An Examination on Effectiveness of Programming by Local People in Community Radio Stations: A case Study of Chikuni community Radio Station

This research study focusses on assessing community radio as voice of the people: A case study of Chikuni Community Radio Station. In 1905, a French Jesuit, Fr Moreau, established the Chikuni Parish. Midway between Lusaka and Livingstone, the Chikuni Parish is a living example of the strength of community and how the people are grasping opportunities to develop themselves. Since the beginning, there has been a constant drive to help the local population, now some 25,000 Batonga farmers to develop themselves in all areas of human life. It was realized from the beginning of the mission’s existence that education is the key in achieving St. Augustine’s motto: “A human being fully alive”. Having this goal in mind over the years, the Jesuits have set up 48 primary schools, the Canisius Secondary School and the Charles Lwanga Teacher Training College. Today, the main problems faced by the rural communities are associated with their isolation. The radio station, whose mission statement is to 'spread the word of God in peace and unity,' was established by the Jesuit Missionary Congregation of the Roman Catholic to complement the church's efforts in evangelization of the word of God. The objectives of the research study included, among others, to find out the target audience of Chikuni radio and the programs that focusses on speaking on behalf of the people and promote Christian values. The study employed qualitative research design, with In-depth Interviews and Focus Group Discussions been used as data gathering instruments. Both instruments had two-fold advantages in that the researcher was able to rephrase questions for theclearunderslowupquestionsinordertohaveasoundunderstandingoftheresearchtopic. Community radio can be a conduit for transmitting information aimed at educating people on life’s skills, fostering behavior and attitudinal change, empowering grassroots. This study examined citizens’ participation in community radio programming at chikuni. Participatory communication and the uses and gratification theories were used for the study. Qualitative case study was used for the research and data gathering was conducted through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis. Findings indicate varieties of programmes are broadcast by the community radio stations in the region. Among some of the interesting programmes are Community Affairs, My Home, Community Development and Farmers Time. The study further revealed that the formation of listener’s clubs and the need to get listeners involved in all programmes of the stations have created effective interaction between the communities and radio stations leading to greater citizens participation in community radio programming. The study concluded that community radio programming has generated enough interest for citizens active engagement in radio shows because such programmes are able to gratify the media needs of community radio listeners. The study therefore, recommends that the station continues to find new areas the production programs that speaks for the community.