The influence of frequency modulation radio “morning call-in shows” on parental guidance among teenagers in selected churches in Nairobi County, Kenya
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Date
2018-06
Authors
Kinyuru, Joseph Mwongi
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of Frequency Modulation (FM) radio morning programs: on parental guidance among Christians of Christ is the Answer (CITAM)-Karen, Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) Ruai and Holy Family Catholic Basilica in Nairobi County. Parental guidance is influenced by various factors including education and interaction with different value systems as propagated by FM radio morning programs. Proper conduct in radio broadcasting is a global issue; Kenya is not an exception. Thus, the world has moved towards liberalization of the airwaves, allowing broadcasters to enter the media arena at an unprecedented rate. While liberalization of the airwaves is applauded by practitioners, local evidence shows growing uneasiness with regard to morning programs played on Classic 105 FM as well as Kiss 100 FM. It is apparent that FM radio stations have the prerogative of setting the discursive agenda in the society. Their choice of agenda is the bone of contention with some topics straying into matters of parenting, sex and fidelity in marriage. This leads some parents to the view that society seems to have liberalized moral conduct of their teenagers through provision of alternative educators in the form of FM radio morning programs. Given this situation, the main objective of this study was to examine the influence that these FM radio morning programs have on parental guidance in Nairobi County in Kenya. The study also evaluated the influence of FM morning programs on moral choices made by teenagers. It used a mixed methodological approach that incorporated both qualitative and quantitative research methods. It covered 384 respondents who included teenagers, parents, church leaders and youth ministers. Quantitative data was gathered using standard questionnaires. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and presented in frequencies and percentages. Description of feelings, sentiments and attitudes as gathered through qualitative research was employed to give a blended substratum influence. The study used Cultivation Theory in order to interpret data received from the field. The study maps a way in which Christian parents may be able to reclaim their vantage role of guiding their children on positive radio consumption in modern times. The current study reveals that parental guidance has been seriously undermined by various factors that include both Classic 105 FM and Kiss 100 FM morning programs. The two stations appear to fill a void left by the absence of the extended family network in the urban setting. Nevertheless, their lopsided depiction of parents as defective role models sends a negative notion to teenagers. Thus, teenagers seek guidance from their peers at the expense of their parents and other role models such as church leaders and relatives. In the end, teenagers captured in the study no longer valued parental moral authority. The study recommends adopting captivating programing used by Kiss FM and Classic 105 FM and adding Christian values while making programs meant for teenagers in Christian based radio stations. Thus, radio mediated change would be harnessed for the benefit of the society
Description
A thesis submitted to the school of humanities and social sciences in fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of doctor of philosophy (in religious studies) of Kenyatta University. June, 2018.