Structures of FM Radio Talk Shows Listened to by University Students in Eldoret Town, Kenya

Philip Kiprotich Chebunet; Egara Kabaji; Lydia Anyonje

doi:10.51867/ajernet.5.4.117

Authors

Philip Kiprotich Chebunet
chebunet.philip@uoeld.ac.ke
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kenya https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9276-6024
Egara Kabaji Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kenya https://orcid.org/0009-0008-9000-9549
Lydia Anyonje Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kenya https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1487-7191

Keywords:

FM Radio Talk Shows, Structure, University Students

Abstract

The majority of the consumers of radio stations’ programming are the youth, most of whom are students in high schools, colleges, and universities. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to examine the structure of FM radio talk shows listened to by university students in Eldoret town. Uses and Gratifications theory guided this study. The study utilized a descriptive survey research design. The target population of the study were 3000 students from university campuses within Eldoret, and the sample size was 300. The researcher adopted a stratified sampling and simple random sampling technique to arrive at the sample that would best fit or present the intended purpose of the research. Data was collected using a questionnaire and Focus Group Discussion. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques that included frequencies, percentages. The findings revealed that FM radio talk shows typically feature a mix of news, interviews, and light entertainment to engage listeners at the start of the day. The study established that interactive formats allowing listeners to call in with requests or opinions, countdown formats featuring popular music tracks, and narrative-driven programs were popular among respondents. The study findings from focus group discussion revealed that FM radio talk shows in Eldoret Town typically follow a similar format, often beginning with an opening segment where the host introduces the topic and guests. This is followed by an in-depth discussion led by the host, with opportunities for audience participation through call-ins, SMS messages, and social media interactions. Radio stations targeting university students should create a balanced format that includes a mix of news, interviews, and light entertainment. The study concluded that FM radio talk shows in Eldoret Town typically follow a similar format, with an opening segment, in-depth discussions led by the host, and opportunities for audience participation. The study recommended that Radio stations targeting university students should create a balanced format that includes a mix of news, interviews, light entertainment, structured segments, in-depth discussions, sports coverage, interactive formats, countdown formats, live performances, music genres, structured discussions, narrative-driven programs, informative segments, and light-hearted content.

Dimensions

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