Making radio, place, and the pandemic: A case study of college radio DZUP’s production response to COVID-19

Abstract

This study examined how a college radio station responded to the prolonged social distancing measures imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic through practice and place-based approaches. DZUP, the radio station of the University of the Philippines Diliman was chosen for the study. Attention was given to the first year of the pandemic (March 2020–March 2021). Participant observation and focused interviews through online video conferencing were conducted to collect data for the study. The case study showed that DZUP was compelled to realign its programming and production practices to be able to stay on the air and serve its communities. In the process, several issues emerged including poor interconnectivity, the need for efficient equipment, the lack of technical skills needed for producing content on the part of some producers, and extended work schedules that affected the work-life balance of the producers. The study also revealed that the home as a place for making radio presented realities that tended to compromise the standards for aural production and delivery of content. The research highlighted the resiliency of radio in stepping up to the challenges brought by COVID-19.