This paper delves into the cultural influence and emotional intimacies of radio broadcasting on individuals who grew up during an era when radio served as the primary and widely accessible electronic medium. It investigates the curiosity, enthusiasm, and anxiety generated by the introduction of this new form of mass media, which significantly differed from existing media during the 1940s. Through an exploration of personal memories and experiences associated with radio listening, this study analyses the emotional connections forged with radio sets, radio programs, and program producers. By examining the nature of affection and intimacy towards radio and its associated elements, the paper explores the possibility of nostalgia related to radio listening.
The primary sources for this research include personal journals, memoirs, biographies, and individual and group interviews conducted with elderly and retired All India Radio staff. The study encompasses the period from the 1950s to 2000, covering the rise of radio broadcasting and its popularity until the emergence of private FM broadcasting in Kerala, the southern state of India.
