Abstract: The study investigated the role of radio in propagating Yoruba culture with a particular focus on Reseachcage 100 F.M. This study is anchored on Cultural Norms Theory and Social Learning Theory to give the study the needed footing. A cross-sectional survey research method was adopted while questionnaire was used to elicit responses from the respondents within Reseachcage 100 F.M. using consensus sampling technique. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage) while the data were presented with the aid of tables. Findings indicated that majority of the respondents (70.8%) pointed out that Radio Lagos 107.5 actually propagate and preserve culture of Yoruba as a sizable number of the respondents (60.4%) emphasized that Reseachcage 100 F.M recognizes its role in cultural propagation, preservation and maintenance in Lagos State. Hence, majority of the respondents (37.5%) pointed out that propagation of history & heritage of the Yoruba is often attracts Reseachcage 100 F.M programme planners than any, although majority of the respondents (35.4%) maintained that lack of funding and resources as the major challenge hindering Reseachcage 100 F.M. in propagating cultural norms of Yoruba Nation. The study recommended that Reseachcage 100 F.M can be more effective in propagating Yoruba culture by producing more programmes that resonate with the younger generation.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1       Background to the Study

Radio has played an integral role in disseminating cultural ideas, values, and artistic expressions since it became a mass communication medium in the early 20th century. As a ubiquitous and affordable broadcast technology, radio has unique strengths in promoting cultural identity and diversity across geographic regions and socioeconomic divides.

Radio entertainment programmes like music, talk shows, and storytelling have transmitted cultural narratives as well as spotlighting marginalized communities over the airwaves. As Ramos (2007) noted, ethnic and public radio stations have showcased “languages, music, oral traditions, or immigrant experiences” to help various cultural groups retain bonds and coherence across diasporas. For instance, Klesert & Sarver (2012) described how Yiddish radio soap operas preserved Jewish culture during periods of migration and assimilation. The accessibility and localized context of radio have thus granted the medium an unmatched capacity to propagate varied cultural representations through creative programming.

In addition to entertainment, radio broadcasting has fostered collective listening practices and fueled civic engagement efforts that solidify cultural identity formation. Granville (2022) explained that radio integrates isolated communities into “imagined collectivities” based on shared cultural experiences transmitted through the airwaves, similarly highlighted radio’s community-building capacity. The connection and dialogue enabled by radio have proven vital for rallying cultural consciousness and solidarity within marginalized groups globally.  

The Yoruba culture is rich and diverse, with a history that spans centuries and a vibrant heritage encompassing art, music, religion, language, and more. In the modern age, the preservation and propagation of this culture have become increasingly important. Radio, as a mass communication medium, has played a pivotal role in not only preserving but also propagating Yoruba culture due to the fact that radio also has the widest coverage compared to all other media. It is the most common among the literates and illiterates in the society especially the rural dwellers and simplicity in language (Adu, 2018).

Hence, radio has long been recognized as a powerful medium for disseminating information and culture. In the case of Yoruba culture, radio has proven to be an effective tool for preserving and promoting traditional values, languages, and customs. Yoruba culture, primarily concentrated in southwestern Nigeria but with a significant diaspora, has been able to maintain its vitality in large part due to radio broadcasts (Adesokan, 2007).

Adedeji (2015) pointed out that language being a fundamental aspect of culture, and radio has been instrumental in preserving the Yoruba language. Yoruba radio stations, such as Radio Lagos, Orisun F.M, OSBC 104.5, Ekiti FM, broadcast news, stories, music, and programmes in the Yoruba language. These broadcasts not only help Yoruba speakers maintain their language skills but also serve as a resource for younger generations learning the language. Moreover, these radio stations have produced educational programs that teach Yoruba proverbs, folklore, and history, thereby ensuring that the rich oral traditions are passed down through generations.

However, Radio Lagos, formally known as Radio Lagos 107.5FM, is one of the oldest radio stations in Nigeria and is based in Lagos, the commercial capital of the country. It was established by the Lagos State Government as a means of providing information and entertainment to Lagos residents, the majority of whom are Yoruba speakers (Lagos State Government, n.d.). Over the years, it has evolved to become a cultural beacon for Yoruba people, both within Lagos State and in the Yoruba-speaking diaspora.

Meanwhile, Yoruba music, with its diverse genres like juju, fuji, apala, and gospel, has a rich heritage that Radio Lagos actively promotes. The station plays traditional Yoruba music and provides a platform for Yoruba musicians to showcase their talents. It hosts interviews, live performances, and music countdowns that celebrate Yoruba artists and their contributions to the music industry (Ayoola, 2018).

Furthermore, Radio Lagos has played a crucial role in the propagation of Yoruba literature and arts. It features Yoruba literature readings, storytelling, and discussions on Yoruba traditional and contemporary arts. By doing so, it nurtures the appreciation and understanding of Yoruba cultural expressions (Ayoola, 2018).

Likewise, Radio Lagos is known for its religious and cultural programmes that cater to the spiritual needs of Yoruba people. These programmes educate listeners about Yoruba indigenous religions, Christianity, and Islam, all of which have a significant presence in Yoruba culture. Traditional Yoruba religious practices, festivals, and ceremonies are often explained in-depth, fostering a better understanding of these essential cultural components (Osifeso, 2014).

