Using media for community empowerment: A political economy perspective on collaborative media practices in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

141 ISSN: 2789-8903 (Print) | 2790-1106 (Online) | Vol. 5, No. 3, 2025 Website: http://journals.jozacpublishers.com/jahca https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17692961 Type of the Paper: (Article Paper) Using media for community empowerment: A political economy perspective on collaborative media practices in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria Joyce Austen Onyekuru 1*Department of Theatre and Film Studies, Faculty of Humanities, Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. [email protected] *Correspondence: [email protected] Received: 30 July, 2025 | Accepted: 27 October, 2025 | Published: 24 November, 2025 Abstract: The paper explored the dynamics of using media for community empowerment from a political economy perspective while focusing on collaborative media practices in the contemporary digital world. The media is not only a platform for communication but serves as a viable tool for community empowerment and socio-political transformation hence the need to examine the interplay between media structures, ownership, and access, alongside the participatory process that enabled Owerri community to harness media for empowerment. The political economy and media studies frameworks foregrounded the study to inquire into media ownership, control, and regulatory environments as obtainable in Owerri municipality in engaging in self-representation and advocacy. The study depended on in-depth interviews and a survey with community media practitioners, participants and stakeholders to unfurl the ways in which collaborative media practices can engineer community empowerment, promote social justice, and contribute to democratic governance. Owerri community which serves as a case study, proves as a successful model collaborating with residents, local radio stations, and social media platforms to navigate the constraints of media systems, voicing their concerns, mobilize for social change, and influencing policy-making processes. The findings revealed how collaborative media practices can create alternative spaces for civic engagement, amplify marginalized voices, and challenge dominant ideologies, thereby supporting the potential of media as a transformative tool for community empowerment and social change. Keywords: Collaborative media, Community empowerment, Media, Owerri, Political economy 1. Introduction The media and society are somehow interwoven in a fascinating manner. This is because the media help to shape society by influencing opinions, sparking movements, and even setting norms. This complex relationship has both positive and negative consequences, and understanding it is crucial in today's digital age. According to Thompson (2013), media can be defined as various forms of communication channels or platforms used to convey information to a large audience, including print media, broadcast media, digital media, and social media. Print media covers the newspapers and magazines, broadcast media takes care of radio and television, while the Internet, Blogs, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, now X, LinkedIn, WhatsApp and many more are the products of digital and social media. Clarifying further, Wang et al. (2021), cited in Bassey (2024) admit the existence of multiple types of social media platforms, with each serving distinct purposes such as Facebook and LinkedIn serving as social networking sites, microblogging platforms serve Twitter, video-sharing platforms serve YouTube, photo-sharing platforms serve Instagram and Snapchat, while online forum serves Reddit (p.45). Journal of African History, Culture and Arts (JAHCA) 142 These new media have changed the face of communication in the 21st century. The role of media in society has evolved significantly, transitioning from traditional platforms such as Newspapers, Television, Radio, Magazines and, many more to more dynamic and participatory forms of digital and social media. Jones (2018) observes that media platforms such as the internet, television, radio, and social media have greatly increased the accessibility of information to a wide audience, allowing for broader dissemination of news and knowledge. Meanwhile, Okochi and Dapoet (2022: 5) write that: Over the years, social media has proven to be a relevant instrument for different forms of mobilization in Nigeria by individuals, organizations, activists and the government. While on the other hand, researchers in diverse disciplines, especially in the media and cultural studies, are beginning to study the new trend, social media has become an irreplaceable aspect of the media that almost everybody in society is engaged in one way or the other. Technology has simplified and modified the means of communication in the 21st century. The possession of an Android phone has made it easy for information to be shared quickly and more easily, especially among the youths whose daily activities depend largely on social media. Bassey (2024: 46) admits that: Social media, in particular, has emerged as a potent tool for raising awareness and fostering interaction among youths, serving as their primary platform for discussing and debating social issues without the need for physical gatherings. The role of social media in building consensus and consent in governance is undeniable, as it facilitates widespread interaction, especially among the youthful population of any nation. Smith (2019) observes that in the digital age, media outlets can quickly share breaking news and updates, enabling the rapid dissemination of important information to the public in real-time. This shift has opened new avenues for community empowerment, which is all about increasing a community's control over its own destiny. It is a process that helps people in a community gain the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to make decisions and take action on things that affect their lives. Community empowerment enables individuals and groups to voice their concerns, mobilize for social change, and participate more actively in the democratic process (Castells, 2015). With the advent of social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, X, WhatsApp, YouTube, LinkedIn, and others, individuals, communities, nations, and the world at large can transmit information in both audio and visuals much faster and also elicit quick responses or actions. Okochi and Dapoet (2022) add that it enables sharing and connection with like minds towards collective change in society, while Brown and Lee (2020), in their own view, posit that modern media can transcend geographical boundaries, reaching audiences worldwide and facilitating the exchange of information on a global scale. Social media provides interactive features such as feeds and profiles to access and promote visibility to widen the network of common interests (Custódio, 2009). In other words, social media has simplified the mode of information dissemination, facilitated by the use of technology, which encourages wider visibility, unlike the electronic and print media. The media no doubt play very crucial roles in community empowerment. Jones (2016) identifies some major roles of the media to include providing information, raising awareness, and facilitating dialogue. Through various platforms such as television, radio, newspapers, and social media, the media can amplify the voices of marginalized communities and advocate for social change (Smith & Johnson, 2018). Expanding on the role of media in community empowerment, Brown (2020) argues that by highlighting social issues and promoting civic engagement, the media can empower communities to address challenges and drive positive transformations. In addition, media literacy programmes can empower individuals with the skills to critically analyse and create media content, enabling them to actively participate in shaping the narratives that affect their lives. To a large extent, the media's role in community empowerment extends beyond information dissemination to fostering a sense of agency, participation, and solidarity among community members (Lee, 2017). Journal of African History, Culture and Arts (JAHCA) 143 In the case of Owerri Municipal in Imo State, Nigeria which in this study is clearly marked out as a community, the media have taken on a unique role, influenced by the local socio-political, economic, and cultural landscape of the area. The socio-political factors include government regulations, political pressure, and media ownership, while the economic and cultural factors hinge on market forces, advertising revenue, digital disruption and audience preference, technological advancement and social media, respectively. These factors interact in various ways to shape the media space in Owerri, influencing the types of information that are disseminated, the perspectives that are represented, and the overall media environment people engage with. The political economy of media, therefore, provides the basis for understanding how media systems are influenced by the interplay of political and economic forces and how these, in turn, shape the media's role in community empowerment (Mosco, 2009). While examining the collaborative media practices within this framework, it becomes pertinent to uncover the power dynamics at play and explore how media can serve as a tool for community engagement and empowerment. For instance, the proliferation of local/community radio stations and other digital platforms in Owerri community highlights the potential for media to foster community identity, promote cultural preservation, and stimulate local economies (Okigbo & Ezebuenyi, 2012). However, the engagement of community members in media production processes, as seen in various participatory media projects, reflects a shift towards more inclusive and democratic media practices. This shift not only democratizes media production but also ensures that the media content is reflective of the community's needs, aspirations, and challenges (Jenkins, 2006). In Owerri, such collaborative efforts have been instrumental in addressing issues of social injustice, environmental concerns, and governance, showcasing the power of media as a catalyst for community empowerment and social change (Akinfeleye & Oso, 2014). In exploring the role of media in community empowerment in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, from a political economy perspective, this paper aims to identify existing collaborative media practices in Owerri and how they facilitate community empowerment using interview and survey methods of data collection. It would also investigate how accessible the media are to the residents of Owerri, analysing the role of media in shaping opinions, community engagements, and social change, as well as exploring the political and economic structures that influence media operations and their impact on media content. All of these are geared towards understanding how media practices, shaped by socio-economic and political contexts, can enhance community empowerment. 