ABSTRACT
The flexibility of radio makes it a
unique tool in reaching diverse audience including those in rural area on
socio-economy and political matters. It is on this notion that this examines
the role of radio in mobilising electorate towards participating in 2016 Ondo
state Governorship election in Akure. Survey research method was adopted
coupled with 200 copies of questionnaires that were printed and administered to
the respondents within Akure Township in which 192 copies were returned. The
data were analyzed using frequency and percentage method. The research findings
showed that mass media especially radio provides avenue for the citizens to get
information about political activities, it did educate and sensitize masses on
various activities such as voter card registration, how to handle voter’s card,
what to wear during election, how to participate in political rally and
campaign, to the activities on election day, coverage of election results,
coverage of post-election activities like violence and tribunal. It is
therefore recommended that there should be more radio to serve different taste
and language and radio should be free from few influential politicians to avoid
turning the media into tools of propaganda.
