Coverage of Environmental and Agricultural Issues on the Public Broadcaster’s Radio Platform (Radio Ajara – the Program “Eco World” and Georgian Radio – the Program “Farmer’s Morning”)

Abstract

The present paper examines the specific features of the coverage of environmental and agricultural issues in the radio broadcast of
Georgian public broadcasters (“Georgian Radio” and “Radio Ajara”).

The research was conducted using quantitative and qualitative content analysis, as well as a semi-systematic literature review methodology. It provides a detailed analysis of environmental and agrithematic radio programs aired in 2025, namely “Eco World” (“Radio Ajara”) and “Farmer’s Morning” (“Georgian Radio”).

It is noteworthy that in contemporary media, agricultural and environmental journalism extends beyond the mere function of
information dissemination and assumes significant social and educational responsibility, particularly in Georgia, where the
agricultural sector makes an important contribution to improving the country’s economic condition.

The literature review revealed that radio coverage of the aforementioned fields has been virtually unexplored in the Georgian
academic space, which determines the relevance and scientific novelty of the present study.

The analysis of the empirical field demonstrates that the program “Eco World” is primarily focused on issues of environmental policy and climate change and serves to raise public awareness; however, in terms of content, it is often limited to descriptive accounts of events.

As for “Farmer’s Morning”, it integrates pragmatic, practice-oriented topics with academic knowledge and the experience of field experts.

In order to maximize the use of the radio format for the coverage of agricultural topics, the article presents a number of recommendations, the implementation of which will significantly contribute to the development of the field.