CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS OF CAMPUS RADIO BROADCAST
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CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS OF CAMPUS RADIO BROADCAST
Chapter one
INTRODUCTION
1.0 Background for the study
Radio’s personal and distinctive character makes it one of the most engaging and global mass media for participatory communication and growth (Teer-Tomaselli & De Villiers, 1998).
Various studies show that radio has the potential to reach enormous audiences, both young and elderly, including those in remote underdeveloped and underprivileged areas of the developing world.
According to Bosch (2007), in the absence of other kinds of media like as television and newspapers, radio has shown to be a powerful and crucial source of entertainment and communication, ensuring community participation in the communication process.
Further research reveals that radio is well-known for providing communities with up-to-date local and worldwide information in their native languages, as well as a variety of music genres that cater to a wide range of cultural preferences (Mmusi, 2002).
The advancement of digital radio and its ability to integrate or network with various Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) through convergence has arguably positioned radio as the world’s most successful medium to date, reaching millions of listeners every day (National Community Radio Forum, 1993).
While the traditional roles of national radio, particularly the Public Broadcasting Service, should not be overlooked, community radio is a “niche” of the media landscape that serves as a key source of accurate information for the entire population (Dunaway, 2002).
As a result, the sector has continued to supply news and information relevant to community members’ needs in the form of locally created and orientated media material that empowers people politically, socially, and economically (Wigston, 2001; Fraser & Estrada, 2001).
This is reflected in programming that meets the educational, informational, and entertainment demands of all language and cultural groups in the country (Mmusi, 2002; Teer-Tomaselli, 1995).
The African Charter on Broadcasting acknowledges and supports for a three-tiered radio system in each African country: public service, commercial/private, and community. According to Fraser and Estrada (2001):
Public service. Broadcasting is typically managed by a statutory organisation, such as a state-owned business. Policies and programming are commonly overseen by a public body
such as a council or legal authority. Community broadcasting is a non-profit service owned and operated by a specific community, typically through a trust, foundation, or organisation. Its goal is to serve and benefit the community by utilising its resources.
The Nigeria Broadcasting Code (2012) defines a community as “a group of people residing in a specific geographical location or sharing a strong interest that the community wishes to develop through broadcasting.”
Examples of such communities include a local non-profit organisation, an educational institution (campus), a cultural organisation, a co-operative society, and an association partnership.”
Simply put, community radio is a radio station founded and maintained by members of a specific community to advance, promote, and preserve the community’s common interests and objectives.
In a broader sense, the African Charter on Broadcasting defines community radio as “broadcasting for, by, and about the community, whose ownership and management is representative of the community, which pursues a social development agenda, and which is non-profit” (Google.com/http: The struggle for community broadcasting).
The term community can refer to a territorial space or a social interest, which could be cultural, political, economic, or professional. A community is defined by its members’ shared interests, values, qualities, and goals.
They may be physically domiciled in the same geographical entity or physically detached but socially linked in their aspirations. Additionally, Opubor (2006) defines community radio as:
When radio fosters citizen participation and defends their interests; when it reflects the tastes of the majority and makes good humour and hope its main purpose; when it truly informs; when it helps resolve the thousands of one problems of daily life;
when all ideas are debated in its programs and all opinions are respected; when cultural diversity is encouraged over commercial homogeneity; when women are main players in communication and not just a petty vo
According to the Association Mondiale Des Radio diffuseurs Communautaires (AMARC), the World Association of Community Broadcasters, the fundamental aspect of community radio is that it responds to the “needs of the community it serves
contributing to its development within progressive perspectives in favour of social change; and striving to democratise communication through community participation in different forms in accordance with each specific social con
Although radio is not a new phenomena, private ownership and control over programming, content, and operation are relatively recent. It has gained strength over the world in recent years, particularly in underdeveloped countries.
As a result, several international development organisations have identified private FM and community radio as an ideal resource to promote in the battle for democracy, illness prevention, and the preservation of local language and culture (Blackson 2005).
Furthermore, radio has been scholarly demonstrated to be the ideal medium for mass communication. When compared to other mass media channels, radio regularly ranks as the most popular method of information distribution, regardless of continent.
