The Intrinsic Value of Oramedia for Development

Abstract

The broadcast media are indispensable in the use of the oramedia. They have the capacity of extending the frontiers of the Oral Arts. Traditional poems, songs, folktales and the likes should be aired for a mass audience through radio and television. This article subscribes wholly to the alternative paradigm of development communication for the Ethical, otherwise called Foundational, paradigm of development. Much communication is required for the Foundational/Ethical Paradigm of Development because it requires the psyche being addressed. A fundamental change of attitude is required. Since the Foundational Paradigm advocates going back to the roots, retracing our steps to the old, tried and tested African traditional value-system, there is a need to speak in African idioms which are best encapsulated in the folklores. This paper highlights the intrinsic values of African folklores (which, for the purpose of this paper, we shall also refer to as Oramedia) for the Ethical paradigm of development.

Humanities Review Journal Vol. 6 2006: pp. 46-61