THE ROLE OF RELIGIOUS RADIO STATIONS AND THEIR EFFECT ON CHRISTIAN- MUSLIM RELATIONS IN DAR-ES-SALAAM, TANZANIA

Abstract

The rapid rise in the number of religious radio stations has become one of the main contributing factors to the problems of intolerance, tension, and conflict that have plagued Tanzania and led to the deterioration in relations between Christians and Muslims. Taking this situation into account, this was a study on the role of religious radio stations and their effect on Christian-Muslim relations in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. The study was guided by the following five objectives: To examine the background of Christian-Muslim relations with an emphasis to East Africa and specifically Tanzania, to trace the background of media and establishment of radio as a form of media in Tanzania; to evaluate the role of religious radio stations as a form of media in Dar-es-Salaam; to find out the effects of religious radio stations on Christian-Muslim relations in Dar-es-Salaam; and finally to suggest on how religious radio stations can be used as channels for building good Christian-Muslim relations. The study applied the descriptive survey research design by which the researcher reviewed literature from primary and secondary sources based on the objectives of the study and purposively drew a total sample of 100 respondents from both Christians and Muslims in Dar-es-Salaam. Structured questionnaires and guided interview schedules were used as the main tools of data collection. The data gathered from the field was analysed qualitatively and quantitatively and the findings presented in tables and figures for interpretation and discussion. The study found that these stations are owned by religious institutions and therefore the religious leaders were in position to shape the content of broadcast via them. Although religious radio stations in Dar-es-Salaam have been used positively to spread the word of God through mission to their respective believers whether Christians or Muslims, the same religious radio stations have also been used negatively by religious extremists from both sides of the religious divide to spread hatred, religious intolerance and tension, therefore leading to forming bad perceptions and arousing conflict situations between Christians and Muslims in Dar-es-Salaam. As a result of this negative use of religious radio stations, the study concluded that Christian-Muslim relations have deteriorated to the point where, social setting interaction, mutual love, trust and harmony between Christians and Muslims have been affected. Taking into consideration the connection between the religious radio stations and the deterioration of Christians and Muslim in Dar-es-Salaam, the study recommends for all religious leaders, the religious radio station owners to sit together and share ideas on matters relating to the welfare of all religious media in general, and that government should put in place compliance measures, through the Tanzania Communication Regulatory Authority to curb the negative use of religious media.