Stakeholders’ Perspective of Community Radio: A Case Study of Radio Ada

Abstract

Community radio, where properly understood and utilized, has been demonstrably an effective agent of participatory development particularly among rural societies. While the concept itself has been the subject of multiple, sometimes differing understanding and applications, the common principle that flow through the various conceptualizations is the idea of –communal stake and participation in its ownership and operations. This study was carried out to examine, from the perspectives of stakeholders the extent to which these principles reflected in the operations of Radio Ada., the first community radio station in Ghana. Specifically, the study sought to establish whether there was a difference in the theoretical principles and practices of the Radio Ada community radio station. The participant media theory underpinned the study. A mixed method approach, entailing the combination of focus group discussion, in-depth interviews, and observation were used as data gathering tools and techniques. Findings from the study revealed that Radio Ada lived up to the expectation of a true community radio. It displayed the principle of community participation, participatory development, non-profit making, community ownership and communal management. The station was instrumental in promoting the social and cultural advancement of the Dagme speaking people. There is a need however, for government and community radio governing bodies to develop policies that supports as a means of leveraging rural development effort.