dc.description.abstract | The purpose of the study was to identify the challenges in setting up and operating a CRS
in Kenya. The theoretical framework used was participatory communication approach.
A descriptive survey research design was used where questionnaires and interviews were
tools for data collection. The research site was Nairobi County where the sampled radio
stations - Koch FM, Ghetto FM and Pamoja FM are located. Purposive sampling
technique was used to select 49 respondents for interviews, that is, the 3 station
managers, 6 workers, 36 listeners, 3 engineers and 1 CCK personnel. The data was
analyzed by the use of computer software called SPSS.
According to the findings, some of the major challenges facing the community radio
stations are lack of salary or poor remuneration, inadequate equipment, low capacity
generators, insufficient working space, unprofessional productions and high staff
turnover. These challenges are due to lack of finances since the CRS are not allowed to
advertise to make money. The major ways to tackle these challenges are to get funding
and get other ways of raising money like promotions. Most of the challenges facing the
community radio stations are financial in nature.
The outcome of this study indicates that the CRS are in need of financial support.
Alternative means should be found to support CRS including government funds, and
permits to advertise in order to raise money for operations. The donors, sponsors and the
local community should put more effort in supporting these stations. | en_US |