Assessment of Community Radio Sustainability in Ethiopia: Case Study of Kembata Community Development Radio (Fm 105.8)
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Date
2021-09
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Know a day’s information plays a critical role in the society. In this regard Community radio
also critical to address such needs. Although community radio aim to serve community members,
the station not reaching the entire community member as the result of sustainability challenges;
social, financial and institutional. This research therefore focuses is assessing sustainability of
community radio in Ethiopia; of case KCDR. To this end, the study employed qualitative
research method. As the result individual in-depth interview and document analysis is used to
collect data. And this study situated within the theoretical framework of UNESCO community
radio principles and Gumucio Dagron (2001) sustainability of community radio prospective. The
study findings showed that KCDR source of income are advertisement, program sponsorship,
donations, grants, fundraising well-wishers. However, the station financially not sustained as
well. The research clearly indicates that, there is overdependence on donor support. As the
result, the station is struggling especially when donors pulled out. Findings also showed that the
community did not directly participate in formulating plans and policies of the radio service.
This showed that these communities are missing the chance to administer the station. Beyond, in
this research a new variable called ―co- management‖ is emerged in institutional sustainability
theme. It is a system that navigates Different funding possibilities most feasible for local
circumstances should therefore be explored. In doing so, this solution will allow the station to be
administered under large government institutions. Therefore, based on the finding the researcher
recommended that; KCDR should maintain plat form for community participation in terms of
program production, decision making, and ownership; the institution should also make clear
policy and regulation that is consistent with their environment.