Audio production in youth work: an international comparative case study between Irish and South African community radio stations

Abstract

In this dissertation I examine the potential for audio production in a youth development setting, located within a community radio station. In particular I explore how participation in audio training can offer participants opportunities for reflection, identity building and critical awareness.I use a case study approach that looks at two Irish studies I conducted at community radio stations in West Clare and Limerick City. I also draw from a period ofobservation at a community radio station in Cape Town, South Africa.In my review of the literature I look at conceptions of youth, examine contemporary youth radio practice and explore ideas around identity, ‘other’, agency and voice. Through working with youth groups I developed a pedagogy that builds from a situation where adult workers and young people co-create audio texts. Resulting from this, I was interested to explore how projects could remain youth-led and sites of agentive practice, while at the same time be learning focused.I found that pedagogies that were flexible and with a ‘product’ focus were best suited to developing a richer process where learning could be better facilitated. In addition, through using an ‘imagined audience’ I found it possible to create a reflective practice.