A community media (radio) and girl-child education in Teso Sub Region, Eastern -Uganda: A case study of Etop 99.4 fm in Soroti district
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Date
2015-05
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College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the role of community media in promoting girl-child education and national development and to point out existing challenges and opportunities. The key assumption of the study was that if community media were to be established and sustained in rural areas, the majority of Ugandans would have more influence in decision making in matters concerning their own development thus education. A community radio station Etop radio under the auspices of the Vision Group was used as a case study radio. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used in data collection. The quantitative approach focused on Iteso community in Soroti district (Teso sub region).Data collection instruments Included Questionnaires, observation and Interviews with local and national officials whose activities have an impact on the establishment or regulation of the community media. More information was obtained through observation and documentary review. Statistical analysis was performed with the aid of relevant software, the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Findings suggest that community media are capable of fostering girl-child education, interest and participation of Its target audience regardless of sex, age group, occupation or level of education. Community media set the agenda for its audience and are useful as credible sources of Information and education. They also play the vital role of facilitating social change and act as catalysts for development However, establishment and development of the grassroots media face challenges such as over dependence on donor funding, inadequate supply of professionals, strict legislations and regulations governing their establishment and operations. Despite these challenges, opportunities are abundant; among them being wide acceptance by the communities because of their relevance; Increasing number of International Institutions and agencies (for example UNESCO, USAID, UN Food and Agriculture Organization) that are willing to provide funds for community media development; low cost of operating community radio stations and anticipated availability of space on the FM spectrum following digital radio switchover. Recommendations call for the exploitation of potentials for community media to enhance education, democracy and national development
Description
A dissertation submitted to the faculty of humanities and social sciences in partial fulfillment for the award of the Degree of Bachelor of Mass Communication of Kampala International University
Keywords
Community media (radio), Girl child education, Teso Sub Region, Etop 99.4 fm, Soroti district