A critical assessment of the role and governance of Muslim community radio in South Africa : the case of Radio Al-Ansaar.
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Date
2006
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Abstract
Community participation is a fundamental element of community radio. Therefore in
countries where this form of radio exists, community participation is one of its most
important licence criteria. It is no different in South Africa. Community radio in this
country is a relatively young form of radio, just over a decade old, and is based on
models in countries where community radio is a long established institution. Many of the
South African community radios are faith-based stations. However, existing research on
community participation in such radios are based mainly on Christian stations. The focus
of this paper is on Muslim community radio.
The study evaluated the extent of community participation in the ownership,
management, programming and other aspects at Radio Al-Ansaar, a Muslim community
radio based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. As this radio serves a Muslim constituency
characterised by ideological, racial and class divisions, the study sought to find out if
optimal and meaningful community participation from all sectors of the community is
actualised. Furthermore, given this diversity in the Muslim community, the paper
examined if Al-Ansaar, through its programmes, induces transcendence of or accentuates
differences through discourse of divergent ideologies, views and beliefs among Muslims.
In addition to the examination of the level of community participation in Radio Al-
Ansaar, the paper assesses the economic viability of the station. It highlights the
significance of advertising as an important revenue stream and assesses the prospects for
financial sustainability within the context of the hegemonic influence of vested
mercantile interests.
The evaluation of the Al-Ansaar project took place against the stipulations of the
Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) and against the
backdrop of key Islamic precepts. Furthermore, in the analysis of the various elements
mentioned, cognisance was taken of the perceptions of the varied individuals associated
with the station.
Description
Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2006.
Keywords
Radio broadcasting--South Africa., Religious broadcasting--Islam--South Africa., Theses--Culture, communication and media studies.