Making financial sustainability viable for community radios in developing economies

Abstract

Community radios are providing spaces that expand public debate. In this study, they serve as a medium for social change and sustainable development. Using the sustainability theoretical framework for community radios, a sample of six faith-based grassroots radio stations from Uganda was studied to examine their sustainability. The study interviewed purposively selected respondents. Findings indicate that community radio stations can achieve financial sustainability through the production of high-quality content, revenue diversification, effective marketing, long-term partnerships with civil society, and regular fundraising efforts for community development. We deduce that adopting this study's conceptualized Interdependent Financial Viability Model (IFVM) will support community radio sustainability, embodying all sustainability elements [Financial, Environmental, Technical, Social, and Institutional/Operational].