All the lonely people, where do they all belong: Community radio and social connection

Abstract

The Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) asserts that community radio should promote a culturally diverse society by representing those sections of the community much less visible in the mainstream media. This echoes the Australian Federal Government’s vision of social inclusion/cohesion in a society in which all Australians are valued and are able to participate fully. There are those, however, who are marginalised by mainstream culture and can find themselves alienated as a result of, for example, their language, religion, ethincity, sexuality or niche interests. Societal participation for those groups can be challenging and may mean some members feel a sense of isolation and lonliness. The incidence of loneliness in Australia is growing. The personal and social consequences of loneliness are significant for those affected but also for policy-makers. Community broadcasting is uniquely positioned to provide opportunities for volunteering, community participation, and sociability for niche community groups, all of which contribute towards countering the effects of loneliness. In this regard, community radio can be described as rhizomatic. It has the potential to generate social capital for the participants and the listeners via its many community entrance points and social pathways. Community radio is often a two-way street with content producers and consumers occupying the same position, thus blurring the line between the traditional professional broadcaster and the passive listener. The generated niche communities of interest expand away from a station towards the audience, and simultaneously, into the community station from the listeners. Overall, this article argues that community broadcasting in Australia should be valued as a medium that can reduce social isolation and enrich community cohesion.

The role of community language radio for understanding creativity and wellbeing in migrant communities in Australia

“…Many listeners become producers and are in fact encouraged to do so. This interchange of roles is a defining feature of community radio and is an important distinction from mainstream radio (Meadows et al, 2007;Milan, 2008;Oliveira, 2013;Order, 2017;Purkarthofer et al, 2008).…”

“…This function also extends from production to the audience; listeners, tuning in to hear about various social issues, in turn often become more active within the community (Milan, 2008). Community radio also disseminates content which builds community; Order (2017) found that specialized cultural programming can engage both older and younger generations in discussion, in an attempt to combat a feeling of alienation often experienced by first generation migrant youth towards their parents' home culture.…”

“…Van Vuuren (2006) sees community radio as being self-regulated, because the community surrounding the community radio sets the agenda. The community is then able to cover topics that may otherwise be ignored, misrepresented, or glossed over by mainstream broadcasters (Order, 2017;Purkarthofer et al, 2008).…”

“…Community radio volunteers cite a range of empowering benefits gained through their involvement, such as the acquisition of journalism training and communication skills (Purkarthofer et al, 2008), improved self-confidence and self-worth (Forde et al, 2009;van Vuuren, 2002), development of networking strategies, and numerous social and emotional benefits as outlined below (see also Order, 2017).…”

The Role and Impact of Radio Listening Practices in Older Adults’ Everyday Lives

“…Research on community radio suggests that it can enhance well-being (Meadows et al, 2007;Oliveira, 2013;Order, 2017). For instance, older adults gain a sense of purpose and identity by volunteering at radio stations (Order and O'Mahony, 2017).…”