Research Summary. Strengthening radio stations’ coverage of rights, peace and governance in Somalia
This summary looks at a BBC Media Action programme
Abstract
BBC Media Action’s EC-funded project in Somalia led to the realisation of clear editorial processes for some stations, use of appropriate sources for news programmes, and improvements to journalists’ understanding and observance of journalistic skills. Somali audiences reported that stations’ programming better met their needs following the training for journalists and station managers. However despite good recall of the content of the programme broadcast through this project, there was little evidence of what participants had learned from the project. Civil society organisations said their knowledge and engagement with journalists had increased as a result of the training, but only a few organisations could provide evidence of improvements. Longer-term media engagement strategies with a focus on implementation of skills, as opposed to increased learning, are needed. The provision of equipment, training, and mentoring improved stations’ ability to produce quality programming. However the sustainability and financial viability of the stations is still reliant on the on-going safety threat to station staff and mentors, and stations’ lack of financial and business planning.
Citation
BBC Media Action. Research Summary. Strengthening radio stations’ coverage of rights, peace and governance in Somalia. BBC Media Action, UK (2012) 2 pp.