ADHERENCE TO COMMUNITY RADIO PRINCIPLES: A CASE OF RADIO PROGRESS IN THE UPPER WEST REGION OF GHANA

Abstract

Mass media plays a vital role in facilitating communication processes in development. The unique and personal characteristic of radio enables it to facilitate communication processes between rural people, particularly those living in poverty and with low level of literacy. Community Radio aim at giving a voice to the voiceless cannot achieve its mandate if laid down rules, characteristics and principles are not adhered to. Using the Participatory Communication theory, to appreciate the role of community radio in rural development, this study assessed the extent to which community radio stations adhere to community radio principles; the case of Radio Progress in the Upper West Region of Ghana. The study adopted a case study research design. Non-probability sampling techniques were used to sample 5 Listener groups of Radio Progress within 3 districts of the Upper West Region of Ghana. Focus group discussion guides and interview guides were the two main tools used in collecting field data for analysis. The study found that, Radio Progress produces community based programmes involving all stakeholders. While Radio Progress adhered to the management structure of community radio stations, most respondents had no idea that Radio Progress is a community radio station and thus they play a vital role in its management. In spite of Radio Progress’s efforts to adhere to community radio principles, they are faced with both financial and technical challenges which pose setbacks in trying to adhere to the principles of community radio stations. The study recommended that listening communities be sensitized and educated by management of RP on what community Radio is and the role the community members play in the running of the station. Also, management, board and council of RP should explore more avenues of income generation which can make the station financially self-sustaining.