Abstract:
The importance of community radio especially in the developing world is significant to
facilitate development goals and bring social change. However, there are claims from the
community about their success. The main objective of this study is to assess community radio
practice in the case of Jimma University Community-oriented Radio FM 102.0. The study
examined the accessibility of JUCR to the community; how the community is participating in
the station’s all levels of operations; who manages the station and what are the factors
affecting JUCR’s practice of the above-mentioned principles. To assess the practice of JUCR
vis-à-vis Community Radio Principles, a descriptive case study design was employed. The
mixed-method is used and Data was collected using a group-administered survey
questionnaire, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussion. The samples of the study are
Jimma University, Jimma town, and Jimma Zone Agaro Woreda community members who
listen to JUCR, an expert from EMA, JUCR manager, journalists, volunteers, producers, and
JUCR former producer. These participants are selected using purposive sampling according
to their relevance to the subject matter under study. The data gathered were analyzed
thematically using tables, percentages, and qualitatively. Triangulation is used to
complement the data gathered using both quantitative and qualitative data collection tools.
The findings of the study showed that Jimma University Community-oriented Radio is
accessible to the community in terms of coverage, quality, and language use but the
community participation is limited to phone in’s and volunteers program production, all
levels of the station’s operation, and self-management practice by the community is very low.
In addition issues of the marginalized groups are not visible in JUCR programs. The findings
also show that the station’s practice of access, participation, and self-management is affected
by lack of proper supervision by the Ethiopian Media Authority, lack of defined structure,
lack of strong management, lack of active board and general assembly members, and financial
constraints. Finally, the study recommended that the Ethiopian Media Authority should
strongly follow up the practice of community radios besides licensing them and also need to
provide timely and professional training and the conflicting JUCR structures need to be
rearranged, financial problems should be solved and community sense of ownership and
belongingness should grow. And for this to happen, all stakeholders must come together and
discuss the betterment of JUCR.
