i 

 

GHANA INSTITUTE OF JOURNALISM  

 

 

 

 

THE ROLE OF RADIO IN COMBATTING MISINFORMATION ABOUT COVID-

19: AN ASSESSMENT OF POTTERS FM IN THE BONO REGION 

 

 

 

 

 

HANNAH B. NYAME 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DECEMBER, 2021 



ii 

 

 

GHANA INSTITUTE OF JOURNALISM  

 

 

THE ROLE OF RADIO IN COMBATTING MISINFORMATION ABOUT COVID-

19: AN ASSESSMENT OF POTTERS FM IN THE BONO REGION 

 

 

 

 

HANNAH B. NYAME 

MADC20023 

 

 

 

 

 

A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES 

AND RESEARCH (SOGSAR), GHANA INSTITUTE OF JOURNALISM IN 

PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF 

MASTER OF ARTS DEGREE IN DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATION 

 

 

 

 

 

DECEMBER, 2021 



iii 

 

DECLARATION 

 

I hereby declare that this dissertation is the result of my original research, and no part of it has 

been presented for another degree in this institute or elsewhere. I am solely responsible for any 

shortcoming. 

 

……………………………     ………………………………… 

Hannah B. Nyame      Date 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15/12/2021 



iv 

 

CERTIFICATION 

 

I hereby certify that the preparation and presentation of this project work has been supervised 

by me in accordance with the guidelines on supervision of dissertation as laid down by the 

School of Graduate Studies and Research, Ghana Institute of Journalism.  

 

 

……………………………     ………………………………… 

Dr. James Asante      Date 

(Supervisor) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15/12/2021 



v 

 

DEDICATION 

 

 

TO GOD,  

MY FAMILY,  

AND FRIENDS.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



vi 

 

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 

 

I am greatly indebted to Dr. and Mrs. Otoo, of Trade Union Congress (TUC) whose 

encouragement has helped me to complete this work. I am grateful to Dr. James Asante for his 

professional assistance and constructive criticisms which helped shape this work. My 

appreciation also goes to all those who in one way or the other provided the match needed 

support for my work.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



vii 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

DECLARATION ..................................................................................................................... iii 

CERTIFICATION .................................................................................................................... iv 

DEDICATION ........................................................................................................................... v 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...................................................................................................... vi 

TABLE OF CONTENTS ......................................................................................................... vii 

LIST OF TABLES ..................................................................................................................... x 

LIST OF FIGURES .................................................................................................................. xi 

CHAPTER ONE ........................................................................................................................ 1 

INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................. 1 

1.0 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 1 

1.1 Background ................................................................................................................... 1 

1.2 Statement of the Problem ............................................................................................. 3 

1.3 Objectives of the Study................................................................................................. 5 

1.4 Research Questions....................................................................................................... 5 

1.5 Significance of the Study .............................................................................................. 6 

1.6 Scope of the Study ........................................................................................................ 7 

1.7 Limitations of the Study ............................................................................................... 7 

1.8 Organization of the Study ............................................................................................. 7 

CHAPTER TWO ....................................................................................................................... 9 

LITERATURE REVIEW ....................................................................................................... 9 



viii 

 

2.0 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 9 

2.1 Conceptual Framework................................................................................................. 9 

2.2 Causes and Spread of Misinformation ........................................................................ 11 

2.3 Theoretical Framework ............................................................................................... 13 

2.4 Other Related Studies ................................................................................................. 16 

2.5 Misinformation During the Covid-19 Pandemic ........................................................ 17 

2.6 The Use of Radio During the Pandemic ..................................................................... 18 

2.7 Efforts by Radio to Combat Misinformation During the Pandemic ........................... 19 

2.8 Summary ..................................................................................................................... 19 

CHAPTER THREE ................................................................................................................. 20 

METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................................... 20 

3.0 Introduction ................................................................................................................ 20 

3.1 Research Design ......................................................................................................... 20 

3.2 Population ................................................................................................................... 21 

3.3 Sample ........................................................................................................................ 21 

3.4 Sampling Technique ................................................................................................... 22 

3.5 Research Instrument ................................................................................................... 22 

