Ensuring the viability of local radio stations in Africa is a balancing act between achieving financial sustainability, editorial independence, and serving the public interest. In the light of the COVID-19 pandemic, many media outlets struggle even more to achieve this balance. As part of a research project on radio financial sustainability, the researchers profiled eight small, independent radio stations in Uganda and Zimbabwe. Through interviews with station staff, they explored how local radio stations in Africa are coping with the COVID-19 pandemic. This report highlights both the challenges they face, and their resilience as they continue to deliver critical information to the public.

Authors: Mary Myers, Nicola Harford, Martin Ssemakula