Project Abstract

Abstract
The role of radio in achieving Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) has been a subject of growing interest and research in the field of communication and development studies. Radio, as a traditional and widely accessible medium, has shown significant potential in contributing to the attainment of the MDGs set by the United Nations. This research project aims to explore and analyze the specific ways in which radio can play a crucial role in advancing the MDGs, particularly in the areas of poverty alleviation, education, gender equality, health, and environmental sustainability. Through a comprehensive literature review and case study analysis, this research highlights the diverse strategies and approaches that radio broadcasters and organizations can employ to support the achievement of the MDGs. These strategies include using radio as a tool for raising awareness, providing education and information, promoting behavior change, facilitating community dialogue and participation, and advocating for policy changes at local, national, and international levels. Furthermore, this study examines the impact of radio programs and initiatives on different MDGs, drawing on empirical evidence from various countries and regions. It also considers the challenges and opportunities faced by radio broadcasters in harnessing the full potential of radio for development purposes. Factors such as funding constraints, technological limitations, regulatory frameworks, audience engagement, and sustainability are critically analyzed to provide insights into how these barriers can be overcome to maximize the effectiveness of radio in advancing the MDGs. The findings of this research contribute to the existing body of knowledge on the role of radio in development communication and provide practical recommendations for policymakers, development practitioners, and media professionals on how to leverage radio for sustainable development outcomes. By recognizing the unique strengths of radio as a mass medium that reaches diverse and marginalized populations, this study underscores the importance of integrating radio into broader development strategies and partnerships to address the complex challenges of poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation. In conclusion, this research underscores the significance of radio in achieving the MDGs and emphasizes the need for continued investment and support for radio broadcasting as a powerful tool for social change and development. It calls for collaborative efforts among governments, civil society, media organizations, and international agencies to harness the potential of radio in advancing the global development agenda beyond the MDGs towards a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Project Overview

The United Nations Millennium Development Goals are 8 goals that all 189 UN Member States have agreed to try to achieve by the year 2015. The United Nations Millennium Declaration, signed in September 2000 commits world leaders to combat poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy, environmental degradation, and discrimination against women. It is against this background that the research examines role of mass media in achieving Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)”. The research is anchored on developmental media theory and agenda setting theory respectively. Cross sectional survey research method is used in which 100 copies of questionnaires were administered within two radio stations in Akwa Ibom state i.e Atlantic FM and AKBC 104.5 while another 100 copies of questionnaires were administered to the respondents in Ukanafun Local government particularly in Ikot-Apan-Kuk community using multi-stage sampling as probability sample technique to select respondents. The findings show that radio is trying in educating respondents on major diseases, environmental degredation control, discrimination against women but perform less effective in helping combating hunger, poverty, etc. It is recommended that radio and other mass media have lots of role to play in achieving MDGs by 2030 since the 2015 target could not be met by developing programmes towards achieving this.