Community Radio for Social Development: The Case of Jimma Community Radio
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Date
2012-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Now a day‘s information is becoming a critical factor for social development. Informed citizens play valuable roles in the process of poverty and illiteracy reduction. Community radios are important tools in bridging the information gap and in mobilizing the society for the development activities. This study focused on examining the contribution of the Jimma community radio for the community‘s development. To this end, the study employed qualitative research method. As a result, focus group discussion, individual in-depth interview, and participant observation to gather the necessary data. The study situated within the theoretical background of development and participatory communication.
The findings of the study show that the Jimma community radio produces different entertainment and education programs with the social development messages. It also produces programs that promote the local language and culture through local music, and narration. Moreover, the study reveals that the Jimma community radio gives more air time for local issues. It also reveals that the Jimma community members participate in the administration of the station as well as in the production of the programs. Many of the volunteer journalists are from the community. What is more the community participates in giving comments via phone and personal visits. The practitioners who participated in the interview have also had a similar understanding about the role of community radio
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Radio for Social Development