Published Article

Radio has over the years proven to be an effective medium of mass communication and as well, a powerful tool used in ensuring the development of nations. The success of radio in facilitating attitude and behavioural changes has been tied to the medium’s affordability quality and its ability to transcend the boundary of space and time and also leap across illiteracy barriers. However, the effectiveness of the medium in aiding the development of societies depends not solely on its inherent qualities, but also on how it is used and the purpose it is used for in terms of programme content. This study examined listeners’ perception of Community Voices Programme on Redemption FM 101.5 in developing rural areas in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The objectives of the study included finding out listeners’ awareness of Community Voices programme on Redemption FM 101.5; ascertaining the programme’s influence in the development of rural areas in Akwa Ibom State and; determining how listeners participation in the programme contributes to the development of rural areas in the state. The study adopted the survey research design where 384 respondents were drawn as sample size from the population of 7,200,000. The development media theory and the participatory development theory formed the framework for this study. Findings from the study revealed that Community Voices of Redemption FM 101.5 contributes to the development of rural areas in Akwa Ibom State. Also, it was revealed that audience perception influences participation in the programme thereby fostering participatory development in the state. The study concludes among many other things that Community Voices of Redemption FM 101.5 plays a crucial role in the development of rural areas in Akwa Ibom State; listeners participation in the programme points to the adoption of a development pattern suitable for rural development which is anchored on self-reliance and people participation. Based on these findings, the study recommended that radio stations in Akwa Ibom State should introduce more programmes aimed at the betterment of livelihood of the rural people; that radio programmes for rural development should consistently discourse topics affecting the rural people and as well follow up on the pressing development needs of rural areas until goals are achieved.

KEY WORDS:                 Listeners, Perception, Community Voices, Redemption FM, Rural Area, Development, Akwa Ibom State