The FM Revolution in Niger : Radio's Impact on Capacity Development
In Niger, where only a fifth of the population is literate and poverty is rife, radio has taken on an extraordinarily important role in the lives of its citizens. Radio programs are not only the means through which people entertain themselves and g...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Brief |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
World Bank, Washington, DC
2012
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/2007/10/8900679/fm-revolution-niger-radios-impact-capacity-development http://hdl.handle.net/10986/9556 |
| Summary: | In Niger, where only a fifth of the
population is literate and poverty is rife, radio has taken
on an extraordinarily important role in the lives of its
citizens. Radio programs are not only the means through
which people entertain themselves and get the daily news,
they are also playing a proxy role for the health clinics,
schools, social support networks, and continuing education
needed for economic progress. Women debate their role in
society; citizens call in to complain about poor local
services; radio reporters, microphones in hand, chase down
politicians and demand answers on the air. Although Niger
has a long way to go in creating a viable and free media
market, radio has nevertheless flourished in a remarkable
way in this landlocked francophone country of 13 million and
given people a taste of democracy. Providing the citizens of
Niger with perspectives from around the world, radio is a
major instrument in the process of capacity development in
the country. |
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