For the Love of Radio

Abstract

Abstract This chapter seeks to establish a clearer understanding of how an affective attachment to radio broadcasting relates to efforts to keep or save it. It proposes the term radiophilia as a new conceptual tool that can help make sense of strong attachments to radio, whether in the practices of broadcast professionals or radio listeners, fans, and critics. The chapter reflects on how radiophilia is similar to or different from other concepts (e.g. cinephilia, audiophilia). The chapter then examines a particular case and explores the radiophilic desire underpinning efforts to preserve radio in institutional settings. Finally, it supplements its focus on institutional radio archiving by outlining preservation practices in domestic and informal settings, including fan and amateur collector communities. It seeks to make a contribution by introducing a new concept of radiophilia to radio, sound, and media studies, while emphasizing the significance of radio collecting for media audience and fan studies.