2. Literature review Scholars of political economy observe that power dynamics, media ownership, funding, and regulatory policies affect media access, shape content and promote democratic engagement (Mosco, 2009; Curran & Park, 2000). Also, the application of political-economy studies to the Nigerian context demonstrates that media patronage, governmental interference, and commercial concentration can influence editorial choices and resource allocation, thereby limiting the extent of media emancipatory potential unless structural conditions are changed (Ishaku, 2022; Adeyemo, 2024). In view of this assertion, media empowerment for communities not only encourages more than just technical or participatory interventions but also calls for a review of media ownership, resource allocation, and the ways in which regulatory policies either promote or impede community empowerment and participation (Adeyemo, 2024). Studies have equally shown that ‘collaborative media’ or collaborative journalism /participatory media can encourage community empowerment through several mechanisms, such as information and awareness (Graves & Konieczna, 2015). According to Graves and Konieczna (2015), collaborative media refers to practices where professional journalists, citizens, NGOs, and sometimes governmental actors co-produce, share, or otherwise jointly manage content and information workflows. It is often said that information is power. In other words, collaborative media encourages information dissemination at the grassroots using community radio and Journal of African History, Culture and Arts (JAHCA) 144 localized reporting to help increase citizens’ knowledge of rights, services, and hazards. Secondly, it provides a platform for the peoples’ voices to be heard and offer accountability. Collaborative media enable grievance airing and monitoring of local officials, as well as encourage capacity building: training and civic-tech partnerships. It also provides skills for data-driven advocacy and monitoring as well as cultural affirmation. Interestingly, Servaes (1999) and Nnah (2024) observe that local media that use indigenous languages and narratives strengthen social capital and collective agency. However, instances from Nigerian situations reveal that these mechanisms work under enabling conditions but produce uneven outcomes when structural constraints persist (opendataday.org). Communities have come to the realization that their ability to advocate and self-represent is dependent on who owns the media, who controls the media and regulatory frameworks. In other words, when media ownership is rested in the hands of a few large corporations or individuals, it can limit the diversity of voices and perspectives represented in the media landscape (McChesney, 2008). When media outlets are controlled by entities with specific political or economic interests, they may prioritize certain narratives or perspectives over others, suppressing dissenting voices and limiting opportunities for community members to express their views (Banerjee, 2016). This control can restrict the ability of communities to advocate for their interests and address social justice issues. In terms of regulatory environments, government policies and media regulations can either promote or hinder community engagement in self-representation and advocacy. Regulatory frameworks that support media pluralism, diversity of ownership, and transparency can empower communities to access and contribute to media platforms (Tambini, 2010). Conversely, regulatory environments that lack safeguards against media concentration, censorship, or political interference can stifle community participation and limit the ability of marginalized groups to advocate for change. It therefore means that, media ownership, control, and regulatory environments significantly influence the capacity of communities to engage in self-representation and advocacy wherein communities can have a more meaningful role in shaping public discourse, representing their interests, and advocating for social change by promoting media diversity, transparency, and regulatory measures that protect media independence. By and large, media in Owerri, like those in Nigeria, face challenges including regulatory pressures, the need for technological upgrades, and issues of journalistic ethics and training (Oso & Pate, 2016). However, opportunities abound, especially with the increasing move towards digital media, which allows for greater reach and interaction with the audience. The digital media include, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, and many more. The digital media has changed the traditional mode of information dissemination to a much more fast and digitized means of communication. 