Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Radio has been identified as a powerful tool for communication and information dissemination, particularly in reaching remote and marginalized populations. This research project aims to explore the role of radio in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) set by the United Nations. The MDGs, which include targets related to poverty alleviation, education, gender equality, health, and environmental sustainability, have been a global framework for development efforts. Radio, with its wide reach and accessibility, has the potential to contribute significantly to the advancement of these goals. Through various programming formats such as news bulletins, talk shows, dramas, and educational segments, radio can raise awareness, educate, and mobilize communities towards achieving the MDGs. By broadcasting information on important issues such as healthcare, agriculture, education, and gender equality, radio can empower listeners to make informed decisions that can positively impact their lives and communities. Furthermore, radio can serve as a platform for dialogue and discussion, enabling different stakeholders to exchange ideas, share experiences, and collaborate on development initiatives. This interactive nature of radio can foster social cohesion, encourage civic engagement, and promote accountability in the implementation of development programs. In addition to its role in information dissemination and community mobilization, radio can also be used as a tool for monitoring and evaluation of progress towards the MDGs. By collecting feedback from listeners and conducting surveys, radio stations can assess the effectiveness of their programs in raising awareness, changing behaviors, and influencing policy decisions. However, despite its potential benefits, the role of radio in achieving the MDGs is not without challenges. Limited resources, lack of technical capacity, and regulatory constraints can hinder the ability of radio stations to effectively contribute to development efforts. Addressing these challenges requires partnerships between governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector to support the sustainability and quality of radio programming. In conclusion, radio has a significant role to play in achieving the MDGs by serving as a powerful medium for communication, education, and community engagement. By leveraging the reach and influence of radio, development stakeholders can harness its potential to accelerate progress towards the MDGs and promote sustainable development outcomes.

Thesis Overview

The United Nations Millennium Development Goals are 8 goals that all 189 UN Member States have agreed to try to achieve by the year 2015. The United Nations Millennium Declaration, signed in September 2000 commits world leaders to combat poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy, environmental degradation, and discrimination against women. It is against this background that the research examines role of mass media in achieving Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)”. The research is anchored on developmental media theory and agenda setting theory respectively. Cross sectional survey research method is used in which 100 copies of questionnaires were administered within two radio stations in Akwa Ibom state i.e Atlantic FM and AKBC 104.5 while another 100 copies of questionnaires were administered to the respondents in Ukanafun Local government particularly in Ikot-Apan-Kuk community using multi-stage sampling as probability sample technique to select respondents. The findings show that radio is trying in educating respondents on major diseases, environmental degredation control, discrimination against women but perform less effective in helping combating hunger, poverty, etc. It is recommended that radio and other mass media have lots of role to play in achieving MDGs by 2030 since the 2015 target could not be met by developing programmes towards achieving this.