TY  -  JOUR
AU  -  Hassan, B. SULEIMAN
AU  -  Semiu, B KAZEEM
AU  -  Luqman SAKA
PY  -  2023/08/01
Y2  -  2023/09/12
TI  -  Assessment of the Role of Radio During the 2019 General Elections in Kwara State, Nigeria  
JF  -  Nasarawa Journal Of Multimedia And Communication Studies
JA  -  NJOMACS
VL  -  5
IS  -  1
SE  -  
DO  -  
UR  -  https://www.njomacs.com/paper/assessment-of-the-role-of-radio-during-the-2019-general-elections-in-kwara-state-nigeria
SP  -  79–89
AB  -  Through its utilization for mobilization, sensitization and education of electorates, the radio continues to be seen as media platform critical to the success of electoral processes, especially in emerging democracies. Premised on this position, this study investigated the centrality of the radio in Nigeria's electoral process using the 2019 general elections in Kwara State, Nigeria as point of reference. In doing this, the study identified radio stations that were mostly utilized for electioneering campaign in the electoral circle and the degree of utilization. The study adopted the survey method and utilized Google form to solicit responses from electorates drawn from the 3 senatorial zones in the state. The study found out that private radio stations ranked highest on the list of radio stations (Sobi fm) that were effectively utilized by parties and candidates to mobilize electorates in Kwara State during the 2019 general elections. Social media networks were also mentioned aside radio as tool of engagement. Radio programmes such one-on-one and panel interviews, radio jingles as well as phone in programmes featured prominently as radio tools politicians deployed during 2019 general election the state. The study affirms the continous relevance of radio stations as tool for education, sensitization and mobilization of electorates. The researchers recommended that Kwara State government should as a matter of urgency set up radio station in any part of the communities bordering Kwara State with Benin republic to stop continuous dependence on foreign radio stations for political and economic sovereignty. We further advice that research should be carried out to identify the most appropriate radio programme useful for political engagement to prevent waste exposure. With the rise in social media networks deployment for electioneering, the study recommended that only well trained media personnel are engaged as social media handlers to curtail the spread of hate speech and fake news that are the hallmarks of social media networks campaign during election.
ER  -