EMPOWERING THE MARGINALISED COMMUNITIES IN MULTICULTURAL NIGERIA: THE ROLE OF COMMUNITY RADIO

Abstract

In a country like Nigeria, characterized by people of different races, ethnicities,religion and nationalities, there are bound to be marginalised communities. These set of peopleare being treated insignificantly and rendered powerless in the society they live in. Communityradio stations across the nation have taken it upon themselves to empower these marginalisedcommunities and be the voice for the people, as it is vital in combating marginalisation becauseit gives marginalised people a forum to speak up, obtain pertinent information, and engage inpublic conversation. The aim of the study was to identify and examine the role of communityradio in empowering the marginalised communities in a multicultural society like ours. Thisstudy adopted the development media theory, using qualitative methodology while secondarydata was utilised. Other academics’ studies, as well as press articles served as sources. Thestudy concludes that community radio is considered a very important aspect in rural areas andplays an active role in rural development. It helps cater for the information needs of themarginalised society in a multicultural society. In addition, community radio could be used asa tool to empower the marginalised or underprivileged and speak out against discriminationand social injustices in society. The study recommended that community radios should ensureaccess and participation, diversity, independence and locality. This is to make sure thatmembers of the marginalised groups can express their problems and difficulties via the station.