Going Digital: The sure way for community Radios

“People can listen to it wherever they are” kimera Ambrose a local of kisaasi kikulu zone, observes about digitalization of community radio stations.

“People can listen to it wherever they are” kimera Ambrose a local of kisaasi kikulu zone, observes about digitalization of community radio stations.

Recently, the world has gone digital with almost everything being done online. In Uganda, Internet penetration stands at 26.2% according to Datareportal. The number of internet users in Uganda increased by 1.5 million (+14%) between 2020 and 2021. These use the internet variously on social media interactions, economic services, education, health and politics among others.

This use of internet has also shifted into mainstream media production with community media embracing the norm despite the slow appreciation by some community media users.

Like kimera observes, he continues to elaborate that;

Kimera Ambrose, a local of Kisaasi Kikulu Zone.

In Kikulu Zone, Mama Fm serves as the community radio station, yet to get digital for its audience.

Brenda Namata also adds that community radio getting online would appreciate the youth demographic in audience.

Brenda explaining her view.

However, Kikomeko Andrew does not agree with this idea

Kikomeko giving his view

The slow appreciation that challenges the digital move is attributed to un affordability and inaccessibility of online media.

Afro Mobile Media recently launched the Afro Mobile App in Uganda where people can access broadcast media online anywhere in the world. Dubbed the King of Ugandan Content, the app consists of over 11 television stations and 25 radio stations, which will provide timely information. Similarly, radio stations can independently create there online presence.