Media

THE radio still remains a powerful medium of disseminating information even in the current digital era, Mrs Murjanatu Abba, a senior lecturer at the Department of Mass Communication, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, says.

Abba made the assertion in a telephone interview with the News Agency Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna on Tuesday,  as the world commemorates World Radio Day.

NAN reports that the World Radio Day 2024 has the theme “Radio: A Century of Informing, Entertaining and Educating”.

According to Abba, radio continues to be a crucial and influential medium which has retained its relevance due to its widespread accessibility, particularly among rural populations.

“Even in urban areas with internet access, people gravitate towards radio for information and entertainment, especially in northern parts of Nigeria.

“Despite the prevalence of internet and social media, many individuals in northern Nigeria use their mobile phones to tune in to their favorite radio programmes,”she said.

She said the trend aligned with the earlier research from the early millennium, affirming that, aside from Tibet in China, Northern Nigeria was ranked second globally in radio listenership.

She explained that radio played the role of an informer which  help disseminate information efficiently while fostering awareness and understanding of global issues.

The don stated that radio also played the role of a unifier by connecting diverse communities, promoting cultural exchange and creating a sense of shared experience.

She added that radio had also been a source of entertainment for people through different programmes such as music and drama while ensuring social engagement. (NAN)

14th February, 2024.

C.E.

Tags: Murjanatu Abba