Radio’s interactive appeal has distinguished it as a more effective medium than other forms of mass communication. Radio is particularly popular because of its interaction, ability to stimulate dialogue, and elicit engagement from local residents (Baran, 2003).
1.1 Statement of the Problem
According to the findings of this study, Kaduna State University (KASU) is struggling to provide practical radio journalism instruction to Mass Communication students. The university administration recognises not just the value of developing a community radio to achieve this goal, but also the value of creating alternative venues for teaching students interested in both radio and television broadcasting.
It has also been reported that the institution is willing to build a community radio station, but confronts problems like as funding, staffing, equipment, radio station site, and acquiring a National Broadcasting Commission license.
The institution also has some obstacles in communicating with members of the university community. There are other methods of disseminating information to people of the community who are directly or indirectly touched by the messages, but not all of them receive it.
This is a threat to management, and a new method of information distribution is required. As a result, this paper examines the obstacles and opportunities of campus radio broadcasting, using Kaduna State University as a case study.
1.2 Objectives of the Study
The study’s aims are:
1. Identify the causes that led to the formation of Kaduna State University campus radio.
2. Determine the operating nature of the radio station.
3. Determine the administrative organisation of the radio station.
4. Determine whether there are any gaps between the goals of establishing the radio station and its actual operational function.
5. Determine the challenges to the radio station’s effectiveness (if any).
1.3 Significance of the Study
The data and information gathered during this research would assist the broadcast industry, media policymakers, the legislature, government regulatory agencies in charge of broadcasting, and university management/authorities in fostering more proactive, competitive, and productive methods of developing community radio broadcasting in Nigerian universities.
Wherever it was established that this work gives further information and material on the nature, importance, challenges, and future of campus community radio transmission.
The conclusions of this study provide a platform for mass communication students who want to attain greatness and breakthroughs in radio journalism and presentation.
It acts as a resource for researchers and those interested in the field of community radio. This and other publications on the issues of community radio broadcasting may help researchers identify potential solutions.
It also provides information for those who want to expand on this research and investigate other aspects of the study. Finally, this research would assist scholars in the field of mass communication in identifying significant topics of inquiry within the community.
1.4 Scope of the Study
The obstacles and potential of campus radio broadcasting are the topic of this research, with Kaduna State University (KASU) serving as a case study.
1.5 Study Limitations
One of the study’s shortcomings is that it solely considers the process and procedures for establishing campus radio or community radio broadcasts at Nigerian colleges. It also takes into account the challenges that restrict its efficacy and efficiency.
Another constraint is that it will only examine KASU 98.5 FM, out of approximately 27 licensed university radio stations within the federation. As a result, some of the study’s conclusions are unlikely to be transferable to other campus radio stations.
Furthermore, the desire to utilise a questionnaire as a survey tool does not rule out the possibility of bias in respondents’ responses to the study’s questions.
Another constraint is that community radio broadcasting is a relatively new field in Nigeria compared to other developed African countries, making it difficult for the researcher to locate available resources for the study.
The time or duration of the study work limits its ability to be completed entirely and accurately. Another aspect influencing this research study is the delay in receiving feedback from respondents.
Financial limits impede the smooth conduct of this work because materials are required, but the economic situation in society affects everyone, and respondents’ apathy are also limitations met by the study.
1.6 Research Questions.
The study intends to solve the following research questions:
1. What circumstances encouraged the founding of a campus radio station at Kaduna State University?
2. How does the radio station operate?
3. What is the radio station’s funding mechanism?
4. How does the radio station’s current operating function compare to the goals for which it was established?
5. What is students’ view of the radio station?
1.7 Definition of Terms
Campus: A learning environment in an academic institution, particularly in tertiary education.
A radio station is a broadcasting facility that produces and transmits audio information and programming over the broadcast spectrum or frequency
Campus Radio: A radio station located on the grounds of an academic institution.
Community Broadcasting: A method of broadcasting to a certain segment of society using a close frequency or range.
Challenges: The limitations and constraints that impede the establishment, efficacy, and efficiency of campus radio broadcasts in Nigerian universities.
Prospect: The possibility and capacity to run a successful campus radio program at universities.
NBC: National Broadcasting Commission. The acronym for Nigeria’s primary broadcast regulating agency.
KASU is the acronym for Kaduna State University.
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