ABSTRACT
Radio
as a member of the media family is an instrument for information dissemination.
World over, the radio is known to be a very powerful tool for development.
Onabajo said that “In the developed world, radio has been used for
developmental purposes” and that “The radio is the singular medium that is most
effective for mass mobilization” Onabajo (2001). In Nigeria today, we have so
many radio stations but most of our rural communities are still under
developed. This research therefore, aimed at finding out some other roles which
the radio is supposed to play in order to facilitate the development of our
rural communities. Since the radio is by no means a small instrument for
community development, it is important that the government and other well to do
Nigerians should lend a helping hand to the radio stations to help them carry
out these roles of their for greater achievement. Critical reviews to related
literature were made. Relevant theories were used to gratify the study. Quantitative
research design was used in which cross-sectional survey method was adopted
while the data collection instrument was questionnaire. It is obvious from the
results of this study that the success and development of rural community in developing
countries largely depends on the nature and extent of use of mass media in
mobilization of people for development. Finally, it is recommended that Missed
out programmes should be brought back. There should be less interruption by
radio presenters so as to improve programme quality. News or announcement must
be properly edited before they are broadcast. For community radio to be able to
play this important and significant role in community development, it must keep
out of politics and religion and highlight on gender issues.