THE IMPACT OF COMMUNITY RADIO STATION ON GRASSROOTS DEVELOPMENT
ABSTRACT
Radio as a member of the media family is an instrument for information dissemination. World over, the radio is known to be a very powerful tool for development. Onabajo said that “In the developed world, radio has been used for developmental purposes” and that “The radio is the singular medium that is most effective for mass mobilization” Onabajo (2001). In Nigeria today, we have so many radio stations but most of our rural communities are still under developed. This research therefore, aimed at finding out some other roles which the radio is supposed to play in order to facilitate the development of our rural communities. Since the radio is by no means a small instrument for community development, it is important that the government and other well to do Nigerians should lend a helping hand to the radio stations to help them carry out these roles of their for greater achievement. Critical reviews to related literature were made. Relevant theories were used to gratify the study. Quantitative research design was used in which cross-sectional survey method was adopted while the data collection instrument was questionnaire. It is obvious from the results of this study that the success and development of rural community in developing countries largely depends on the nature and extent of use of mass media in mobilization of people for development. Finally, it is recommended that Missed out programmes should be brought back. There should be less interruption by radio presenters so as to improve programme quality. News or announcement must be properly edited before they are broadcast. For community radio to be able to play this important and significant role in community development, it must keep out of politics and religion and highlight on gender issues.
