How to Cite a Radio Show in MLA

• Tomas Elliott (Ph.D.)
• Published on 09/03/2025

Radio programs remain a good source of information, culture, and entertainment. When conducting research work based on content from radio programs, one must properly cite the sources. The Modern Language Association (MLA) has set out clear rules to cite radio programs to ensure consistency and accuracy.

This article explains the correct format, order of information, and gives actual examples of how to cite radio content based on the MLA format.

Step-by-Step Explanation of Elements

• Show Title – The citation begins with the title of the episode in quotation marks. This shows that the reference is to a subsidiary part of a larger series. The title must be in standard title case capitalization, meaning important words capitalized but shorter connecting words (such as “of” or “in”) in lower case.
• Title of Radio Show – After the episode title, the whole title of the radio show is given in italics. It indicates the broad series that the episode falls under.
• Host or Producer – The second item is the individual most responsible for the broadcast. MLA style allows either host or producer to be included, based on priority. This should be preceded by the words “hosted by” or “produced by.”
• Date of Broadcast – Finally, the date of broadcast is provided in full. It must be in the day-month-year format, according to MLA style. The month must be abbreviated to the first three letters only (e.g., Jan., Feb., Sept.) except for May, June, and July.

Example Citations for a Radio Show

In-Text Citations

Radio shows typically do not have conventional authors, the title of the episode or the presenter is typically used.

For very long episode titles, MLA recommends clipping them in in-text citations, keeping the first few keywords.

Parenthetical

In a parenthetical citation, the reader-relevant information is placed within brackets at the end of the sentence.

Narrative

In a narrative citation, author or identifying element is naturally part of the text, and only the page or abbreviated title remains in parentheses if necessary.

Use Title Case Appropriately – Episode titles and television show titles in MLA style should be written in regular title case. Capitalize the first word, last word, and all important words (nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and pronouns). Articles (the, an, a), short prepositions (in, on, of), and conjunctions (but, and, or) should be in lower case only except when they occur at the beginning or end of the title. Keep Special Title Spacing – When special presentation by a broadcaster is a part of the title’s nature, such as all caps, odd spelling, or symbols, MLA allows keeping special spacing. This will be only when spacing is intentional and clear. Use Consistent Date Formats – Use the MLA-approved date format (day, abbreviated month, year) everywhere. Never use numeric dates like 09/12/2021, which are not MLA approved. Confirm Updated or Archived Sources – If the program was re-aired, archived on-line, or issued as a podcast, confirm which edition was used. Document the appropriate broadcast or digital distribution date to guarantee accuracy.