Community Radio in Nigeria: A Critical Review of Its Role in Empowering the Voiceless

This study critically examines the role of community radio in amplifying marginalized voices in Nigeria. Through a comprehensive literature review, it explores how community radio serves as a platform for civic engagement, cultural preservation, public health education, and social empowerment. Guided by Development Media Theory and Uses and Gratifications Theory, the study highlights the potential of community radio to drive inclusive development by enabling participatory communication and grassroots mobilization. The findings underscore the effectiveness of community radio in fostering social change, particularly in underserved communities, while identifying persistent challenges such as regulatory barriers, inadequate funding, infrastructural limitations, and political interference. Despite these constraints, community radio remains a trusted medium, especially during public emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. The study concludes that with supportive policies, increased investment, and collaborative partnerships, community radio can significantly strengthen democratic participation, promote social justice, and ensure equitable access to information across Nigeria’s diverse media landscape.