Cluster III. Good governance: where the strategy aims at developing structures and systems of democratic governance that are participatory, representative, accountable and inclusive and
3.12 Other ICTs service and socio-economic development in rural areas of developing countries
3.12.3 Community radio and socio-economic development
In recent years there has been an interest among the telecentre operators to incorporate community radio into telecentre initiatives. The convergence of ICTs, such as the internet, with community radio can provide a powerful support for harnessing and communicating knowledge for development. It can also ensure wider access to information in rural areas. A number of independent community radios, which are not affiliated with a telecentre, have been established in many developing countries. However, research on community radio and its usefulness to the community is still scarce. Buré (2007) pointed out that, although a number of projects exist globally where community radio projects have incorporated telecentres, and vice versa, very little research – if any – has been done on the synergies between them.
A community radio station is one that is operated in the community, for the community, about the community and by the community (Nguo et al., 2005: 26; Tabing 2002). Community radio operations are characterised by high levels of community participation, both in management and programme production (Nguo et al., 2005: 26). They differ from national or international radio broadcasters because they feature local news and issues and often include local people in the programmes. They are able to broadcast in the local language. Rural community radio stations often operate on a not-for-profit basis, although they may raise money through advertising (Tabing 2002).
Although radio is not a new phenomenon, community control of programming, content and operation is relatively recent and has been gaining strength throughout the world in recent years, especially in developing countries. As a result, local FM and community radios have attracted the attention of many international development organisations as an optimal resource to be developed in the struggle for democracy, the fight against disease and the preservation of local language and culture (UNFPA 2002).
Nguo et al. (2005: 26) pointed out that the main difference between community radio and other forms of radio is that a community radio station focuses on participatory social development, rather than on generating money. It is more concerned with improving the quality of life of the community. Different names have been used at varying times and in varying places to describe community radio. Some of these are rural radio, co-operative radio, participatory radio, free radio, alternative, popular, educational radio, vernacular radios, grassroots or civic radio stations (Waves for Freedom 1995).
Community radio can be located in isolated rural villages, or in the heart of the largest cities of the world. Its signals may reach only a kilometre, cover a whole country or be carried via short wave to other parts of the world. Some stations are owned by not-for-profit groups or by co-operatives, whose members are the listeners themselves. Others are owned by students, universities, municipalities, churches or trade unions (Waves for Freedom 1995). Tabing (2002) explained the community can be territorial or geographical. It can be a township, village, district or island. It can be a group of people with common interests, who are not necessarily living in one defined territory. Community radio can be managed or controlled by one group, by combined groups, or by people such as women, children, farmers, fisher folk, ethnic groups, or senior citizens.
Community radio exists for different purposes. Some are musical, some militant, some are educational and some have mixed purposes. Prakoso (2006) pointed out that community radio is a tool for the people to improve capacity and to get access to resources. By controlling their own radio, they can prepare any programme and activities, according to the needs of the community. Thus the role of community radio becomes strategic in the context of poverty reduction efforts.
To summarise the characteristics of a community radio, Nguo et al. (2005: 26) and Tabing (2002) stated that a community radio:
Serves a recognised community;
Encourages participatory democracy;
Offers an opportunity to any member of the community to initiate communication and participate in programme making, management and ownership of the station;
Uses technology appropriate to the economic capability of the people, not a technology that leads to dependence on external sources;
Is motivated by community well-being, not commercial considerations; and Promotes and improves problem-solving.
Community radio is often greatly appreciated by its audience because of the localised nature of the programming. The community feels involved and can contribute directly to the programme content through letters, phone-ins, Short Message Service (SMS) or by visiting the station. For isolated communities without electricity or telephone it may be the only communication medium that they receive.
Everson (2007) pointed out that community radio is a very people-friendly tool, since no previous skills are required, except to be able to read and write. It is an important and often ignored tool for community engagement and development. The radio is a one-to- many type of media, but when people email or phone in or SMS to a radio station (via telephone or Skype/internet ), the communication channels which open up provide rich opportunities for community members to participate in conversations concerning local (or global) issues. It is a way for people to come together on common issues, discuss them and make them public, leading to solutions.
In a study which was conducted at Apac community radio in Northern Uganda, using focus group discussions Nguo et al. (2005: 52) reported that radio was the preferred means of getting agricultural information to the community members. Radio was the lead and most viable mode of communication for disseminating agricultural information. Seventy five percent of members of the community listen to that radio. Radio ownership was quite high, with 73.6 % of the 402 study respondents owning a radio.
The respondents in Nguo et al. (2005) study said radio is important because there is no electric power in the village to power computers. Radio has helped women communicate, said the radio presenter, through inviting women from various sectors and walks of life to discuss
topics such as domestic violence, gender and health. In this way women gets current information about how to deal with day-to-day issues affecting them at home and at work (Nguo et al., 2005: 52).
Most community radio stations broadcast on the Frequency Modulated (FM) (VHF) waveband and their coverage varies depending upon the equipment being used. FM transmission is often preferred to AM (Amplitude Modulation) because it is less costly to acquire, it is more available in the market, has better signal quality, requires a less complicated antenna system, consumes less electricity and has more available frequencies in the band.
The main disadvantage of the FM transmitter is that the signal travels in a more or less line- of-sight fashion. Therefore FM is most suited to flat terrain, where there are no mountain obstructions and tall buildings, or where an elevated site can be identified for erecting the antenna (Tabing 2002). The regulations concerning the licensing of radio broadcasters vary from country to country and should be understood before radio initiatives are undertaken.