Filling the Void left by Mainstream Media: An Examination of the Community Storytelling Functions of Community-Based Associations in Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria

Scholars argue that community-based organisations (CBOs) engender community participation, reduce social inequality and strengthen community ties. While there have been studies that explain the roles of CBOs as community storytellers within the global north context, such studies elude us in a Nigerian context. From a communication infrastructure theory approach, this study, examines the community storytelling functions of CBOs in Iwo community, Osun State, Nigeria. In-depth interviews were conducted with eight purposefully selected leaders of eight CBOs in Iwo and one official of the Community Affairs Department of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Osun State. Findings showed that CBOs are integral parts of the communication structure in Iwo. By deploying formal, informal, indigenous and new media communication systems to address development issues in Iwo, CBOs act as the voice and advocacy mechanisms for community causes and the platforms for mobilising resources for community projects. These CBOs fill the void left by mainstream media in community storytelling. The study recommends that for CBOs to be much more effective in community storytelling there is a need for many communities to establish their own radio station. Key Words: Community-Based Organisations (CBOs), Community Storytelling, Community Communication Systems, Mainstream Media, Communication Infrastructure Theory (CIT) _______________ *John Ibanga is a Lecturer in the Department of Communication and Performing Arts, Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria JCMRJournal of Communication and Media Research, Vol. 9, No. 1, April 2017, 127 – 137