Between Laboratories and Audiences: An Analysis of Science Communication on Spanish General-Interest Radio

Abstract

The media play a fundamental role in mediating between expert knowledge and the public. At a time when access to critical and rigorous information is more necessary than ever, this research examines the dissemination of science and technology communication content in the programming of Spain’s leading general-interest radio stations (Cadena SER, COPE, Onda Cero, and RNE), in order to assess its presence, structure, and thematic distribution. The study is based on a mixed-methods content analysis applied to a sample of 672 hours of radio programming during a representative week (September 30 – October 6, 2024). The data show that the stations devoted approximately 5 % of their total airtime to science communication, with Onda Cero and RNE standing out as the most active in this regard. The presence of recurring segments and regular contributors fosters familiarity and continuity in the treatment of scientific topics, with the Humanities and health-related sections receiving more attention than the natural sciences or engineering. Science communication maintains a significant, though fragmented, presence in Spanish general-interest radio, with a clear emphasis on public service content. The combination of professional communicators and specialized sources ensures both accuracy and accessibility, reinforcing radio’s value as an effective platform for bringing expert knowledge closer to society.