INFLUENCE OF OSUN STATE BROADCASTING CORPORATION (OSBC) “EROYA” PROGRAMME ON RURAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

This study examined the “Influence of Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC) programme on rural community development” in Osun State. In any developing country, the mass media have a crucial role to play in engendering development among the populace. Mixed research method was used to sample the opinion of 377 respondents who volunteered relevant data on the influence of OSBC programme on rural development. Questionnaire and interview guide were instruments for data collection. Multi-stage sampling technique was adopted in the choosing of the various communities in Osun State. The researchers found that the level of exposure to OSBC programme “EROYA” among residents of chosen communities is moderate; community development “Eroya” encouraged meaningful dialogue and discussion of issues of community development that concern the rural dwellers in Osun State is to moderate extent and OSBC Fm programme “EROYA” had influenced rural development positively. It was therefore, recommended that network providers and owners of radio stations, should endeavor to make network services and radio signals available to the rural areas in order to encourage their participation and contributions on issues of Community and national interest extensively; and to influence rural dwellers participation in the development process. There is also need to incorporate them into in ideation and conceptualization of radio programmes meant to foster development.