In the general acceptance of the term, charisma is used to refer to people with unusual abilities and a high degree of personal magnetism. Many of them are however only perceived as such via the media. The question of how the media create cult figures is thus of immediate and obvious relevance. In this volume the issue is addressed by representatives of media studies, psychology/sports science, theology, empirical cultural studies, rhetoric, literary studies and historical studies. With reference to many examples they define the conditions for the construction of charismatic figures and the techniques used in doing so.

At one time, the radio was the sole electronic medium of general relevance. Its programs fulfilled the function of providing non-stop entertainment and information. The challenge posed by television has caused it to specialize; today its users look to it a) to provide certain service functions, and b) to accompany them when they are out and about. With examples from the history of radio in various countries up to the present, the author delineates the specifics of radio communication, concentrating on subject matter, the expressive means employed, text varieties and formats.