Author:
Kankam Philip Kwaku,Attuh Stephen
Abstract
Purpose
Community radio attempts to place the power of communication in the hands of community members, particularly the youth, so that they can create and broadcast materials that address local community issues. The purpose of the study is therefore to look into the potential impacts of community radio and the function it plays in youth development.
Design/methodology/approach
This study employed a qualitative research approach to investigate the role of community radio in information dissemination towards youth development in Ghana. Two community radio stations were selected for the study, and through the use of semi-structured interview, qualitative data were collected from 42 participants comprising two programme managers, four radio producers and 36 youth. The qualitative research approach enabled in-depth understanding of the phenomenon of the study.
Findings
This study found that both community radio stations aired youth-centred programmes that were beneficial to the development of the youth within the stations’ coverage communities. The results further reveal that community radio offers the opportunity and platform for the youth to engage the political authorities for development and also entertain themselves.
Originality/value
The authors consider this study original both in conceptualization and design. The main question being interrogated stems from identified gaps in the literature, and this study intends to fill these knowledge gaps. This study’s originality also stems from the fact that there is a paucity of information on the subject of study in the context of Ghana.
Subject
Library and Information Sciences
Reference59 articles.
1. The role of radio in setting the agenda for the electorate and creating an atmosphere of aggression during elections in the Northern region of Ghana;Athens Journal of Mass Media and Communications,2020
2. Ten years on: assessment, challenges and prospects;African Charter on broadcasting,2001
3. Handbook of communication for development and social change,2018
4. The role of community radio in livelihood improvement: the case of simli radio;The Journal of Field Actions,2011
5. AMARC International (1998), “What is community radio”, available at: www.amarc.radio/what-is-community-radio (accessed 7 December 2021).