A Grounded Theory Conceptualization of Radio Psychology

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to develop a conceptual framework for understanding and describing the experience and impact of being a regular listener to a radio talk show. Grounded theory methodolgy was used for the research because very little empirical work exists in the area, and generation rather than verification of theory was the goal of the research. Data for the research were tape recordings of 11 of the radio programs and transcripts of unstructured face-to face interviews with seven regular listeners to the program, "That's Living". These were analyzed paragraph by paragraph, and e'ach meaning unit was categorized. When no new categories were being identified, coding was halted. In all, 136 categories of meaning were coded, supported by a total of 925 examples of their occurrence. Categories were sorted into themes and the themes were linked to form the basis of a grounded conceptualization of the radio talk-show phenomenon. The core categories distilled from the radio program related to the sense of community and connectedness created among listeners, the informing and teaching activities of the hosts, and the facilitative and therapeutic strategies used by the hosts. Listeners perceived the program as having value for them, they perceived a sense of relationship with the hosts, and they experienced a sense of belonging and community among listeners to the program. iv The theory which emerged from the data suggests that the program hosts create an environment where personal growth and movement flourish because they establish themselves as trustworthy, knowledgeable and caring. The hosts employ a vast repertoire of teaching and facilitating skills. Listener engagement is selective in that individuals are likely to respond more vigorously to those messages, learnings, and themes which are most relevant to them.