3.6 Data Collection Procedure .......................................................................................... 23 

3.7 Data Analysis Plan...................................................................................................... 23 

CHAPTER FOUR .................................................................................................................... 24 

FINDINGS AND DATA ANALYSIS ................................................................................. 24 



ix 

 

4.0 Introduction ................................................................................................................ 24 

4.1. Background Information............................................................................................ 24 

4.2 Sources of Misinformation ......................................................................................... 28 

4.3 Potters FM’s (88.3MHz) Responses to the Pandemic ................................................ 31 

4.4 Role of Potters FM (88.3MHz) in Disseminating Accurate Information ................... 34 

4.5 Lessons Learnt by Listeners of Potters FM (88.3MHz) During the Pandemic .......... 36 

CHAPTER FIVE ..................................................................................................................... 42 

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ........................................ 42 

5.0 Introduction ................................................................................................................ 42 

5.1 Discussion of Findings ............................................................................................... 42 

5.2 Limitations .................................................................................................................. 44 

5.3 Suggestion for Further Studies ................................................................................... 45 

5.4 Conclusions ................................................................................................................ 45 

REFERENCES ........................................................................................................................ 48 

APPENDIX .............................................................................................................................. 54 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



x 

 

 

 

 

LIST OF TABLES 

Table           Page 

1 Gender of Respondents         23 

2 Age of Respondents          25 

3 Education Level of Respondents        26 

4 Marital Status of Respondents        27 

5 Family and Friends as a source of misinformation      27 

6 Social Media and Internet as a source of misinformation     28 

7 TV Stations as a Source of Misinformation       29 

8 Newspapers and Magazines as a source of misinformation     30 

9 Potters FM’s Response to the Pandemic        31 

10 Timely Provision of Key News         33 

11 Ample Time for Covid-19 Programmes        34 

12 Clear Language for Covid-19 Programmes      34 

13 Health Experts on Covid-19 Programmes      35 

14 Provision of Sources for Covid-19 News      35 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



xi 

 

LIST OF FIGURES 

Figure           Page 

1 Gender Distribution of Respondents       23 

2 Education Level of Respondents        26 

3 Marital Status of Respondents        26 

4 Radio Stations as a source of misinformation       29 

5 Covid-19 Programmes Organized        31 

6 Statistical Updates           32 

7 Covid-19 Safety Measure Jingles         32 

8 Programmes at Convenient Times        33 

9 Staying Safe           36 

10 Anxiety and Uncertainty after Listening to Radio      37 

11 Encouraged Friends and Family       38 

12 News Source Verification        39 

 

 

 

  



xii 

 

ABSTRACT 

With the current situation of pandemic and the lack of information control by regulatory 

authorities, the research will create awareness for radio stations to come to terms with the 

abilities they possess to reshape people’s existing ideas and emotions about pandemics and 

their relating matters  so as to push the correct narrative and come up with programs and 

activities that will help reduce the spread of the disease and educate people on the need to 

comply with government and health directives that are aimed at combating the crisis on all 

fronts. The aim of the study was to assess the role radio stations play in combatting 

misinformation about the current Covid-19 pandemic. The study used descriptive survey 

(questionnaire) to gather data from listeners of Potters FM in the Sunyani Municipality. The 

gathered data was further analyzed with the help of SPSS and presented using charts and 

graphs.  Social Media and the Internet were seen to be the major sources of misinformation 

while TV, Radio, Newspapers and Magazines proved to be trusted sources for the 

dissemination of public health information. But even though radio possesses great abilities in 

combatting misinformation, the language used in disseminating public health information is 

clear and free from ambiguity. Policymakers and public health officials can also tap into the 

potentials of radio to push the narrative of public health safety measures.  

 



1 

 

CHAPTER ONE 

INTRODUCTION 

1.0 Introduction 

The spread of infectious diseases has a unique ability to fuel fear, anxiety and mass hysteria.  

Infectious diseases challenge our social cohesion and our collective capacity to manage a crisis. 

