Suparna Bhattacharyya
Journalism and Mass Communication
April 2025
This research analyzes senior citizens' listening patterns on FM radio in Delhi and Kolkata to determine the roles of local culture and geographical determinants in mediating media behavior. The author observes, however, that notwithstanding the upsurge of new media technologies, FM radio persists as the elder population's top choice source for entertainment, knowledge, and psychological attachment. Data was gathered using structured questionnaires from 180 elderly citizens (90 from each city), with an emphasis on listening time, content preferences, and access modes. The results indicate that music, news, and devotional programs are the most preferred content among this age group, with most respondents listening for 1–2 hours a day. In addition, mobile phones have become the most prevalent form of radio access, marking a shift towards inclusivity in the digital age for elderly people. The research points to the continued significance of FM radio for elderly individuals in urban areas, and it suggests that broadcasters ought to adjust their programming to make it more emotionally engaging and include relevant, easy-to-understand information for this age group, with due regard for the cultural differences between the two cities.
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