| The history of broadcasting in The Bahamas is significantly underrepresented in the literature. This study sets out to rectify this deficiency in the literature and delineates the progress of mass communication, specifically broadcasting, in the country for the period under study—1930–1980. The study integrates media systems analyses and cultural studies theories to examine the phenomenon of broadcasting in The Bahamas, its effects on the Bahamian audience, the use of broadcasting by Bahamians, and the role of broadcasting in shaping the values and views of Bahamians. The study answers the following question—what were the economic, political, geographical, social, and technological factors, internally and externally, that influenced the development of broadcasting in The Bahamas from 1930–1980?; This study relied on oral interviews and primary and secondary sources to construct and provide the distinctive nature of the broadcasting history of The Bahamas for the period, 1930–1980. The researcher used the method of triangulation to increase the validity and reliability of the study.; Broadcasting is both a product and reflection of the history of the Bahamian society. As such, it continues to play a significant part in developing Bahamian identity and culture. This study on the broadcasting system of The Bahamas reveals several significant findings. First, the control of colonial administrators, especially the Governor and Colonial Secretary, is evident in the structure and function of broadcasting until 1964 (the beginning of internal self-government). Second, in the post-independence period broadcasting functions to promote national development. Third, broadcasting transmitted the values and behaviors of British and American cultures as a result; modern lifestyles replaced traditional ones. Fourth, political and economic élites (first the white oligarchy and later PLP politicians) play an important role in the ownership and control of broadcasting. Fifth, changes in Bahamian cultural tastes result in changes in broadcasting—particularly content. Sixth, commercialization brings increased revenues and provides a turning point in radio broadcasting-the staff increases, the quality and quantity of the programs increase, and the physical facilities improve. Seventh, because of commercialization maximization of audience share takes priority. Finally, this study supports and extends Sydney Head's hypothesis on the forces that influence the characteristics of broadcasting systems. |
