Radio for Development

This is another post examing the important role of student radio in Africa. In this clip Professor Ralph Akinfeleye from the University of Lagos, Nigeria, dicusses student station Unilag 103.1 FM, their Mass Communication course, and the influence of Government in the evolution of Nigerian Broadcasting.

This interview was recorded in July 2010 and features members of the Mass Communications teaching staff – as well as members of Radio Unilag 103.1 FM – which was the first University Radio Station in Nigeria. There’s also a short section taken from an on-air interview with yours truly…

(How exciting!)

View full article »

This is the second post to feature Prof. Franz Krüger.

Krüger is the director of the Wits Radio Academy, the centre for learning, research and public engagement around radio based in the University’s journalism programme.

In this clip he talks about the launch of “VOW Radio 90.5” (Voice of Wits) – the campus radio station for the University of the Witwatersrand.

It is located in central Johannesburg, on the 9th floor of University Corner in the heart of Braamfontein.

Mike Smurthwaite, the station manager says;

“We are young, energetic, experimental and engaging.”

“Our goal is to provide a pertinent high quality broadcasting service,”

View full article »

In this clip, Ben Osere discusses radio useage in Kenya – and how it’s being influenced by the advance of mobile phone technology.

I’m currently travelling in Africa – researching radio issues across the continent… and there’ll be more video on this subject (and others) as I get the chance to upload content – obviously net connections here aren’t the best so it’s taking a while. It’s been a fascinating trip so far, which has allowed me to visit some great radio stations – and to meet some interesting characters… Including Ben, who kindly showed me around the slums of Kibera… But more about that later…

Recorded in June, 2010, Nairobi Kenya.