Embedded in this modern fast-paced society … can we hear silence? Analysing the presence of silence in a radio programme

This article examines the notion of silence in the context of the current fast-paced society. The exploratory research project draws on observations relevant to every one of us, surrounded by the constant noise (information, traffic, sounds) as well as on existing literature reporting the suppression of silence in favour of words in the media. In this article, we argue that silence is an element of communication which offers additional forms of meaning-making within social contexts. Using ‘The Archers’, one of the most iconic radio drama programmes in the United Kingdom, this article investigates the use of silence in comparison with the use of other verbal and nonverbal elements of communication through content analysis. The findings illustrate that silence is an integral part of communication and silence is associated with the field of psychology. The article recommends further research on the ‘understanding’ of silence, identifying additional psychological interactions between media and society, as well as its influence and the control that media has over society.

This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Continuum: Journal of Media & Cultural Studies on 28/03/2025, available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/10304312.2024.2325090