Assoc. Prof. Peter Mathews Mhagama

Assoc. Prof. Peter Mathews Mhagama

Author

Language & Communication Studies

12 publications

Dr Peter Mhagama is Associate Professor in the department of Language and Communication at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences, formerly University of Malawi, the Polytechnic. He holds a PhD in Mass Communication research obtained in 2015 from the University of Leicester in the UK...

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Radio Listening Clubs in Malawi and How they Contribute to Expanding Ordinary People’s Capabilities

Conference Proceeding
Published 2 years ago, 836 views
Author
Assoc. Prof. Peter Mathews Mhagama
Co-authors
Assoc. Prof. Peter Mathews Mhagama
Abstract
This article examines how radio listening clubs (RLCs) established by community radio stations in Malawi help to expand ordinary people’s capabilities. The RLCs provide a platform for ordinary people to assemble to listen to a designated radio programme, discuss the content for its merit and then decide how best to use the information to improve their livelihoods. The programmes are produced in such a way that they raise pertinent issues faced in the community and offer listeners suggested solutions to overcome those problems. The findings discussed in the paper are based on data collected through focus group discussion with members of RLCs of Nkhotakota community radio, semi-structured interviews with its deputy station manager and other key informants, and participant observation of what goes on in the radio station. The article argues that the RLC has potential to expand the capabilities of ordinary people because the information they receive, share and discuss empowers them to make informed decisions and to be knowledgeable. By providing a forum for the discussion of issues affecting ordinary people, this article concludes that RLCs can help to raise people’s awareness to existing problems and influencing them to do something about their situation. In this way, RLCs can help expand ordinary people’s capabilities to achieve a life that they value.

Keywords: capabilities, community radio, human development, ordinary people, radio listening clubs.
Year of Publication
2018
Proceedings Title
International Conference on Multidisciplinary Research
Page Numbers
206-223
Conference Dates
22-23 June 2018
Conference Place
Mauritius
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