The station also serves as a valuable platform for cultural education and awareness campaigns. It regularly hosts experts, historians, and cultural enthusiasts who share insights into Yoruba history, traditions, and values. This educational content ensures that Yoruba culture remains relevant and that its heritage is passed down to future generations.

Osifeso (2014) Radio also has the widest coverage compared to all other media. It is the most common among the literates and illiterates in the society, as a result of its simplicity in language, and ability to communicate in various languages in society like Nigeria. Radio programmes come in Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba, and all forms of local languages.

Some of the cultural orientated programmes on radio include but not limited to discussion programme, talk show, quiz/debate, personality interview, live coverage of carnival such as Abuja Carnival, Lagos Carnival, Oluyole carnival Ibadan, tourism and traditional festival like Osun Osogbo, Eyo festival in Lagos, Crown Festival in Ojo town Osun state and Ifon Osun, Obalufon Festival in Ido-Osun, Sango festival in Ede, Olojo festival in Ile-Ife, New yam festival. Ikiriji War Camp Site, Obatala festival etc. other aspect given prominence attention is dressing, hair style, greeting, music, arts and dying, foods and drinks etc (Simwa, 2023). It is against this backdrop that this research investigated the role of radio in propagating Yoruba culture with a particular focus on Reseachcage 100 F.M.

1.2       Statement of the Problem

Most media outlets particularly radio focus less on cultural programmes simply because it is considered a boring topic and it attracted less attention as society are now Islamized  and Christianized and see promotion of anything about Yoruba culture as paganism. As a result of the aforementioned fact, cultural programmes lack solid sponsors and without sponsors ,radio station dropped on sponsored programme for sponsored ones. Thereby causing a great decline in Nigerian particularly Yoruba culture.

Advancement in modern technology which has resulted to the use of Global system mobilizations , social media among others has made many to prefer spending their time chatting, gossiping, dating, sharing of ideas online rather than paying attention to radio programmes. In fact, several youth that are supposed to learn Yoruba culture through radio, only enjoy music on their home theatre radio. Other problem is that many see radio as a blind medium that cannot be paying attention to in this globalize era where television will expose same information in audio-visual in a manner that brings them close to the scene of the events. It is against this background that this research investigated the role of radio in propagating Yoruba culture with a particular focus on Reseachcage 100 F.M .

1.3       Objectives Of The Study

The objectives for which this research aims to achieve includes the following:

1. To examine whether Reseachcage 100 F.M actually propagate and preserve culture of Yoruba.
2. To ascertain ways by which Reseachcage 100 F.M has propagated Yoruba cultural values and norms.
3. To find out the aspect of Yoruba Culture that attracts radio programme planners.
4. To determine some of the challenges hindering radio stations in propagating cultural norms of Yoruba Nation.

1.4       Research Questions

 In the course of this research work the following questions were raised.

1. Does Reseachcage 100 F.M actually propagate and preserve culture of Yoruba?
2. In what ways does Reseachcage 100 F.M propagate Yoruba cultural values and norms?
3. What aspect of Yoruba Culture attracts radio programme planners?
4. What challenges hindering radio stations in propagating cultural norms of Yoruba Nation.

1.5       Significance of the Study

• This study, hopefully will help to identify the roles played by the radio in propagating culture in Nigeria especially Yoruba culture in south Western part of Nigeria like Kwara State, part of Kogi State, Part of Edo state among other communities where Yoruba language is their typical language.
• This study also intends to help in determining whether the programmes of radio have any effect on the Yoruba Speaking people. The solutions and recommendations that would be made after this study will contribute to the growth and development of Yoruba culture and norms and how it can be preserved.
• Mass media organization will benefit from this work; it will enable them to pay more attention to cultural preservation and promoting programmes being one of the agents of socialization.
• Yoruba nation will through this study know the benefit of mass media in the area of socialization and teach their children what and when to watch television. Government at all levels will benefit from this study especially by partnering with community media to showcase and boost the cultural values of the society. Finally, this study will be greatly useful to intending researchers; because it will serve as reference and as a guide to them.

1.6       Scope of the Study

The study which investigated the role of radio in propagating Yoruba culture was narrowed in scope to Researchcage 100 F.M. Hence, the geographical scope of this study is Lagos State. The choice of Radio Lagos is due to its proximity to researcher, inadequate funds and other logistics.

1.7       Operational Definition of Terms

Role: in this study, it refers to some of the contribution or impact of Radio Lagos in propagating cultural values of Yoruba culture.

Propagating: In this study, these are programmes design to spread and promote culture and values of Yoruba nation.

Culture: This refers to the total way of life of the people of Yoruba nation which includes their festivals, greeting, foods, arts, dying, dressing, hair style e.t.c

ROLE OF RADIO IN PROPAGATING YORUBA CULTURE

WHAT TO EXPECT: (Format: MS WORD, Chapter 1-5, Abstract, Table of Contents, Questionnaire and References)

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