Abstract:
Community radio stations are of great significance in Kenya’s media landscape. It is
expected that community media should provide opportunities for representation and
participation but poor participation strategies by the radio stations alienate the local
citizens from significant activities in the radios’ day to day activities. This poses a
challenge of developing and maintaining their uniqueness in representation and
participation. Upendo FM is a community radio station based in Eldoret town and so,
this study probes the level of participation and opportunities that acrue to both
audiences and Upendo FM Radio as a result of participation. Therefore the study was
carried out on Audience Participation in Community Radio Programmes: A Case of
Upendo FM Radio, Eldoret Town. The study was guided by the objectives to: establish
programmes in Upendo FM Radio that facilitate audience participation; asses patterns
of participation available to listeners to engage with already identified popular shows;
analyse the participatory experiences of Upendo FM Radio listeners and what benefits
are derived from participation and asses ways in which Upendo FM Radio benefits by
interacting with audiences. The study was based on Uses and Gratifications Theory,
where listeners enjoyed listening to different programmes for social and psychological
needs and Public Sphere Theory that states that democracy in the institutions of the
public sphere treat all participants as equals and status is disregarded. The study adopted
qualitative research method and employed a case study research design. Study
population was 189 participants out of which 36 participants were purposively sampled;
one head of radio station, one programme manager, four programme presenters and 30
Fan/Mashabiki club members of Upendo FM. The study sample size was based on
information saturation principle and purposive sampling technique was used in
selecting the participants. Data were collected using in-depth interviews. Pilot study
was used to ensure reliability (trustworthiness) and validity (accuracy)
respectively.Then data were thematically analysed; interviews were transcribed and
coded, categorized, summarized, interpreted and presented descriptively in relation to
the research objectives. The study established that Upendo FM Radio has provided
enabling environment and avenues for participation in its programmes such as short
messages, social media and call-ins - these, majorly by the relevance of popular
programmes; audiences do not participate in programme production, programming or
evaluation. However, participation has been viewed to only give feedback during
interactive shows; Upendo FM Radio management structure has no option for the
commnuity (Mashabiki) to participate and be part of decision making process;
employed media professionals ensure quality production excluding community
volunteer and, the community does not contribute to funding of the radio as it is funded
by the Catholic Diocese. It is recommended that Upendo FM should try to involve the
community to be part of radio management board. This will ensure a participatory
decision making process on issues such as content generation, programming and
evaluation.