Celebs talk about radio versus social media on iHeartRadio Music Awards red carpet

Category: Lifestyle/Entertainment

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. red carpet / rɛd ˈkɑr pɪt / (n.) – a long red floor covering on which important or famous people walk before entering an event
    Example:

    Celebrities showed off their designer gowns and suits as they walked on the red carpet.


  2. honor / ˈɒn ər / (v.) – to give public recognition to someone
    Example:

    The event was held to honor the retiring CEO.


  3. air time / ɛər taɪm / (n.) – the length of time a show or program is broadcast on radio or TV
    Example:

    The popular artist had a lot of air time on the show because she was promoting her new song.


  4. path / pæθ / (n.) – a way to achieve something
    Example:

    The path to being a doctor is difficult. It requires a lot of patience and sleepless nights.


  5. nominate / ˈnɒm əˌneɪt / (v.) – to formally recommend someone as a candidate for a position or award
    Example:

    We plan to nominate Tina to be our class president because she’s very responsible.


Article

Read the text below.

The top artists in music hit the red carpet for the iHeartRadio music awards in Los Angeles. The show honors the “most played” artists and songs on its network of radio stations. However, most say social media is just as important as air time.


Award show host and music legend, LL Cool J, said “I think it’s all, it’s land, sea and air.” He added, “I think social media is extremely important, obviously, because you get to talk to your fans directly and then it’s also nice to touch some other platforms.”


Peytan Porter said social media was her path to getting on the carpet with a series of TikToks called “Songs I Forgot I Wrote.”


“I got nominated for this a year later and I finally started putting out music as an artist,” said Porter, “TikTok is what took me from just writing songs to get to be an artist last year. So it’s been amazing.”


Coi Leray understands the value of social media but feels that radio is just as important as an artist.


“It has to be super powerful to live throughout, you know, over the digital content because if they can’t see, they hear you, so they have to feel you. So, you know, I keep that in mind about the radio,” said Leray.


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • Most artists say social media is just as important as air time. Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • LL Cool J said that social media allows artists to talk directly to their fans. Do you think it’s important for artists to regularly interact with their fans? Why or why not? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • Artist Peytan Porter started her career through the social media app TikTok. Do you think people who got famous through social media would have a stable career? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Porter added that TikTok gave her an opportunity to become an artist. Which do you think can provide greater exposure to potential artists, social media or traditional media (ex. TV, radio)? Why? Discuss.