Zacharia Chiliswa

The Sound and Character of Community Radios in Kenya: a Case Study of Pamoja Fm and Koch Fm Zacharia Chiliswa

The question of identity of community radio is informed by the view that it is a form of medium with its own values and standards disparate from other media forms (commercial and public). Therefore, it points the study towards assessment of community radio systems and structures, especially in content development and ideological orientation; where ideological orientation means establishment of norms, values, training standards and leadership. For instance, how do community radio stations develop their content? What models of participation do stations employ in involving communities they serve? How do the programmes broadcasted into the community reflective of their concerns? In addition, how do they mobilise community participation in finding solution? These and many other questions give bearing to how community broadcasting ought to ?sound? and be felt by the people.