2.1. Theoretical framework This study is anchored on the theory of political economy and media studies which provides a framework to understanding how politics, power and economic forces intersect with media structures, practices, and content in influencing the production, distribution, and reception of media in society. The political economy theory, therefore, argues that within the media context, the economic forces and government regulation policies of media owners in a country influence media content, distribution, and audience engagement, including the impact of advertising and commercial imperatives. In other words, the political economy of media studies provides a platform to look at the intersection of politics, power play, economic structures, and how media operates within a complex space. In applying the theory to this study, it can be argued that as media ownership and control rest in the hands of few individuals, Corporate organizations and Governments, the economic lives of the people and community empowerment is determined by the regulation policies made by the owners and controllers of the media. The content they dish out in terms of production and distribution are what the people Journal of African History, Culture and Arts (JAHCA) 145 consume. The people and their communities are not provided with the platform to tell their stories and by so doing, their voices are not heard. In this case, Owerri municipal in Imo State, South Eastern part of Nigeria represents a microcosm from where the study would look at the production, distribution and consumption of media contents and how the power structures have influenced communities. Talking about media ownership and control, Owerri municipal has witnessed in recent times, the proliferation of media houses mostly radio stations and Newspapers owned and controlled by the government, individuals and organizations. This kind of ownership of the media has led to a homogenization of viewpoints and a reduction in the diversity of media contents. This concentration of media power influences public opinion and political outcomes by controlling what information is disseminated and how it is framed. Uzuegbulam (2020) posits that: As media are concentrated under fewer owners, the implication is that there are fewer voices and less diversity of expression. When there is no diversity of opinion and multiplicity of expression, public opinion and democracy can be undermined, and cultural values become shaped by these powerful media owners for capitalist gains (abstract, n.p). It therefore becomes necessary for the institutionalisation of more media structures in order to increase and accommodate more voices and diverse opinions, which enhances the beauty of democratic governance as according to Nieman (2023), multilateral fact-checking coalitions and multi-outlet investigative collaborations in Nigeria have shown that pooling expertise and resources can produce high-impact reporting. 2.2. The concept of community empowerment The World Health Organization (2025) defines ‘communities’ as “groups of people that may or may not be spatially connected, but who share common interests, concerns or identities while 'empowerment ' refers to the process by which people gain control over the factors and decisions that shape their lives. It is the process by which they increase their assets and attributes and build capacities to gain access, partners, networks, and/or a voice, in order to gain control. Community empowerment, therefore, refers to the “process of enabling communities to increase control over their lives”. This initiative enables people in a community to gain the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to make decisions and take action on things that affect their lives passively. In their views, Freire (1970) and Putnam (2000) opine that community empowerment is seen as a process whereby individuals and communities gain the skills, knowledge, and access necessary to effect change in their own communities. WHO believes that people are their own assets, and the role of the external agent is to catalyse, facilitate, or "accompany" the community in acquiring power. WHO (2025) further states that these communities could be local, national, or international, with specific or broad interests. Communities have different needs and challenges confronting them, and their ability to identify these problems and take positive steps to change their destiny is the genesis of their socio-political and economic liberation. This explains why Obong and Targema (2023) place the audience members at the heart of the media effect process by presupposing that they, often thought to be at the receiving end, are self-willed and socially deterministic individuals who decide their pattern of usage of media content. This encompasses their influence over policies and decisions that affect their lives, improving their access to resources, and enhancing their capacities to improve their own socio-economic conditions. Also, community empowerment challenges the structures and institutions that perpetuate inequality and hinder community development. This includes advocating for policy changes, promoting economic inclusivity, and fostering community-based approaches to development that prioritize local knowledge and needs (Stiglitz, 2002). Community empowerment transforms the structures and institutions that uphold inequality by giving the community a stronger voice and agency in decision-making processes. As communities become more empowered, they can advocate for changes in policies, laws, and practices that perpetuate discrimination and hinder their development. Under the Journal of African History, Culture and Arts (JAHCA) 146 circumstances, communities can actively participate in shaping their own future, push for systemic changes that prioritize equity, social justice, and community well-being. This can also lead to a more inclusive and fair society that benefits the people. The concept of community empowerment, according to Zimmerman (2000), centres on the ways economic and political structures can be transformed to enable communities to gain control over their own circumstances. This involves analysing the distribution of power and resources, both material and immaterial, to understand how communities can be enabled to achieve self-determination, sustainability, and social justice. It suggests that for communities to be empowered, there must be an equitable redistribution of resources and opportunities, which often require systemic changes to address imbalances of power (Sen, 1999). In such circumstances, communities can become stronger and more empowered when resources and opportunities are distributed fairly among all members. This means that everyone has access to things like education, healthcare, and job opportunities. However, achieving this often requires making significant changes to how things are run, such as laws and policies to ensure that power is balanced and everyone has a fair chance to succeed. Implementing this empowers communities to become more inclusive, supportive, and successful for all their members. Political empowerment, on the other hand, involves ensuring that communities have a voice in governance and decision-making processes, reinforcing the democratic principles of participation and representation (Pateman,1970). This can be achieved by providing opportunities for active participation in political processes. When communities are politically empowered, they can elect representatives who truly represent their interests and concerns. These representatives can then advocate for policies and initiatives that address the needs of the community, thereby reinforcing the democratic principles of participation and representation. When communities have a say in how decisions are made and resources are allocated, such communities become stakeholders whose opinions are respected and whose priorities are taken into account, contributing to a more inclusive and responsive governance system. Community empowerment within the political economy context is about redistributing power and resources in a way that enables communities to take charge of their development. It challenges existing economic and political structures, advocating for systemic changes that promote equity, inclusivity, and sustainable development (Sen, 1999; Zimmerman, 2000). These systemic changes require addressing both economic and political structures. Economic policies, according to Blanchardl (2019: 3), should not only aim to promote growth, stability, and development but also to ensure the equitable distribution of the benefits of that growth, ensuring that all members of a community, especially the most marginalized, have access to the means of improving their livelihoods. Employing basic strategies and working collaboratively with various stakeholders, communities can advocate for systemic changes that promote equity, inclusivity, and sustainable development. This holistic approach helps to address the root causes of social and economic injustices and build a more just and prosperous society for all. 2.3. Political economy perspectives on collaborative media practices This aspect focuses on the interplay between the economic and political forces that shape and influence media production, distribution, and consumption within a community (McChesney, 2008). This approach emphasizes how power dynamics, ownership structures, regulatory frameworks, and economic incentives impact the ways in which media is used to empower communities (Garnham, 2000). It is a known fact that political pressure can shape media narratives, suppress critical reporting, and reward favourable coverage. Therefore, the political and economic context in which collaborative media initiatives operate calls for a comprehensive assimilation of the structural constraints and opportunities that, according to Baker and Blaagaard (2016), shape the effectiveness of such practices in promoting community empowerment based on the following: Journal of African History, Culture and Arts (JAHCA) 147 Media Ownership and Economic Structures One of the focal points from the political economy perspective is the critique of media ownership concentration. Jenkins, Ford and Green (2013) discuss how the centralization of media ownership impacts collaborative practices, potentially stifling diversity and innovation by prioritizing commercial interests over communal or democratic values. This perspective argues that the concentration of media power in the hands of a few limits the scope of collaborative practices to those that align with the economic interests of the owners. A few individuals and Corporations, including the government's own multiple media outlets, thereby influence content and limit diversity. Commercialization and its impacts The commercial imperatives driving media entities are critically examined within the political economy framework. Mosco (2009) argues that the commercial nature of most media enterprises can undermine the ethos of collaboration by imposing market logic on media production, which may lead to the commodification of usergenerated content. This commercial pressure can shape the content being produced, often marginalizing less profitable voices and narratives. Oftentimes, community initiatives geared towards empowering the people suffer setbacks due to their commercial implications. Hence, there is a need for media outlets to provide noncommercial platforms where community voices can be heard for empowerment purposes. Regulatory environment Political economy perspectives also consider the impact of regulatory environments on collaborative media practices. Freedman (2019) notes that the regulatory framework within which media operate can either facilitate or hinder collaborative efforts, depending on how such regulations are structured and