Revival of radio in Pakistan: Cultural, Political and Social Impact of Fm Radio on the youth

Abstract

Many years back when television was just a dream, people used radio as an effective mode for communication and learning. In mid-20’s, with the advent of radio, man truly has stepped further into the revolutionary world.

Radio is a very popular mode of media in our country. It has various important reasons i.e. easily accessible, cheaper and also used for entertainment and education purpose for common masses. In Pakistan, besides radio Pakistan, many commercial and noncommercial FM radios are also working. Mostly, FM commercial radios are considered as entertainment channels which air musical and entertainment stuff. On the other hand, noncommercial (campus radios) are working in different sectors, mainly in educational institutes as well as in some public sector departments. These FM radios are very effectively conveying information and education.

FM community based radios are being used as a very effective, valuable, useful and result oriented educational tool all over the world. Many developed countries have used radio medium as a tool for distance education to the masses particularly to educate and address the people living in remote areas. In many countries of Africa and Asia, radio medium has been used as a tool of social change. Radio broadcasting has been used to address public issues, promotion of social and community awareness.

The results of the research depicts that radio industry has revived after emergence of FM radios in Pakistan. FM radio has positive impact on its listeners and FM radio programs are impacting culturally, politically and socially on values of our youth. Furthermore, results of study also reveal that improvement is still required in FM broadcast so as to fully utilize potential of this useful medium in highlighting different cultural, political and social issues, keeping in view of the fact that the most affiliated group of society with FM radios is our youth.

In Pakistan, radio medium deserves greater attention. Community radios are essentially required especially to address issues of rural and isolated communities. Government should learn from other part of world where radio is very effectively being used to approach the masses for awareness, education and information.