Community radio is known to promote psychosocial well-being for individuals and their communities. Specifically, community radio broadcasting is “perfectly placed to tackle the far-reaching social issue of loneliness” (Order, 2017, p. 244) which is important as older adults, in particular, experience loneliness due to low levels of community connection. Thus, a better understanding of the social connections established between radio presenters and listeners could identify specific ways in which community and well-being in older life may be supported. This AAG-supported program of mixed-methods research investigated radio presenter behaviours to consider how their practices may be designed to facilitate their listenership’s sense of well-being. With data collection still underway, preliminary analyses suggest that radio presenters are not only recipients of well-being benefits, but are also conduits. They work with the listener in mind – scripting and delivering their presentation and content selections according to perceived audience preference. Findings will address how the behaviours of presenters relate to efforts to connect with, retain, and support the well-being of their listeners. Project findings provide an in-depth understanding of how radio relationships can promote well-being, leading to the creation of an evidence-based, user-friendly resource, designed to assist individuals and radio providers in promoting individual and community well-being. Broader implications regarding how the radio might be used in aged-care settings and healthy ageing policies will be discussed
