«Mittagszeit» im Radio

Abstract

Bells are broadcasted in many radio stations all over Europe. This essay examines this practice using an example of the Austrian Broadcast Company (ORF). Everyday at high noon the regional stations broadcast bells, this is everyday a different peal from a different village. On the basis of the general symbolic and historical meaning of bells, this article investigates how bells are utilised in radio as politics of identity. The broadcasting of bells highlights the relationship between producers and radio listeners. Broadcasted bells orientate themselves on the everyday practice of ringing from the parishes. Bells in the radio serve as an example of how radio content is interlinked with its producers and their audience.