Constructing identity through community radio: community building in Newfoundland and Northen Ireland

McKee, Erin (2012) Constructing identity through community radio: community building in Newfoundland and Northen Ireland. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

[English] PDF (Migrated (PDF/A Conversion) from original format: (application/pdf)) - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. Download (48MB) [English] PDF - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. (Original Version)

Abstract

This research examines the social and cultural impacts of community radio projects in rural Newfoundland (Norris Point and Tilting) and in West Belfast, Northern Ireland. The study considers the following questions: How do people construct community identity through community radio? To what extent does it provide `a voice for the voiceless'? -- The research found that, particularly in conjunction with community festivals, community radio stations can provide a hopeful, fun, and unique space for community engagement. Community radios can also be used to revitalise areas economically. Through their potential for teamwork across different constituencies, they can provide new possibilities for literacy and media education, technical skills development, tourism initiatives, and the promotion of local knowledge, language, and culture. The research also highlights barriers to participation and challenges faced by these non-profit, small-scale community radio stations. -- In order to function effectively, that is, to fulfil its community building initiatives, community radio requires active participation, lest it be simply more noise on the dial.

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