LOCAL CALL-IN RADIO: A STUDY OF THE SEARCH FOR ADVICE AND SOCIAL NETWORKS (MASS MEDIA, COMMUNICATIONS, TALK SHOWS).
Item
-
Title
-
LOCAL CALL-IN RADIO: A STUDY OF THE SEARCH FOR ADVICE AND SOCIAL NETWORKS (MASS MEDIA, COMMUNICATIONS, TALK SHOWS).
-
Identifier
-
AAI8409384
-
identifier
-
8409384
-
Creator
-
BRONSTEIN, EVA MINDY.
-
Contributor
-
Charles Winick
-
Date
-
1984
-
Language
-
English
-
Publisher
-
City University of New York.
-
Subject
-
Mass Communications
-
Abstract
-
The present study used content analysis, survey research and in-depth personal interviews to test whether resourceful people turn to advice formats on radio in times of increased change and impermanence. An examination of the social network possibilities was also conducted. Its history and unique characteristics of intimacy, immediacy and anonymity make radio a suitable source of information and advice, as well as the creation of a social network of "unfamiliar others". The findings of this study goes counter to previous studies that were critical of those who turned to call-in radio.;It was found that listeners selectively expose themselves to call-in hosts. Call-in radio both reflected and promoted shared social reality. Many listeners consider call-in radio to be a "Window on the World," calling it an honest slice-of life, a vehicle for catharsis and vicarious experience. Hosts were considered credible and proficient.;Topics such as health, personal finance, family advice and the economy were considered by the listeners to be most interesting and most likely to lead to discussion and personal use.;The call-in hosts were found to "frame" calls by using cues to both encourage and discourage calls as well as assert authority. The audience perception of hosts as believable and expert was confirmed by content analysis and radio staff evaluation.;Social learning and parasocial interaction were two consequences of call-in radio. Listeners admitted to vicarious reinforcement and considered the hosts to be friends and co-workers.;Radio anonymity was necessary to open the discussion of private issues and protect callers from sanctions. Listeners and radio staff identify three motivations for calling: Free advice, holding a legitimate question, and ventilation of frustration.;Fishman's work on conversation analysis and gender difference was applied to host and caller interaction. Male callers made more statements, female callers asked for questions.;Call-in radio staff were found to be "hegemonic" as a result their self-defined roles, responsibilities, the "community" they attend to, and the screening process which defines and limits discussion. Hosts were found, in general, to present a conservative view of the world that protects the status quo. However, call-in radio was found a more open forum of ideas than other commercial radio formats.
-
Type
-
dissertation
-
Source
-
PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
-
degree
-
Ph.D.
-
Program
-
Sociology
