Media Education through Community Radio during Covid-19: A Qualitative Study on Tribal Populations

The radio is an effective means of communication. It has shown to be the most successful kind of media for advancing rural development and health, especially when it comes to providing timely information. The research explores how community radio served as an effective tool for delivering essential public health information to marginalized tribal communities, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine awareness. The data collection was carried out in Noolpuzha Grama Panchayath in Wayanad District, Kerala. The in-depth interviews with 16 participants who belong to tribal communities highlighted the impact of the radio programs on media education, public health awareness, and behavior changes. Findings indicated that Radio Mattoli significantly contributed to raising awareness about COVID-19 prevention, dispelling myths, and enhancing confidence in vaccines. However, challenges such as limited access to radios, technological barriers, and persistent mistrust of vaccination in some subgroups were noted. The study also highlights the importance of strengthening media literacy to empower listeners in making informed health decisions. In conclusion, community radio proved to be a vital platform for health communication, but its effectiveness could be enhanced by addressing infrastructure limitations and integrating more localized, culturally appropriate content. The research offers valuable insights into the potential of community media to support public health efforts in Indigenous populations.