public affairs radio programming Written by Alexandra Wake Contributor to SAGE Publications's The SAGE International Encyclopedia of Mass Media and Society (2020) whose work appears in Britannica as part of a joint publishing agreement with SAGE. Alexandra Wake Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated May 1, 2026 •History Public affairs programming in radio is information programming focused on politics and public policy, which works for the public good by meeting the needs and interests of communities. As well, public affairs programming can be understood as work that seeks to inform people and to act as the fourth estate, rather than journalism that is primarily concerned with entertainment. Radio public affairs programming includes radio news, current affairs programming, talkback, and even podcasting and is...

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