Public Service Radio Programming in Kenya: the Case of Kbc Radio Taifa

Abstract

The study sought to analyze and examine Kenya‟s public service radio, the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation Radio Taifa. KBC The objectives of this study were: To investigate the funding avenues of Radio Taifa Programming; to investigate the existing programming content on Radio Taifa and to find out the editorial decision making process of Radio Taifa Programmes. To achieve the objectives of the study, qualitative approach was utilized to guide the choice of methods used for data collection, analysis and presentation. Data was gathered using key informant interviews and Focus Group Discussions. Two theories; Social responsibility theory and the political economy theory were used in this study. Findings of the study show that Radio Taifa had multiple sources of funding but its needs surpassed the revenue generated. The public radio was heavily dependent on advertising which influenced programming. The scheduling of programmes is distorted because of lack of the time allocation system that would ensure public service content is not interfered with. Moreover, the study found that Radio Taifa faces stiff competition from commercial radio stations broadcasting in Kiswahili languages and have expanded their coverage across the country. However, Radio Taifa still boasts of wider coverage particularly in remote areas where it broadcasts on Medium Wave. Among the recommendations is the need to review the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation Act to establish a workable public service broadcasting model.