Radio as the Voice of God: Peace and Tolerance Radio Programming's Impact on Norms

Perspectives on Terrorism 6 (6), December 2012, Forthcoming

39 Pages Posted: 10 Dec 2012

See all articles by Daniel P. Aldrich

Daniel P. Aldrich

Northeastern University - College of Social Sciences and Humanities, Security and Resilience Program

Date Written: 2012

Abstract

Observers have argued that radio programming can alter norms, especially through hate radio designed to increase animosity between groups. This article tests whether or not radio programming under the countering violent extremism (CVE) policy framework can reduce potential conflict and increase civic engagement and positive views of foreign nations. Data from surveys of more than 1,000 respondents in Mali, Chad, and Niger illuminate the ways in which peace and tolerance programming changed perspectives and altered behavior in statistically significant ways. Results show that individuals exposed to multi-level U.S. government programming were more likely to listen to peace and tolerance radio. Further, bivariate, multivariate regression, and propensity score matching techniques show that individuals who listened more regularly to such programs participated more frequently in civic activities and supported working with the West to combat terrorism (holding constant a number of potential confounding economic, demographic, and attitudinal factors). However, higher levels of radio listening had no measurable impact on opposition to the use of violence in the name of Islam or opposition to the imposition of Islamic law. Further, data indicate that women and men have responded to programming in measurably different ways. These mixed results have important implications for current and future “soft-side” programs for countering violent extremism.

Keywords: countering violent extremism, norm change, radio programming, Africa, terrorism, USAID

Suggested Citation

Aldrich, Daniel P., Radio as the Voice of God: Peace and Tolerance Radio Programming's Impact on Norms (2012). Perspectives on Terrorism 6 (6), December 2012, Forthcoming, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2187112

Daniel P. Aldrich (Contact Author)

Northeastern University - College of Social Sciences and Humanities, Security and Resilience Program ( email )

360 Huntington Ave,
Boston, MA 02115
United States

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Downloads
79
Abstract Views
511
Rank
555,299
PlumX Metrics