Radio and

broadcast as a
method for
advice and
information
interventions
 01 02
Distinct from radio or Radio or TV
other broad cast, programmes that have a
including advertising, distinct health- related
theme can facilitate
which involve a one- way
exchange of information
flow of information from and advice between
broadcaster to audience. viewers/listeners and
broadcasters.
 As more user- friendly and cheaper
technology has been developed,
broadcast methods have proliferated,
including cable TV channels and
audio and visual channels streamed
through the internet
Broadcast interventions might be delivered
as a ‘feature’ as part of an ongoing regular
main stream broadcast show, or as part of a
special series, or, in some instances, as
ongoing regular programmes with health-
related content.
Balick (2013) identifies consistent, ongoing programming, at regular times and days as
one of the benefits of BBC Radio 1’s ‘The Surgery with Aled & Dr Radha’ – a weekly
radio show in the UK, hosted by health professionals, and featuring regular specialist
guests

Providing a health- Callers can phone,

related feature in email, text
each programme

Callers tweet their questions and

concerns and receive on- air
information and advice.
 Benefit of Radio and broadcast as a method for
advice and information interventions

Radio in particular has been a Radio has one notable

popular way of broad casting advantage over television and

1
health information and advice,
especially given the global
computers: it is a light, mobile
technology that can be easily
2
availability and low cost of radios transported and does not need
compared with televisions or a mains electricity supply.
computers.

stimulating community Providing public

3 dialogue and national
debate;
information and specialized
health training 4

stimulating positive social

and behavioural change,
3 including decreasing levels
of stigmatization and
discrimination.