Radio as a Transmitter of Culture-specific Knowledge in the Age of Edutainment

Considering that the acquisition of culture-specific knowledge through listening to the radio is possible in the era of globalization and media convergence, this article analyses the topic of basic mass media functions and shows them through the prism of their hybridization. In consequence, it demonstrates the cultural role of modern radio but in the context of the edutainment approach. As a key example to discuss this issue serves the long-term cooperation between Fun Kids radio and the Polish Cultural Institute in London that has resulted in three radio series: “Where in the World? Poland!”, “Learn Polish!”, and “Robot’s Polish Power Pack”. Referring to them, the text explores how educational and entertaining functions of radio programmes may be combined to deliver content that inspires and engages young listeners as well as nurtures cultural ties between the UK and Poland, which is especially important nowadays, in the face of Brexit. The methodological framework of this study is mainly a subjective literature review. However, the theoretical analysis is extended with a case study that is based on the radio report provided by the Fun Kids radio manager, observations of contemporary mediasphere as well as a personal examination of episodes of selected radio broadcasts.

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