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Current Radio Projects
Mediae radio production
Mediae's current radio projects are at different stages of development and varied in nature; UNICEF commissioned Mediae to undertake research in Somalia, Puntland and Somaliland to assess youth radio listening habits and preferences, with a view to launching programmes
which would address sexual reproductive health issues for adolescents. Then there is Tembea na Majira (Move with the Times) - a long running Ki-Swahili
radio soap that has been on air now for ten years in Kenya and has an established and loyal listenership.
On the strength of this, Mediae are now managing a similar project in Tanzania,
called Pilika Pilika (Busy, Busy).
| Tembea na Majira (Move with the Times) - Kenya |
In many ways, Tembea na Majira is Mediae's flagship product. Tembea is a Ki-Swahili radio soap opera programme which goes on air twice a week in Kenya and has been broadcast for six years on KBC's Ki-Swahili National Service, reaching 5.5 million adult listeners (Source: Research International, 2002). It is the second most popular programme broadcast on the National Service. Programmes both educate and entertain listeners and tackle a wide range of issues; for example, steps a woman can take if she finds herself a target of domestic violence, malaria prevention, parent power within local schools. Mediae are currently being sponsored by Futures,
UNICEF and PSI to include information on HIV/AIDs, care of orphans and malaria control and prevention, respectively.
The soap opera is supported by a sister magazine radio programme, which highlights issues raised on the soap and gives more detailed information, through interviews, features, competitions and tips.
Both programmes attract a sufficiently big audience for the commercial sector to sponsor airtime. Production costs are paid for by different donors who wish to communicate a variety of issues to rural audiences.
Mediae, in collaboration with the Kenyan Association of Professional Counsellors (KAPC), have launched a highly innovative series of radio programmes that are produced by adolescents, for adolescents. Three teenagers from Nairobi put together their own programmes in which they tackle issues relating to sexual reproductive health that are of concern and relevance to other teenagers. Programmes include a mixture of rap, music, interviews, thoughts, worries and listeners' problems and advice. But none of it comes from adults - it's all about peer group communication!
| Pilika Pilika (Busy Busy) - Radio Soap Opera
and Magazine Programmes, Tanzania |
Mediae were awarded a grant by the Gatsby Foundation to launch a pilot radio soap opera in the Arusha region of Tanzania. The project has conducted two studies into radio listenership patterns and information needs of rural audiences in the region. A project coordinator has been recruited, production teams identified and a comprehensive training programme put in place, especially in the skills of radio soap opera production.
Pilika Pilika (Busy Busy) was launched, nation-wide, in May, 2004. Programmes are transmitted during prime-time
on the national broadcaster, RTD, and are repeated on popular, local fm
stations. Mediae are currently being sponsored by WaterAid, Femina Hip and
Policy Forum to include issues relating to home hygeine and community water
management, gender issues and local rights and responsibilities at the village
level.
This project is hugely exciting, offering an opportunity to
reach millions of rural listeners in a country that is ranked as being the seventh poorest in the world (World Bank, 1997).
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