13. RADIO AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: A LOOK AT ‘‘ISSUES AND EVENTS” ON LIBERTY RADIO, KADUNA
Ihuoma Okorie – Department of Theatre and Performing Arts
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna.
okorieihuoma4@gmail.com
07081474737, 08066124122
Abstract
Man, in his environment, is surrounded by many issues of concern. These stand in the way to hinder his development, progress and success. These issues could manifest economically, socially, psychologically or religiously. However, the level of effectiveness in resolving social problems is still an issue of concern, hence the use of participatory approaches to enable man become part of his own development which includes the use of radio. Incidentally, the conventional radio has often been defined as a medium which adopts a top-down approach of communication since radio programmes, most often, do not involve the listeners, coupled with the fact that it defines itself as a profit-making institution. Therefore, the focus of this paper is to project the conventional radio as a medium that can also be used to achieve social development, with particular emphasis on the programme: “Issues and Events” by Liberty Radio, Kaduna. Using the Democratic Media Theory and the Democratic Participant Media Theory, findings show that listeners to the programme have the opportunity of participating in the different issues raised in the programme because they are consulted on the issues that are of utmost concern to them, thus breaking the barrier of the top-down method of the conventional radio. Part of the submission of this paper is that the conventional radio should not be overlooked as it also possesses potentials for development not just in rural communities but also in urban areas.