The Theory and Practice of Community Radio in Ethiopia: The Case Study of Sidama and Kore Radio Development Initiative
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Date
2006-07
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The main purpose of the research is looking up the theory and practice of
Community radio in Ethiopia .The community radio proclamation
adopted just before two years ago, but there were some attempts to
establish the adoption of the legislation. Thus, to assess the pre and post
legislation endeavors of community radio in Ethiopia Sidama and Kore
radio are taken as a case study. Sidama Radio is selected as the case
study because it has mentioned by several scholars as the first attempt
to establish community radio in the nation. And also Kore Radio is part
of the research because it is the first station to award the license after
the adoption of the proclamation.
In the process of the research the endeavors of both to establish
community radio have been examined. The researcher gathered the
necessary data using qualitative research methodology i.e. In-depth
interview and Focus Group Discussion as well as secondary data
analysis.
As the result of the study indicates, the intention of Sidama Radio
developers was establishing community radio. However due to lack of
legislation at that time, the developers forced to establish the station
under the cover of the local government education department. Still it
has the widest acceptance of the community and it has contributed a lot
for the well being of the community. Except at the managerial level, the
community has participated largely. The Kore community initiative to
develop community radio is just in the process of purchasing and
importing equipments. The Kore community participates in formation of
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the board and electing the members of the board as well as in
contributing money and in kind for the construction of the station. Lack
of legislation in the past, political interference, shortage of finance,
written and audio materials about the community skilled man power as
well as low level of awareness about the concept of community radio are
among the challenges in the development initiative of the two stations.
Thus the research has looked up the community radio development
initiative in Ethiopia considering the two stations as a case study to
highlight the exemplary practices to the future developers.
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Keywords
Community Radio in Ethiopia: