"The majority of the cases relate to radio programmes that have been supported by FIT Uganda (a Ugandan development company) and the FIT SEMA project (an ILO project). These interventions supported the launch of new radio programme formats that focused on business and livelihood issues. The substant ... ial impact of these interventions on sustainability of programmes, innovation and copycatting and large scale outreach figures are touched on in this report. Going further, the research presented here looks at impacts of these programmes on the livelihoods of the poor. All of the cases researched occurred some years after any direct project intervention. As such they speak positively about the FIT Uganda and ILO experience, and of the ability and willingness of commercial radio to serve a more public interest and in doing so offer an effective mechanism for poor people to tackle policy, legal, regulatory and administrative issues that matter to them." (Executive summary, page 2) more

"This paper explores the role that the mass media can play in enhancing processes that underpin the reform of the business environment. It does so through the lens of local FM radio stations in Uganda that have emerged over the last decade to become a prominent feature of the country’s social, pol ... itical and business landscape. [...] Six case studies were analysed in detail. The case studies highlighted that media intervention can bring about changes in the business environment that results in sizeable and quantifiable impact. [...] The programmes that brought about impact on the business environment were ones that had been supported by donor intervention (FIT Uganda and the ILO SEMA Project). [...] The radio programmes that have brought about impact in the business environment were indigenously owned, managed and run. They operated in diverse local languages and responded to specific local issues. This local ownership and management is at the heart of the success of the programmes and would have been less likely to have come about through programmes funded and managed by donor projects or staff." (Executive summary) more