They are divisive and traumatizing (Schwab & Malleret, 2020). What we are fighting against 

is invisible; our family, friends and neighbours may all become sources of infections. Everyday 

activities we cherish, like hugging or handshaking a friend, may easily become a vehicle for 

transmission. Often times, authorities that try to introduce, implement and enforce measures 

that are intended to keep people safe are perceived as agents of oppression. A common problem 

that is born about of a pandemic is what modern day researchers call “infodemic”. Infodemic 

commonly refers to myths, misinformation and half-truths about a particular situation, person 

or event, especially in times of crisis when people are more vulnerable (Tangcharoensathien et 

al, 2020).  

This chapter discusses the background, statement of problem, objectives of the study, research 

questions and significance of the study. The chapter further covers the scope of the study, its 

limitations and how the study is organized.  

 

1.1 Background 

“Stay home, stay safe. Wash your hands, sanitize. Don’t touch your face, no handshakes. Stay 

apart, self-isolate. Mask up, this is the new normal”. These are statements that have become 

very popular over the last eighteen (18) months. The Corona Virus disease, commonly called 

Covid-19 disease, originated from Wuhan in the Hubei Province of the People’s Republic of 

China and swiftly moved through the world with such speed that is unprecedented. Within a 



2 

 

few months after it was announced in China, it had quickly travelled to Europe and notable 

European countries like Italy, the United Kingdom, Spain and France were all recording very 

high cases daily. By March, 2020, Ghana had reported its first confirmed case in Accra and 

reality started to dawn on a lot of people.  

With the emergence of social networks and their omnipresence, especially as a source of 

information in critical situations, the information environment has become significantly more 

complex since the last worldwide epidemic of H1N1 Influenza. Today, people are faced with 

an abundance from various sources, many of them not credible, and the way key information 

is relayed to the general public has become critical (The Lancet, 2020). As a result, high-

ranking officials from the world Health Organization (WHO) have spoken about the need to 

fight not only the current COVID-19 pandemic but also the related infodemic. In this research, 

I was thus interested in how mass media outlets, particularly radio, can help shape perceptions, 

emotional responses, and whether communication can promote behaviourial responses (i.e., 

adherence to preventive and protective measures) to the novel crisis situation.  

Despite the emergence and broad usage of social media tools such as Facebook, Twitter, 

WhatsApp, Snapchat, Instagram, e.t.c., radio remains an important mass medium in Ghana and 

across the entire continent of Africa. Challenges such as power availability, internet 

connectivity and media costs, make radio a highly sort after medium for public information. 

Radio as a mass medium employs electromagnetic radio waves through transmitters and 

antennas, to disseminate information, education and entertainment to listeners. According to 

Raza et al. (2020) Radio has become the most popular and effective medium for information 

dissemination to a larger audience around the world. 

The Ministry of Health of Ghana and Ghana Health Service (G.H.S.) have been at the forefront 

of efforts to combat Covid-19 in Ghana. Both organizations have been active in setting up 



3 

 

isolation centres, hospitals and spaces to manage suspected and confirmed cases. The 

government has been engaged in training personnel and establishing rapid-response Covid-19 

task forces across Ghana’s 16 regions. In addition, the Government of Ghana has introduced 

numerous incentive packages for frontline workers in an attempt to motivate them in their fight 

against the pandemic. However, despite efforts to combat the spread of the disease, they have 

been seriously challenged by the problem of spread of misinformation or false information 

about Covid-19. Misinformation has single-handedly created public panic, fear and mass 

hysteria inhibiting efforts made in an attempt to curb the rapid spread of the corona virus. A 

typical example is people’s hesitancy towards Covid-19 vaccines. Although the WHO and the 

Food and Drugs Authority (Ghana) continue to ensure the global audience of the safety of 

Covid-19 vaccines, people still remain hesitant to get inoculated. Misinformation has further 

allowed people to drop their guard and ignore the Covid-19 safety protocols like washing of 

hands, sanitizing, social distancing and wearing of nose masks.  

