The digital transformation of radios end digital media usage levels

With the advent of digital media, traditional broadcasting models have undergone significant transformations. In this context, radio has continued to maintain its relevance by successfully adapting to developments since its initial invention. In the contemporary period, the emergence of digital media through Internet technologies has brought about substantial changes. It is thus possible to examine the impact of digital media and digitalization on the transformation of radio broadcasting. This study is significant in terms of revealing the extent to which radio stations have adapted to the digital media era and in analyzing the transformation experienced in the field of radio broadcasting. Accordingly, the primary aim of this research is to analyze the changes and transformations in radio broadcasting brought about by communication technologies and the digitalization of radio institutions. The findings of the study demonstrate that radio broadcasting has largely been integrated into digital systems under the influence of digitalization, and this integration process is ongoing. Digitalization has not only enhanced the technical infrastructure but also enabled multi-channel interaction with listeners. In this regard, the digital transformation of traditional national radio stations in Turkey and their digital media usage habits were examined using the in-depth interview method, one of the qualitative research techniques. In-depth interviews constitute a flexible qualitative data collection method aimed at understanding participants' thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a detailed manner. Accordingly, interviews were conducted with 12 participants employed at national radio stations in Turkey. A total of 27 questions related to the topic were posed to the participants, and the data obtained concerning the level of digital transformation and digital media usage in radio broadcasting were analyzed using with the MAXQDA software. Keywords: Digital Media, Digital Transformation, Radio Broadcasting, Digitalization