implemented. For example, policies that support net neutrality and protect the open internet are crucial for the flourishing of collaborative media practices. The role of technology and globalization From a political economy standpoint, technology is not seen as a neutral tool but as a product of social, economic, and political forces. Fuchs (2014) explores how technological advancements have facilitated new forms of collaborative media practices yet warns of the digital divide and the concentration of technological control. Globalization, intertwined with technology, has expanded the reach and impact of collaborative media, but also presents challenges related to cultural imperialism and the homogenization of content. Nevertheless, the rise of collaborative media practices no doubt sparked a renewed interest in their potential to empower communities. This study looked at this phenomenon through a political economy viewpoint, focusing on Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. Owerri, like many other Nigerian communities, faces challenges related to social and economic inequalities. Traditional media outlets may not adequately address these issues due to factors like ownership structures and profit motives. Using media for community empowerment, therefore, becomes a significant strategy to promote social change and address local issues in communities (Olorunnisola & Adetona, 2019). On the other hand, Okoro and Nwankwere (2017) posit that collaborative media practices have emerged as a key tool for promoting community engagement and empowerment. A political economy perspective in this context offers a valuable framework to examine how media structures and ownership influence the implementation and impact of collaborative media initiatives in Owerri (Owor, 2018). In an effort to highlight the intricate interplay between politics, economics, and media practices, this paper made an inroad into the potential of media to empower communities and advocate for social justice (Freedman, 2019). This, however, provides a foundational overview of the significance of collaborative media practices from a political economy perspective in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, setting the stage for a more in-depth exploration of their role in community empowerment. Journal of African History, Culture and Arts (JAHCA) 148 Empowerment and hegemony These perspectives shed light on the potential of collaborative media practices to empower communities by providing platforms for diverse voices and facilitating participatory communication. However, as Couldry and Curran (2017) observe, these practices are also subject to hegemonic processes, where dominant ideologies can pervade even seemingly democratic media spaces, reinforcing existing power relations rather than challenging them. The political economy perspective on collaborative media practices offers a critical approach to examine the complex dynamics of power, economy, and technology. It underscores the potential of collaborative media to democratize communication and also highlights the challenges posed by economic and political structures that may inhibit truly inclusive and diverse media landscapes. 2.4. Brief historical media context in Owerri The media landscape in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, has evolved significantly over the years. Traditionally, information dissemination in Owerri relied on town criers, folktales, and gatherings where stories and news were shared. The arrival of print media in Nigeria aligns with the introduction of colonial rule. The first national newspaper, the Lagos Weekly Record, was established in 1891 (Momoh, 2008). It's likely that copies circulated in Owerri, albeit with limited accessibility, reflecting broader national trends in Nigerian media as well as local developments. The Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), established in 1957 through an Act of Parliament No. 39 of 1956, had programmes reaching the Enugu zone and, by extension, Owerri residents. Following the national trend, radio became a significant force in Owerri media (Wikipedia). However, a dedicated national radio station for Imo State, the Heartland FM, wasn't inaugurated until 2003 ([FRCN, 2003). The historical context of media in Owerri can be traced back to the post-independence era, with significant growth seen in recent decades, especially with the advent of digital technology. Post-independence era to late 20th century Following Nigeria's independence in 1960, the media landscape began to transform, with an increase in both print and broadcast media. In Owerri, the State capital, early media efforts were largely state-run enterprises. The Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), established in the 1970s, played a significant role in the broadcast media landscape and established a presence in Imo State (Akinfeleye, 2004). The Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), also established by Decree No. 8 of 1978, has correspondents across the six zonal stations (www.loc.gov). Several years down the line, precisely in 2003, Heartland radio station was established in Owerri, contributing to the local media space and focusing on community service broadcasting. During the 1980s and 1990s, Owerri witnessed a diversification of its media platforms. The deregulation of the broadcast media under the Babangida administration in 1992 allowed for the emergence of private radio and television stations (Idachaba, 2005). This period saw the beginnings of private media enterprises that would play crucial roles in democratizing the media space in Owerri and providing alternatives to government-controlled media. The digital revolution brought significant changes to the media landscape in Owerri. The advent of the internet and mobile technology in the late 1990s and early 2000s opened up new platforms for media dissemination. Online news platforms and social media became increasingly important, enabling faster and more decentralized information dissemination (Olutokun & Barau, 2017). This era also saw the rise of local content creators who utilized platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, X, WhatsApp, and many more to reach audiences both within and outside Owerri, Imo State. 