On the viewing angle to broad-lined radio galaxies

We address the nature of broad-lined radio galaxies, in particular their ra dio axis orientation, using new, matched resolution, dual frequency radio o bservations of a sample of twelve nearby broad-lined extragalactic 3C objec ts. Radio spectral index and depolarisation asymmetries indicate that these objects have a preferred orientation with respect to the observer. In addi tion, the spectral asymmetries are suggestive of lower Doppler factors in t he broad-lined radio galaxies when compared to 3C quasars. This is in agree ment with their optical properties, and leads to the conclusion that some o bjects are lower powered versions - at similar lines of sight - of the more distant quasars, whereas others are at larger angles to the line of sight.