The Convergence of Public and Private Sphere in the context of the new Digital Era: The role of radio

Abstract

Since the 19th century, radio has earned a characterization not only as a fast-moving medium of broadcast news, information, education and entertainment, but also as an interactive medium of the Public Sphere. New media however have transformed the meaning of Public Sphere, as well as the role of traditional media throughout the world. Radio, as a representative of the old media group, is in the midst of a new era. It has struggled to resist the rise of television, but also withstood the rise of the internet and the digital revolution. Radio still remains significant in the socio-cultural but also political landscape worldwide. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether radio confirms its role as a medium which is part of the Public Sphere but also if and how it constitutes a point of convergence of Public and Private Sphere within the competitive context of the new digital era. Through in-depth interviews with professional journalists, this research aims also to scrutinize the current role of radio in the Private Sphere and the extent of its influence upon it. The research concludes that radio still occupies a pivotal position among the factors that cause and enhance the convergence of the Private and Public sphere. Listeners and journalists are on the same side, the one of investing on the radio and helping it to transform and modernize.