 

1.2 Statement of the Problem 

The Ministry of Information, under the leadership of the minister, Kwadwo Oppong Nkrumah 

periodically hosted daily press briefings to keep the press and the general public up to date with 

the activities of the ministry. These briefings were often broadcast live on major national TV 

stations including GTV, JoyNews, UTV and Citi TV. Some radio stations also transmitted 

these press briefings. This was in effort to keep citizens up-to-date with happenings concerning 

the current Covid-19 pandemic and sensitize the information environment in order to ensure 

that citizens stayed safe to help curb the spread of the corona virus. The widespread use of 

internet has accelerated the rapid spread of rumours, fake news, half-truths and even the right 

information. Gone are the days when people relied solely on trusted sources such as CNN and 

BBC for the right news. Today’s world has become increasingly complex; users of information 



4 

 

can access any kind of information at just a click of a button. There is a keen competition for 

people’s attention, data and interest. As such, the perpetrators of information have increased 

and if the information atmosphere is not constantly fed with the right kind of news and 

information to demystify misinformation, conspiracy theories and fake news will continually 

flourish and efforts to reign in the virus will only be in futility.  

The impact of misinformation is too damaging to be ignored. Pandemics and crisis become 

breeding grounds for the circulation and mass consumption of myths, hoaxes, half-truths and 

conspiracy theories. The progress made by government and health officials to combat the 

spread of infectious diseases are mostly thwarted by the persistence of misinformation. 

Misinformation tends to make people hesitant to comply with directives issued by government 

and health officials to the point that people widely develop deep distrust for the government of 

the day and the health officials who do everything possible to protect lives and prevent the 

economy from plunging itself into another crisis. In the case of Ghana, the Parliament passed 

the Imposition of Restrictions Act, 2020 (Act 1012) in order to empower the President to 

impose restrictions on the movement of persons within the country as it was established that 

the virus couldn’t move, but people moving around were spreading the virus. Though these 

restrictions were imposed on movement of people and social gatherings such as church events, 

weddings, funerals, political rallies, demonstrations and beach outings, some people 

occasionally flouted these directives due to whatever news they received which made them 

believe that the corona virus was a hoax. Among such fake news were the 5G conspiracy 

theory, the bioweapon story, the tale of the depopulation agenda, among others.  

Misinformation about covid-19 has increased stigmatization towards Covid-19 patients and 

even those that have fully recovered from the disease. Additionally, myths about Covid-19 

increase the chances of people being less careful and dropping their guard, ignoring the 

instituted protocols and standing the chance of contracting the disease or spreading it. People 



5 

 

who rely on information from wrong sources tend to abuse certain drugs that are purported to 

be effective against Covid-19 and some can even develop some sort of hesitancy towards 

vaccines, should they be available to help reduce the spread of the virus.  One major cause of 

vaccine hesitancy is misinformation about the possible side effects and adverse effects from 

receiving vaccines. These tales continue to flood the information space and the fight against 

misinformation needs to be intensified. As part of the fight against misinformation, radio has a 

potent ability to support this fight. As such, the extent to which radio can help to provide right 

information to their audience needs to be researched in order to fully tap into the prospects of 

radio in helping win the fight against misinformation about Covid-19. 

 

1.3 Objectives of the Study 

The study aimed at tracing some of the sources of Covid-19 related misinformation among 

listeners of Potters FM (88.3MHz) in Area 3 in the Sunyani Municipality. That is, identifying 

the various means by which people receive fake news and hoaxes. Additionally, the study 

sought to find out the characteristics of fake news and the reasons people continue to circulate 

them (whether for financial gains or just mere amusement). An equally important objective of 

the study was the attempt to identify the role radio stations play in disseminating accurate 

information and how well they are doing this job.  

 

1.4 Research Questions 

The study seeks to address the following questions: 

✓ Find out some of the sources of misinformation  

✓ Find out how radio stations are responding to the Covid-19 Pandemic  

✓ Find out the role of radio in disseminating accurate information 



6 

 

✓ Find out lessons on Covid-19 measures learned by radio listeners during the Pandemic 

 

1.5 Significance of the Study 

With the current situation of pandemic and the lack of information control by regulatory 

authorities, the research will create awareness for radio stations to come to terms with the 

abilities they possess to reshape people’s existing ideas and emotions about pandemics and 

their relating matters  so as to push the correct narrative and come up with programs and 

activities that will help reduce the spread of the disease and educate people on the need to 

comply with government and health directives that are aimed at combating the crisis on all 

fronts.  

