Anne Hallward is promoting social cohesion in some ways. Her Safe Space Radio concept is an opening for those who need it, and gives them a chance to talk openly but it’s hard to say that they can form relationships over the radio when the listener does not know the speaker, and the speaker does not know the listener. I think that it is clearly helpful for those who need it, to share their stories and experiences. Once they talk about them openly it can be relieving and almost as if a weight is lifted off of their shoulders. It is in this way that Hallward is promoting what Epstein calls social cohesion, but that is only half of the concept. The other half involves forming a relationship, not just talking closely with someone. I believe that forming a relationship with someone involves two way communication, not just one. A relationship doesn’t have to be formed in person, it can be formed through writing or through technology but the main factor in forming a relationship is the two way communication. Hallward is partially promoting Epstein’s idea of social cohesion. Hallward could set up a platform for the speaker to discuss their experience with the listener, and have an actual conversation but the point of her radio station is for those who need to share, to have a safe place to do that sharing.
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You make a good point when you say, “…it’s hard to say that they can form relationships over the radio when the listener does not know the speaker, and the speaker does not know the listener.”