2.5. Local media development The growth of local media in Owerri has been influenced significantly by culture and political factors. Owerri is an Igbo-speaking community located in the South-Eastern part of Nigeria. Media outlets have played Journal of African History, Culture and Arts (JAHCA) 149 instrumental roles in promoting the Igbo language and culture, and in providing a platform for local political discourse contrary to the earlier practice by government-owned media that stifles communities’ voices. Community radio stations, in particular, have been pivotal in fostering community development and engagement (Nwabueze, 2013). These stations provide locally relevant content that addresses communityspecific issues ranging from family issues, empowerment, politics to health and education. Others include agriculture, sports and entertainment. Some of the local radio stations in Owerri, though owned by few individuals and organizations like the Catholic Church, were floated at a time government-owned radio stations, the Imo Broadcasting Corporation (IBC Orient FM 94.5 and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN Heartland FM 100.5) were enjoying a lot of monopoly. These local radio stations were floated out of the need to give voice to the voiceless and they include: Hot FM 99.5 owned by Chirs Anyanwu, a former Senator in the Nigerian National Assembly. Darling FM 107.3 is owned by Darlington Eze Ajoku, a former Senator in the Nigerian National Assembly. My Radio FM 101.1 owned by Uche Ogbuagu, a former member of the Imo State House of Assembly. Gold FM 89.3 owned by Emeka Ihedioha, a former Governor of Imo State and Reach FM 104.9, owned by Rochas Okorocha, another former Governor of Imo State. Others include Boss FM 98.9 and Bizzy Body FM, owned by Mike Ikoku, a politician. Others are Zanders FM 105.7 owned by Kennedy Zanders, a former Special Adviser on Religious Affairs, Prince FM 95.7 owned by Prince Eze Madumere, a former Deputy Governor, Megabond FM 97.3 owned by Chief Lambert Ibe, a former Commissioner, Ojimba FM 106.1 owned by Chief C. Ojimba, a Politician and Groove FM 98.1 owned by Chief John Kennedy Opara, also a Politician. The rest are Heritage FM 88.7, owned by Chief Emeka Duru, a Politician; Omalicha FM 91.1 owned by Angela Agoawike, a Politician; Toast FM 90.3 owned by Okey Ezeh, an Industrialist; Ozisa FM 96.1 owned by the Catholic Organization (NGO) and Ojemba FM 96.9, a Non-Governmental Organization. These media outlets and their owners are a clear testament to the assertion that media ownership is concentrated in the hands of few individuals who have acquired wealth and power through politics and the government that control the resources of the State. Generally, media is widely taken as a tool to promote and create awareness and help people’s positive behavioural changes in society (Adams, 2024). The media have often been credited for the development of society. To utilize media for community empowerment in Owerri Municipal requires the implementation of various strategies. The media play crucial roles in disseminating information, raising awareness, mobilizing community members, and advocating for social change. Through diverse media channels such as radio, television, newspapers, social media, and community radio stations, messages are tailored to reach different segments of the population and engage them in empowerment initiatives. For purposes of this study, it is important to clarify that community radio stations are quite different from local radio stations. The key difference between community radio and local radio lies in their ownership, purpose, and target audience. While community radio stations are non-profit, volunteer-run outlets that prioritize local content and community engagement, local radio stations serve a geographic region with a mix of national and local programming. This study is more concerned with community radio stations but will interchange it with local radio stations since a lot of the radio stations in Owerri are local stations but geared towards addressing the needs of the people and communities. Until the emergence of the local radio stations, which in practice serve as community radio stations, Owerri Municipality lacked the platforms to share its stories. The presence of several local radio stations, irrespective of their owners, helped to give voice to so many communities whose voices were once stifled. The historical context of media in Owerri reflects, to a larger extent, the growth, challenge, competition, and adaptation, influenced by both national policies and local dynamics. The future of media in Owerri is likely to be shaped by the need for audience acceptability, continued technological advancements, and the evolving needs and expectations of its audiences. 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