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ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study is to examine the role of radio in promoting participatory democracy a case study of Man Around Town on Independent Radio. Radio, as a broadcast medium has overtime shown its importance as the social institution. This broadcast medium occupies such a place of pride in our lives that its presence is visible in almost every home. Its distinctive attributes have continued to endear it as a companion to the human race for information within and outside one's environment. Democracy which entails freedom of the citizenry to choose representatives that will represent their interest seem to have lost its true value in developing countries like Nigeria. The citizenry in most developing countries have become apolitical to democratic affairs of their nations due to long years of neglect by their leaders. Instead of being participants and contributors to the success of democracy, they are now by-standers and spectators, watching the activities of "the same the same" old rulers in government in matters that affect them. The study employed survey research methodology, which is used to arrive at findings and draw conclusions. Findings reveal that freedom of expression and of the media (the radio medium in this case) are essential ingredients for promoting participatory democracy as a catalyst for development. The study therefore concluded that the radio medium is a potent instrument in participatory democracy. For its role to be effective and visible, freedom of the medium from external controls; and freedom of expression are vital and should be encouraged. The study recommends that freedom of expression and of the media as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Code should be fully enforced. This study has shown that the concept of media freedom in Nigeria is still skeptical as cases of harassments, shot-down of media houses and murder attest to this skepticism.
