THE RISE OF THE PEOPLE'S PRESS: COMMUNITY MEDIA AND PODCASTING IN NIGERIA'S PARTICIPATORY MEDIA SPACE

Abstract

This study examined the people’s press through community media and podcasting in Nigeria’s participatory media space. The participatory communication theory was adopted as a theoretical framework. This study is anchored in the interpretivist research philosophy, guided by this paradigm, the study adopted a qualitative exploratory–interpretive research design. Rather than relying on a rigid, statistically bounded population frame, the study focused on a theoretically and socially defined participant field consisting of community media practitioners, podcast producers, and active community members involved in media creation and participatory communication across different regions of Nigeria. From this participant field, a purposive sample of 30 participants was selected using information-oriented sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis was employed as the method of data analysis. The findings revealed that while community media remains relatively accessible in Nigeria’s rural areas through traditional radio, podcasting platforms face significant barriers such as poor infrastructure, limited digital literacy and socio-economic constraints, which restrict widespread participation and inclusivity, especially among marginalised groups. The study concluded that addressing infrastructural deficits and socio-economic inequalities is critical to enhancing the accessibility and inclusivity of community media and podcasting platforms, ensuring that all Nigerian communities, especially marginalised groups, can actively participate in the evolving participatory media landscape. The study recommended that the Nigerian government and telecommunication companies should invest in expanding digital infrastructure and affordable internet access to improve the inclusivity of community media and podcasting platforms. Keywords:, , , , ,