Radio Phone-In Talk Show as People's Council

Radio phone-in talk shows are pervasive and have become an important force in formulating public opinion. This paper examines the role of these programs in the political communication process in a social context in which the government is weak, the media are strong and social grievance is high. The post-colonial Hong Kong was chosen as a case study. This paper conceptualizes radio talk show in Hong Kong as a “people’s council.” Survey findings and a case study both support the argument that in a “big media/small government” society, radio talk show not only serves as important public opinion formulator but it also turns itself into a powerful surrogate political institution. It does a better job than the Legislative Council in channeling complaints, debating major social issues, speaking for the people, questioning government officials, educating the public and monitoring the government. The radio talk show can promote political activism and play an influential role in shuffling top political leaders.