Analysis on the Perceived Evaluation of Contents of University Community Radio: The Case of Debre Markos University and Surrounding Community Radio Fm 97.7
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Date
2024-10
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Addis ababa University
Abstract
Community radio play significant role in addressing issues which aren’t addressed by mainstream media. Related to this comprehensive research on the role of community radio in Ethiopia isn’t available. Therefore, this research aimed to critically to assess the role of Debre Markos University and Surrounding Community Radio FM 97.7 by covering informational, educational, and entertainment needs that are unaddressed by commercial and government broadcast services. The research employed both quantitative and qualitative methods for data gathering. The research covered programs September to December 2021. The researchers used questionnaires in order to gather quantitative data. Based on those, 151 questionnaires were utilized for the research. The researcher also used in-depth interviews with the station manager, board member, journalists and members of the audience of the programs. The findings of the study showed that the coverage of educational programs such as health, agriculture, culture and others in DMU and Surrounding Community Radio FM 97.7 is high. The research also showed that the radio is also working to broadcast relevant informational programs and news, to inform citizens. The community radio also gave due paid attention to entertainment programs. However, the attention given by the community radio on social issues is not as much. Issues like volunteer activities get coverage, while issues like indigenous knowledge, and skills of the community are not. Some programs, such as those focusing on agriculture, have a significant social impact. Audience participation via phone calls to DMU and Surrounding Community Radio FM 97.7 is high. The research showed that farmers and other part of the community mainly give feedback, via phone calls. The performance of journalists to improve program is high, even if there are financial problems. Another finding of the research is the continued challenges of political intervention. The higher political officials in Debre Markos city intervene so as to stop the program. The research also reveals that the significance of DMU and Surrounding Community Radio FM 97.7 in delivering new information is not very high. The radio tried to create independent platform. However, politicians intervene when issues touch their interests. The research findings indicate that the community radio focuses on health-related issues. The coverage of the radio on culture promotion is good. It covers traditional music, food, activity, life style of the community. The community radio provides better coverage of economic issues. It also educates society about the society on health, culture, foods, drinks, life skill, and other related issues. However, most airtime is dedicated to music. The coverage of environmental issues and disasters is low. The coverage of indigenous knowledge on Debre Markos University and Surrounding Community Radio FM 97.7 is too limited. Limitation of finance and budget made obstacles to cover the issues of the area. Therefore, the community radio should give more air time to cover the issues of that community. The entertainment and educational programs should identify the interests of these different groups. The radio should give attention to the rural part of the community. The program should bring social impact. The community radio should do their work without any intervention.