Jim Carroll,the folk as I understand it,is the general public.
The point of the radio ballads,was to illustrate the conditions through song of working class people,these people were part of the working class ,working class heroes.
Since you knew, Maccoll.perhaps youcould tell us,what was his idea,behind the radio ballads,you are not going to say, I hope, that it was intended for artists and scientists and those who characterise that discipline,and not for the general public.
you see this is where,more commercial groups like The Spinners,Fairport ThinLizzie,Horslips have succeeded,they have reached out beyond Folk enthusiasts and brought the general populace in [yes I can think of six people of my acquaintance ,who have found an interest in music this way].