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Title:The democratic functions and dysfunctions of political talk radio: the case of Uganda
Author:Mwesige, Peter G.ISNI
Year:2009
Periodical:Journal of African Media Studies
Volume:1
Issue:2
Pages:221-245
Language:English
Geographic term:Uganda
Subjects:radio
politics
popular participation
Abstract:This article explores the promise and limits of Ugandan radio political talk shows as avenues of citizen participation and political competition. In particular, it examines the democratic functions and dysfunctions of political talk shows based on interpretive interrogation of data from content analysis, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with content producers and audiences. The results suggest that these programmes constitute a public sphere(s) where citizens seek and acquire information, carry out dialogue and debate on collective public problems and policy, challenge holders of official power into public accountability, send feedback upward to the political system, or simply let off steam. At another level, the government, political groups and other organized interests use the talk shows to gauge public opinion. These political elites also use these programmes as platforms for political mobilization, campaigning and advocacy. In other words, the civic space facilitated by talk radio is open to political groups and other organized interests as well as private citizens. However, political talk radio also appears to peddle misinformation and distortions; to invite adulterated debate that excites and inflames rather than informs; to give the public the illusion of influence; and, arguably, to lead to political inertia. At the group level, talk radio may have created an illusion of competition to the extent that it provided voice to oppositional political groups that were otherwise not fully free to participate in the political process. What we have, then, is an imperfect public sphere - but a sort of public sphere nonetheless. Implications of these developments for democratic transitions in Africa are discussed. Bibliogr., notes, ref., sum. [Journal abstract]
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