devoted to advertising segments which only represents about 13 percent of air-time, and there were only 7 minutes committed to DJ commentary which corresponds to less than 12 percent. This means 75 percent of the radio station's total time was spent encouraging sex, violence, and drug usage.

Discussion

There was actually a phenomenal prevalence of evidence provided from this study which robustly supported the hypothesis of this investigation. It is apparent that the Hip-Hop community suffers from a measure of its own production; moreover, the culture recycles its influence from which it is created back into the society, only to power the manufacture of more manipulation.

Influence can eventually become a revolving cycle, whether first-class or detrimental, and sometimes, it can prove to be exceedingly complicated to calculate or bring to a standstill. Hip-Hop radio was just one small paradigm of this redundant sequence; it should be noted that there are many others. Entertainers should be suspicious of the behavior they maintain because a countless number of followers may be watching, and the behavior of celebrity icons can be extremely influential on their fans; furthermore, broadcasting networks should be cautious of the conduct they promote as well.

References

Frey, L. R., Botan, C. H., & Kreps, G. L. (2000). Investigating communication: An introduction to research methods (2nd ed.). Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon.

Krippendorf, K. (1980). Content analysis: An introduction to its methodology. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage Publications.

WRJH-FM, 97.7. (September 25, 2007). Hot 97.7: Jackson's blazin' hip-hop and r&b, 8:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.