The Remote Village Square: Exploring The Potential Of Glocal Broadcasting Over The Internet

Abstract

The growing trends of immigration and international population movements worldwide emphasize issues of the naturalization efforts of immigrants in their new nation, while sustaining their ties to their homeland via the Internet. The paper analyzes the potential of Internet-based regional broadcasting to enhance the attachment of communities of immigrants to their regional identity and culture. A case study conducted at the Dutch Omrop Fryslân radio broadcasting station, and within the communities of its listeners inland and abroad, provides useful insights into the potential role of regional broadcasting as a glocal (i.e. both locally related and globally transmitted) medium of communication in the Internet era. Finally, conclusions on the role of regional public broadcasting stations that transmit via the Internet as a bridgehead to communities of immigrants, and on the glocal nature of their contents, are drawn.