Broadcasting during COVID-19: Community language radio and listener well-being

Abstract

Community language radio is known to provide information and social connection for community members. This article examines the role of community language radio in Australia during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Drawing on data from interviews with four presenters at a community language radio station in Melbourne, this case study explores the station’s operation during the pandemic and presenter perceptions of the station’s contributions to supporting listeners’ well-being. To situate our study more globally, the case study was preceded by an examination of press reporting on the role of radio during the pandemic. Overall, our findings indicate that community language radio has played a vital role in promoting listener well-being by communicating information about COVID-19 and by providing a sense of comfort, entertainment and companionship through regular broadcasting. Results are discussed considering crisis communication and resilience theory to highlight the vital role community language radio plays for migrant communities during crises.