RADIO AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN BAUCHI STATE: A STUDY OF COMMUNITY FOCUS PROGRAMME ON ALBARKA RADIO

ABSTRACT This study was conducted on Radio and Community Development in Bauchi State: A Study of Community Focus Programme on Albarka Radio. The study adopted the Development Communication Theory as its theoretical framework. The qualitative research method was employed, using in-depth interviews with the general manager, producer, presenters, and selected listeners of the programme as the primary sources of data. Data were analyzed thematically to identify key patterns and recurring ideas related to community engagement and programme effectiveness. The findings revealed that the majority of respondents strongly agreed that the Community Focus Programme significantly contributes to public enlightenment and grassroots development in Bauchi State. It was also found that listeners regularly depend on the programme for information on agriculture, health, education, and governance. However, challenges such as inadequate funding, limited airtime, poor signal reception, and low cooperation from government officials were identified as key obstacles affecting the programme’s reach and impact. The study recommends that Albarka Radio should increase the airtime and funding of the Community Focus Programme. The findings led the researchers to conclude that radio broadcasting, particularly through Albarka Radio’s Community Focus Programme, plays a crucial role in promoting community awareness, participation, and development in Bauchi State by serving as a bridge between citizens and policymakers.