This publication in the fesmedia Africa series is the abridged version of the 2011 study of the sustainability of the Namibian community broadcasting sector conducted by David Lush and Gabriel Urgoiti for fesmedia Africa, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung.

The researchers developed an analytical framework that looked at the essential criteria of community broadcasters in three crucial areas of sustainability: social, institutional and financial. The study found that many community broadcasters were increasingly competing with commercial stations instead of focusing on community participation and community services.

Crucial to achieving sustainability seems to be the development of the community broadcaster’s uniqueness, community participation on all levels and transparency and accountability towards community members, especially in financial matters. Ultimately, this is likely to build trust and a strong sense of identity among the community, whose members are subsequently more likely to support their station. Social and institutional sustainability are hence prerequisites for financial sustainability.

Literature review and methodology were developed in a way that allows them to be used to assess the sustainability of community broadcasting in other countries.

You may download the publication here

For further information have a look at the comprehensive research study and its appendices.