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Radio Call-In Shows on Intimate Issues in Benin: “Crossroads of Sentiments”

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 April 2014

Tilo Grätz
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Abstract:

The article focuses on the growing prevalence of radio call-in shows in the Republic of Benin that discuss topics such as sexuality and intimacy that are taboo in other settings. The popularity of this emerging format exemplifies current processes of appropriation of electronic media in West Africa, including its impact on contemporary public communication. The article argues that the current public prominence of these programs corresponds to considerable shifts in the media landscape that are enabled by a variety of factors, including an increasing expertise among presenters and technicians and the influence of mobile phones.

Résumé:

L’article porte sur la prévalence croissante des émissions radio participatives dans la République du Bénin traitant de sujets tels que la sexualité et l’intimité qui sont tabous dans d’autres contextes. La popularité de ce format émergent illustre les processus actuels d’appropriation des médias électroniques en Afrique de l’Ouest, y compris leur impact sur la communication publique contemporaine. L’article affirme que la position publique actuelle de ces programmes correspond à une évolution considérable dans le paysage des médias qui sont activés par une variété de facteurs, y compris l’expertise croissante des animateurs et techniciens radio et l’influence des téléphones mobiles.

Keywords

AfricaBeninmediaradiocall-in showsintimacy
Type
ARTICLES
Information
African Studies Review , Volume 57 , Issue 1 , April 2014 , pp. 25 - 48
Copyright
Copyright © African Studies Association 2014 

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