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May 25, 20260 citationsOpen Access

Broadcasting democracy: radio and identity in South Africa

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HCHuman Sciences Research Council

Key Points

  • The analysis aims to examine how South African radio contributes to the construction of identities in a post-apartheid context.
  • Explores various radio formats and stations in South Africa.
  • Analyzes the role of radio in cultural and political discourse.
  • Investigates listener perceptions of radio as a democratic tool.
  • Identifies that radio stations function as autonomous cultural entities that influence identity formation.
  • Demonstrates that radio is perceived by listeners as a medium that supports democracy.
  • Highlights that the diversity of radio formats contributes to rich public discourse.

Abstract

The media play a key role in post-apartheid South Africa and is often positioned at the centre of debates around politics, identity and culture. Media, such as radio, are often said to also play a role in deepening democracy, while simultaneously holding the power to frame political events, shape public discourse and impact citizens' perceptions of reality. Broadcasting Democracy: Radio and Identity in South Africa provides an exciting look into the diverse world of South African radio, exploring how various radio formats and stations play a role in constructing post-apartheid identities. At the centre of the book is the argument that various types of radio stations represent autonomous systems of cultural activity, and are 'consumed' as such by listeners. In this sense, it argues that South African radio is 'broadcasting democracy'. Broadcasting Democracy will be of interest to media scholars and radio listeners alike.

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Cite This Study

Human Sciences Research Council (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a13e81d0e02ee3982d32c3dhttps://doi.org/10.14749/32381904
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