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Abstract
Community radio has become an important alternative to mainstream media in many countries. Since 2001 more than 7,000 stations have begun broadcasting in Thailand, making it the global leader in this type of broadcasting. This study surveyed Thai radio listeners and found community stations enormously popular; nearly two-thirds of respondents listened daily, mainly for music and local information programs. However, many listeners did not have a good understanding of community radio, and this likely hampered stations' ability to recruit volunteer workers needed for day-to-day operations. Stations therefore need to educate listeners about this medium in order to build community support.
Notes
Notes
1 Despite such arrangements, stations are generally organized and carry out broadcasting in a manner similar to ones in other parts of the world. According to CitationWangvivatana (2005), by 2005, there were 534 non-community radio stations in operation, including 265 licensed to the military, 149 licensed to the PRD, and 68 licensed to the Mass Communication Organization of Thailand. Other government agencies held an additional 52 station licenses.
2 By 2014, an estimated 80% of community stations were commercial broadcasters (Citation“Community Radio,” 2014).
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Chalisa Magpanthong
Chalisa Magpanthong (Ph.D., Ohio University, 2007) is assistant professor in the International College of Bangkok University, Thailand. Her research interests include community media and media in Southeast Asia. She is a community radio activist and assisted in the founding of Pattani Community Radio Station in Southern Thailand.
Drew McDaniel
Drew McDaniel (Ph.D., Ohio University, 1970) is professor and director in the School of Media Arts & Studies of the Scripps College of Communication at Ohio University. He specializes in Asian media and media technologies. He is author of Broadcasting in the Malay World and Electronic Tigers of Southeast Asia.