- Title
- Vernacular radio and peace building in Kenya: a study of popular vernacular radio stations in three conflict-prone regions
- Creator
- Kijana, Eunice Abuya
- Subject
- Radio journalism -- Kenya
- Subject
- Radio broadcasting -- Kenya Documentary radio programs Peace-building -- Social aspects
- Date Issued
- 2019
- Date
- 2019
- Type
- Thesis
- Type
- Doctoral
- Type
- PhD
- Identifier
- http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42251
- Identifier
- vital:36639
- Description
- In Kenya, just like in most African countries, ethnicity-related conflicts are a common phenomenon. Often times, the media, especially vernacular radio has been accused of incitement to violence as was in the case of 1994 Rwanda genocide and the 2007 post-election violence in Kenya. As a result, numerous studies have focused on the role that the media, especially vernacular radio plays in perpetuating ethnic conflict, while very little has been done to establish its role in peace building. Therefore, this study was informed by the assumption that the media is a double edged sword; while it can fuel tension and lead to conflict, it can also contribute to peace between conflicting parties. It therefore sought to establish the role that vernacular radio play in peace building in Kenya. The literature reviewed showed that vernacular radio has the potential to promote peace in society. The study was therefore guided by the social responsibility theory which underpins the necessity for the media/ journalist to keep society’s interest as a top priority. This means that the society expects journalists to be accountable, liable and responsible in carrying out their duties. This study utilized both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Using a case study of popular vernacular radio stations in three conflict prone regions in Kenya, the researcher employed content analysis, questionnaires and interviews as tools for data collection. The results indicate that the stations have put in place specific policies aimed at ensuring impartiality in reporting and that journalists adhere to them in their work. The stations also work in partnership with other peace practitioners by developing programs that are aimed at promoting peace within and between communities. Furthermore, the findings indicate that the stations’ journalists largely understand and comply with the sections of the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism in Kenya which addresses the need for responsible conflict reporting. Based on these findings, the study therefore concludes that vernacular radio stations working in conflict prone regions in Kenya play a positive role in peace building. However, the study recommends more specialized trainings for journalists in order for these stations to be more effective in this role of peace building.
- Format
- xiii, 278 leaves
- Format
- Publisher
- Nelson Mandela University
- Publisher
- Faculty of Arts
- Language
- English
- Rights
- Nelson Mandela University
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NMU School of Language, Media and Culture
| Thumbnail | File | Description | Size | Format | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| View Details Download | SOURCE1 | Eunice Abuya KIJANA.pdf | 2 MB | Adobe Acrobat PDF | View Details Download |