How have digital technologies affected how audiences can respond to radio?

The podcast is easily accessible and downloadable for free!
Easier for the audience to talk to each other about it, using social media. Therefore the issues and themes are more easily spread
Complicated techniques that engage audiences such as overlapping sound are extremely easy to accomplish
In addition to BBC Sounds, the podcast can be streamed through Youtube and Spotify. Allows audiences a variety of different points of access
The use of digital editing software such as Adobe Audition makes editing audio significantly easier than before. Also, accessibility of digital recording equipment has liberalised the production of audio media

How does BBC Sounds use its web portal to maximise audience engagement?

If the website looked unappealing and was difficult to use, it would minimise audience engagement. However, the website has been designed to effectively engage audiences.
From the top of the page: high contrast colourful images with high engagement
The colour orange has connotations of hope and energy, and constructs a clear brand identity.
The thumbnails on the top strip are colourful and easy to access. The majority of audiences will default to live broadcasts, and this ensures that audiences get what they want.
However, as audiences move from left to right, they can access more niche shows, and therefore this allows the BBC to address plurality
Simple, straightforward, web 2.0 layout will appeal to many target audiences

Digital tech has made radio far more accessible.
Use of integrated apps allows for remote listening around the country and the world
Everything is digital, everything is connected. For example social media integration allows audiences to instantly share their thoughts with a huge audience!!
It allows audiences a huge variety of shows, allowing audiences to access niche shows
Digital convergence has allowed for ease of access, and allows younger audiences an enjoyable experience when interacting with media such as radio
Freedom to access shows at any time, rather than relying on scheduled releases
Easier to produce radio shows!
Accessibility! Mobile phones make listening to radio as easy as simply downloading BBC Sounds and creating an account. This allows radio to appeal to a winder and more diverse audience
Personalisation. Using a service like Spotify, algorithmic optimisations allows platforms to present audiences with more of what they want to listen to. However, this arguably only presents audiences with a narrow viewpoint of media, as certain companies are able to pay to be included in this optimisation
Mobility. Due to the fact that podcasts can be downloaded, they can hypothetically b listen to on other planets
Quick, easy, convenient. HYHGP is hosted on Sounds, Spotify and YouTube, which provides audiences with options
Allows audiences to repeat, rewind, fast forward
Allows audiences to distribute, share and edit the podcast themselves