Radio listeners' perspectives on its purpose and potential to support older wellbeing
Conference Contribution ResearchOnline@JCUAbstract
According to Order (2017, p. 244), community radio broadcasting is “perfectly placed to tackle the far-reaching social issue of loneliness”. This is important to note in consideration of older adult well-being. Thus, we have undertaken a program of mixed-methods research to investigate: 1) radio listeners’ considerations of the purpose of radio; and 2) the potential role of radio in promoting listener well-being. With data collection still underway, preliminary analyses drawing on semi-structured focus groups with radio listeners suggest that listeners engage with radio for entertainment (e.g., music), information (e.g., news), and connection. Listeners indicate that radio presenters act as a surrogate friend in their home, whereby the listener feels that they are part of a conversation taking place. They establish perceived relationships with presenters such that a change of presenter or program is met with mourning or an adjustment period. Having consistent engagement with presenters and programs of choice appear to be associated with listener enjoyment and comfort. Project findings will be contextualised against data collected via interviews with radio presenters to consider what synergies exist. Additionally, broader implications regarding radio listening for well-being in aged-care settings and healthy ageing policies will be discussed.
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SEMPRE 50th Anniversary Conference
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1
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London, UK
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Society for Education, Music and Psychology Research (SEMPRE)
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London, UK
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