Radio: a lifeline in developing countries

"Radio has a special importance for rural and marginalised urban communities. As well as being the only accessible mass medium, it fulfils a role as a ‘community telephone’ with several hours a day reserved for broadcasting personal messages."

"In many rural areas radio is the only source of information about market prices for crops, and thus the only defence against speculators. It is a vehicle for both formal and informal education, and plays an important role in the preservation of local language and culture."

Bruce Girard, organiser of the Converging Responsibility conference on broadcasting and development.

Why is radio so effective?

it's cheap and stand-alone
Radios are cheap to produce and distribute and do not rely on electricity or literacy. They can therefore be used by anyone anywhere, unlike other communications media such as telephones, the internet, television and printed media.

It speaks to everyone, literate and illiterate
Printed materials are often unsuitable for disseminating information. There are 860 million adults who can not read and over 100 million children who have no access to school.

It keeps it local
Radio is able to focus on local issues and to speak in local languages. The UNDP notes that in Latin America, for example, while most radio is produced locally or nationally, only 30 per cent of television programming comes from the region; with 62 per cent produced in the United States.

It's wide-reaching
Even in very poor communities, radio penetration is vast. The Developing Countries Farm Radio Network (DCFRN) says there are more than 800 million radios in developing countries and one in ten people has a radio.

"Because of its penetration in poor communities, radio is ideal as a development tool for children. Radio projects support young people in taking concrete actions to improve their lives and the lives of other children in their country. 

Children’s voices are heard not only ‘on air’ but also in the decision-making process. Information and participation will in the long run empower children, prevent exploitation and help them become active members of society." said Mimi Brazeau, Media Programs Adviser, Plan West Africa