Bridging the Digital Divide: Community Radio's Potential for Extending Information and Communication Technology Benefits to Poor Rural Communities in South Africa

This study explored the potential of community radio stations to extend information and communication technology benefits to rural communities in South Africa. Using face-to-face interviews, document analysis, observation method, and community conversations, the study examined 10 community radio stations in 10 rural communities in South Africa and found that they are popular, accessible, and affordable, and enjoy the support of their owner-communities but lack the human and material resources necessary for extending ICT benefits to their stakeholder communities. Suggestions on how to more fully develop the community radio stations' potential are provided.