The Political Economy of Sponsored Call-In Radio in Zambia. PiMA Working Paper #5

Main author: Fraser, Alastair
Format: Monographs and Working Papers           
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id eprints-23232
recordtype eprints
institution SOAS, University of London
collection SOAS Research Online
language English
language_search English
topic JQ Political institutions (Asia, Africa, Australia)
JZ International relations
description This working paper provides a context for the assessment of hopes that there might be a transformation in political accountability in Africa as a result of previously powerless and voiceless populations having their agendas strengthened via interactive media. It describes the ways in which many radio programmes, on which the voices of audience members are heard live on air, are brought into being through the ‘sponsorship’ of groups that already have significant power and voice. These include political parties, foreign aid donors, and local and international Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs), all of which have incentives to use interactive media as a tool of evangelism – to secure public engagement with, and endorsements for, their preferred visions. Using the case of Zambia, it emphasises the negotiating strategies that journalists and station owners deploy to secure resources while maintaining space to allow hosts and audience members, rather than solely sponsors, to shape the agenda of on-air discussions.
format Monographs and Working Papers
author Fraser, Alastair
author_facet Fraser, Alastair
authorStr Fraser, Alastair
author_letter Fraser, Alastair
title The Political Economy of Sponsored Call-In Radio in Zambia. PiMA Working Paper #5
publisher Centre of Governance and Human Rights (CGHR)
publishDate 2016
url https://eprints.soas.ac.uk/23232/