An Examination of the Concept of Intimacy in Radio Studies, Combining Mainstream and Non-Mainstream Theories and Practices

Editors: Shingler, M., Crisell, A. and Shaun, M.

Conference: University of Sunderland - Faculty of Arts and Creative Industries

Abstract:

My thesis is a meta-theory that looks at the evolution, current status and possible futures of Radio Studies. It provides a new synthesis of material which has until now appeared to be antithetical. This material is defined as mainstream radio theory and non-mainstream or avant-grade radio theory. Some shortcomings are pointed out and interrogated in what has in the past been perceived as an under-theorized field. Ultimately, elements from both strands of radio theory are used in order to gain a better understanding of the concept of intimacy with the aim to add to the still growing field of Radio Studies. Intimacy, through extensive review of radio theory literature, is revealed as a core yet vague concept. Drawing on my production background and on methods used in the avant-garde strand of radio theory, this thesis includes a practical component: the creation of a radio programme on the relationship between the radio voice and intimacy. The combination of theory and practice in this project aims to demonstrate the ways in which theory can inform radio practice and vice versa and to reveal some creative interpretations of theory as well as theoretical reflections that result from working with sound. The contribution of this thesis aims to be a more systematic understanding of intimacy through a new approach to academic literature on radio. This approach employs mainstream and non-mainstream theories in order to offer some new insights on the ways in which radio has until now been theorized and to reveal some unexpected similarities between these two ideologically opposite traditions.

http://sure.sunderland.ac.uk/6792/

Source: Manual