"The project aimed at enhancing the capacity of community radio stations to operate as agents of change for the rural poor and marginalised people [...] The project worked with a sample of 15 community radio stations – five per country – in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia. In implementing the RPCD
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project, Panos Southern Africa used the Radio Listening Club (RLC) approach, which is a unique and proven methodology that empowers the often marginalised and neglected communities to participate in the development of community radio content." (Summary)
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"The PANOS radio listening clubs have proved to be an effective means of communicating not only HIV and AIDS issues but other development issues within communities. The female radio clubs proved more effective than the male radio clubs. Interviews
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revealed that communities with the radio listening clubs were more likely to have tested for HIV than those without. Despite the quality of HIV and AIDS reporting in the media deemed as low, community radios were more effective in relaying HIV messages than national or private radios. Journalists sponsored under the PANOS fellowship programme dabbed Global trend and access to treatment for all helped increase interest amongst journalist and media houses on HIV and AIDS reporting. Another key success under the PANOS programme was the development of a HIV and AIDS training manual for journalists. However, the expectations raised by PANOS were high and communities requested for transport to attend the Radio listening clubs. The media gaps in HIV reporting though improving still need more funding to build the capacity of media houses and journalists." (Back cover)
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"The objective of this study is to assess HIV and AIDS Radio campaign messages in southern Africa and the impact they have on their target audiences. The countries involved in the study are Botswa
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na, Malawi, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The intention is to document the assessment and share detailed tips on how to carry out an effective HIV/AIDS Radio campaign, and to advise respective media users on the most effective way of presenting HIV and AIDS information on radio. The study has been conducted in such a way that it can capture the impact of HIV and AIDS radio campaign messages on people living with HIV and AIDS - the most affected - as well as the general population. This particular report however, pertains only to Zambia and shows how the radio as a source of information is being utilised for the dissemination of HIV and AIDS messages." (Purpose of study, page 1)
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"This report shares the findings of five studies of media coverage of HIV/AIDS, carried out in Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe by the Panos London AIDS Programme, with the su
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pport of Johns Hopkins University. The studies aimed to explore some of the issues and tensions involved in the relationship between the media and HIV/AIDS. In particular, they aimed to identify how the media could better fulfill its potential role in responding to the epidemic, for example by 'moving beyond awareness raising' and acting as a channel to encourage individual and social change, providing a forum for debate and holding decision-makers to account. According to the writers, the studies focused on radio and print media. They used desk research, individual interviews and group discussions, involving editors, broadcasters, journalists, academics and health workers, as well as representatives of HIV/AIDS agencies, non-governmental organisations, faith-based groups and the general public. They were carried out by local consultants over two months during 2004, with supplementary desk research and interviews in 2005. Sections 1 & 2 of this report provide an analysis of the context, themes and recommendations that emerged from across the different studies. Sections 3-7 summarise the audit for each country, including: a summary of the national political and HIV/AIDS context; information about policy and ownership issues in relation to radio and print; an analysis of the relationship between the media and HIV/AIDS; and conclusions and recommendations." (www.comminit.com, January 30, 2006)
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"The summary of findings for this study is drawn from extensive research conducted in the form of questionnaires and focus groups. The aim of the study was to assess the level at which community radio stations in Africa are involved in programming
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of content on sustainable development themes/ topics. Investigations conducted through the study indicate that in general, community radio stations are still struggling with producing content on sustainable development. One of the reasons is the lack of understanding and distinction of what sustainable content is especially in the specific context of the different communities. Findings however also indicate that despite challenges faced by the sector, community radio stations are making some efforts to produce programmes on sustainable content although they are also faced with challenges on identifying and working with relevant stakeholders for content development. This report makes specific recommendation on how community radio stations can improve on sustainable programming." (Executive summary of findings, page 5-6)
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"The project ran from November 98 to May 2001, involving 13 rural women’s clubs in the Mpika district of Zambia, 600 km north of Lusaka. The clubs recorded their discussions of development issues or requests for development support; the tapes were sent to a radio producer in Lusaka, who recorded a
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response from a relevant service-provider or politician. The discussion and response were edited into one programme and broadcast as a regular weekly programme by the national broadcaster, ZNBC. The clubs listened to the programmes and discussed them at their weekly meetings. This evaluation assessed the development impact of the project, principally by talking to members of the clubs and others in their communities. An audience survey was also carried out, in three different areas. The main findings of the evaluation were: The project has brought substantial material benefits and new information to the communities. To some extent the clubs and communities have been empowered to access development inputs themselves, though the mediation of the radio programme producer has also been an important factor; The success in achieving material benefits for the communities was probably a strong force in building community support for the clubs in the early months of the project, but now their role in providing information and stimulating discussion is equally appreciated; The Clubs have not achieved material benefits specifically for their own incomegenerating activities, which was the original aim of the project, and which they see (on a video) happening in Zimbabwe. Income-generating is still the clubs’ main purpose, so the project should seek to help them strengthen their income-generating activities; The project has stimulated intense discussions, in the clubs and the communities, about social issues. The clubs’ ability to discuss and present issues clearly is greatly appreciated by men and young people in the communities; There is an emerging perception of a role for the clubs as educators for their communities. They are confidently passing on their own experience, and information from outside sources, as well as “hosting” outside experts in their radio programmes; The programmes are widely listened to and appreciated all over Zambia." (Summary)
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"This resource guide briefly outlines what it takes to set up a community radio station. Firstly, it gives an overview of the African community radio environment, followed by a definition of community radio. The basic steps towards establishing a community radio station are presented, ie, developing
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a mission statement, clearly defining an organisational structure, and providing training in technical and programming skills. To keep a realistic view on the challenges of community radio stations, it can be useful to read the chapter on "problems you should expect to encounter", listing difficulties such as ensuring and sustaining participation, maintaining volunteer involvement, balancing fundraising activities, etc. The appendices provide further readings, an introduction to AMARC and contact addresses to possible funders and training centres. The publication does not give extensive instructions, but can be suitable for those seeking to gain a first and general insight into setting up community radio stations in an African context." (commbox)
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"Este guia descreve o papel das estações de rádio comunitária na construção participativa da democracia e do desenvolvimento em África — e oferece ideias práticas de como tais estações podem ser estabelecidas. Fornece uma compreensão d
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a popularidade renovada da rádio comunitária, bem como ainda as razões pela qual é controversa, e talvez perturbadora, do ponto de vista dos radiodifusores comerciais e públicos. É preciso Iembrar que as definições e os exemplos referidos neste guia são dinámicos e que o conceito de 'rádio comunitária‘ devia ser revisto ou redefinido consoante as condições sociais existentes. Espera-se que este guia possa fornecer informação relevante para aqueles que gostariam de iniciar uma estação de rádio comunitária numa comunidade em particular, fazer lobby por uma Iegislação que permita o desenvolvimento da rádio comunitária no seu país, ou reforçar o desenvolvimento duma estação de rádio comunitária já existente. No entanto, esta pubIicação não é um manual para formação. Os assuntos mencionados necessitam de revisão de modo a responder aos desafios do dia à dia e aos problemas que as estações de rádio comunitária enfrentam." (Preâmbulo)
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