The Challenges and Prospects of Community Radio in Ethiopia: The Case of Harar Community Radio
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Date
2006-08
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The purpose of the study is to determine the challenges and prospects of
community radio in Ethiopia, taking Harar Community Radio (HCR) as a case
study. This radio station is selected because it has already stopped broadcasting
a few months ago. For the effectiveness of the research, efforts have been
made to study the overall operational activities of Harar Community Radio and
the attitudes of its audience toward the managing, financing and production
processes. The researcher acquired the necessary data and information by
employing both quantitative and qualitative methods, including document
inspection. Taking sample survey as the main means of acquiring data, focus
group discussion and in-depth interviews have been used to complement the
study. In addition, different books and documents were revised to give depth to
the research outcome. The researcher has also examined the theories of
participatory communication and Jankowski’s community media research
agenda to specify the research objectives and questions. The outcome of the
study has pointed out that Harar Community Radio lacked many qualities of a
community radio station. As the findings clearly identify, it is not possible to
take HCR as a well organized community radio station. On the other hand,
however, the radio station still has the support and trust of its audience. The
study has, thus, investigated the challenges and prospects of community radio
broadcasting in Ethiopia.
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Keywords
Community Radio in Ethiopia