How do debate programmes influence knowledge of key governance issues and political participation?
This research briefing explores levels of knowledge of key governance issues and political participation amongst radio listeners in Sierra Leone.
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Publication date: June 2015
Author: Trish Doherty
Can listening to a radio show in Sierra Leone increase levels of knowledge about women’s rights, political party agendas, corruption, and water and electricity service delivery? Is listening to a radio show in Sierra Leone statistically associated with more frequent political participation?
These questions form the basis of BBC Media Action’s research into how two national radio programmes - magazine show Fo Rod (Crossroads) and the debate programme Tok Bot Salone (Talk About Sierra Leone) - are helping influence understanding and participation of politics in Sierra Leone.
Key findings:
- Listeners of both programmes are four times more likely to have higher levels of knowledge on key governance issues compared to non-listeners.
- Listeners of both programmes are three times more likely to participate in the political process compared to non-listeners.
The briefing is a useful insight for research and development organisations into the impact of media on governance in Sierra Leone; the challenges of conducting research during an Ebola epidemic and how regression analysis can help control demographic and social factors for a more informed overview of audience behaviour.
