Stakeholders' Assessment of the Role of Community-Based Media Practice in Grassroots Development

Community-based media are socially oriented and driven by democratic principles. A major idea behind the concept is to empower marginalised communities to enable them define and manage their own development. Over the years, community-based media have struggled to their feet in Nigeria despite that the roots of media development in the country could be traced to the community level. This study examined the views of stakeholders on the role of community-based media practice in driving development at the grassroots level using survey method with interview guide as basic instrument. Data were gathered through using face to face interactive interviews with editors/publishers of select community newspapers in South-west Nigeria. Findings revealed that stakeholders were in agreement that community-based media are capable of bringing development closer to the people by getting them involved in determining the direction and focus of development goals. However, respondents noted that the model of Community-based media practice currently obtainable in Nigeria does not promote communal participation, consequently leaving it in the hands of a few Individuals who often follow their political and economic profit blueprint which relegates the collective good of the community to the background to the background. The study concluded that for rural communities to benefit fully from community-based media practice, stakeholders must embrace the right model of community media practice that must focus on people’s interest and community development.