Appropriation of Information and Communication Technologies in Enhancing Community Access and Participation in Select Community Radio Stations in Kenya
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Date
2021-11
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Daystar University, School of Communication
Abstract
This study focused on community radio in Kenya with an emphasis on the changing nature of community access and participation due to the integration of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in community radio broadcasting. The objectives of the study were to determine how the internet and mobile phones are incorporated into community radio stations, examine the role of ICTs in promoting community participation through the decision making and content production in community radio, and investigate the extent to which ICTs enhance community access to community radio stations. This study was premised upon the domestication theory, the participatory culture model, and Fraser’s (1990) notion of alternative public sphere. It adopted a multiple case study design with the use of in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, document review, and observation for data collection. The findings showed that the radio stations under study, that is, Amani FM, Bus Radio FM, and Kangema RANET FM, demonstrated that they had adapted digital technologies, although the community members did not fully participate in the decision-making process of the stations. The ICTs helped them improve the quality of the radio stations’ programmes, gather news and information, interact with their audiences, and communicate with their sponsors and donors at a greater scale. However, most of the participants still preferred to listen to radio programmes through traditional radio instead of using the internet, social media, or mobile phones. This study recommends that when integrating community radio with ICTs, the needs, perceptions, and expectations of the community radio station and potential challenges that this integration may bring to the community around it should be considered. The access of the community to the ICTs and their level of digital literacy should also be considered.
Description
Doctor of Philosophy
in Communication
Keywords
Appropriation, Information and Communication Technologies, Community Access And Participation, Community Radio Stations, Kenya
Citation
Mwangi, S. W. (2021, Thesis).Appropriation of Information and Communication Technologies in Enhancing Community Access and Participation in Select Community Radio Stations in Kenya. Nairobi: Daystar University, School of Communication