I would say puzzling as that is how it comes across.
The background noise in the radio programs serves to the listener as a way to identify the place where the events hapens. Sounds proper of the eviroment such as animals noises, other people talking, cars, waves in the ocean or other climate indicators. It provides them with a context that helps to better understand what is going on.
It's the third one. Odysseus was trying to reassure Achilles and got rebuffed.
