Factors Affecting the Digital Radio Stations in Educational Institutions

Abstract

This research aims to study about the status of radio stations in educational Institutions in particular digital radio stations. In addition the study explores the internal and external factors that influence to digital radio station of educational Institutions. This research uses qualitative research method through documentary research, observation and in-depth interview of 3 key informants groups such as CEO of radio stations in the educational institutions (9 stations), mass communication specialists and officer from the office of NBTC.

            The documentary research found that the changing of digital broadcasting of radio station in educational institutions, must consider the legal provision and other related laws. This includes considering politics, economics, social and technology issues. Second, it was found that the status for changing to digital radio station are from fundamental information of radio station in educational institutions such as background, objective, mission, and management related factors including the station's context analysis.

            And the observation found that the radio stations in educational institutions were carried out by technology. All of radio stations used different computer applications for broadcasting. Besides, all have broadcasting development in online, smart phone application, and social media channels. The human resources of radio stations have some problems about human resource deficiencies. Some stations have cooperation with private companies. The management likes enterprise as a result some stations have a benefit income to manage for their survival in the changing social, technology and audience lifestyle.

            The observation found that most of radio stations in educational institution have policies for preparing to change to digital radio station in the new media channel. The CEO's policy was a major factor to changes implemented in the digital radio station of educational institutions. The audience was an important factor to managing the radio station in educational institution. In other words that stations have new audiences when changing to digital services. Most of radio stations in educational institution do not have internal obstacles. The final finding is that the external factor that impacts the station is the changing audience behavior from the growth of other information channels.