Regulatory authorities like the National Communications Authority (N.C.A.) and the Ministry 

of Information which formulate and implement policies could benefit from the 

recommendations that the researcher will make on the role of radio in combating 

misinformation during a pandemic or crisis. This information could be disseminated during 

workshops organized for radio station operators in order to improve their content.  

The knowledge of possible sources of misinformation and how to identify and verify myths, 

hoaxes, half-truths and conspiracy theories could help radio listeners, who are at the danger of 

being exposed to these pieces of information, to stay in line with government and health 

directives to help reign in the crisis.  

 



7 

 

1.6 Scope of the Study 

This study focused on the role Potters FM (88.3GHz) played in combating misinformation 

among its listeners during the Covid-19 pandemic. Potters FM (88.3GHz) is located in the 

Sunyani Municipality, the capital of Bono Region (formerly Brong Ahafo Region). 

 

1.7 Limitations of the Study 

Since the study was limited to just one FM Station in Sunyani Municipal, the views of its 

listeners within the vicinity of Area 3 may not ideally represent all the views of the listeners in 

the Municipal. Some listeners were unwilling to respond to some items on the questionnaire. 

This attitude might have affected the results of the study to some extent. The items on the 

questionnaire might not be enough to bring forth the requisite information and this might have 

affected the findings. The researcher had to travel a long distance to carry out the field work 

and this affected the study because the researcher was sometimes stressed after the long 

journey. The field work need lots of funding in the printout of questionnaires and transportation 

of the researcher.   

 

1.8 Organization of the Study 

The study consists of five chapters. The first chapter entails the introduction of the study. It 

consists of the background, statement of the problem, purpose of the study, research questions, 

scope of study and significance of the study. The chapter also includes limitations of the study 

and the organization of the study. 

Chapter Two covers the literature review and areas such as sources of misinformation, how to 

identify and spot misinformation and the role radio played in helping to disseminate accurate, 

reliable and timely information to their audience during the pandemic.  



8 

 

Chapter Three focuses on the methodology. It consists of the research design, the population 

for the study, sample and sampling techniques. It also looks at the research instrument, data 

collection procedures and data analysis plan.  

Chapter Four deals with findings and data analysis.  

Chapter Five consists of recommendations, conclusions and suggestions for further study. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



9 

 

CHAPTER TWO 

LITERATURE REVIEW 

2.0 Introduction 

This chapter reviews existing literature, it looks at the theoretical and conceptual frameworks 

of the study. In this chapter, the conceptual framework, theoretical framework and other studies 

related to this study are discussed under the following headings:  

✓ Conceptual Framework 

✓ Causes and Spread of Misinformation 

✓ Characteristics of Misinformation 

✓ Misinformation During the Covid-19 Pandemic 

✓ The Use of Radio During the Pandemic 

✓ Efforts by Radio to Combat Misinformation During the Pandemic 

 

2.1 Conceptual Framework 

Concept of Misinformation 

Misinformation contaminates the information space globally and the trend of manipulating 

facts continues to disrupt public communication discourse and, eventually, accelerate the 

vehicles of fear, panic, anxiety, uncertainty and hysteria. Misinformation is not a new 

phenomenon, but the proliferation and mass usage of social media has made this issue more 

urgent, especially in events like pandemics where the very lives and health of people are under 

a serious attack. Misinformation has the power to promote negative narratives about crisis and 

pandemics and to discredit the work of health and government officials who are tasked with 

mounting strategies to counter the attacks of the corona virus. The beginning of the Covid-19 

pandemic was marked with fake news propagated through the media and social media networks 

and promoted in the public domain. The term “fake news” encompasses misinformation (when 



10 

 

false information is shared with no intended harm), disinformation (when false information is 

shared with the intention to cause harm), and malinformation (when genuine information is 

shared to cause harm, often by moving information designed to stay private into the public 

sphere) (definitions by Wardle & Derakhshan, 2017). It will be less of an exaggeration to 

suggest that people’s reluctance to adhere to Covid-19 safety protocols and the recent hesitancy 

towards vaccines were directly motivated by the spread of fake news. 

The concept of fake news is not a novelty of the media landscape of the 21st century, but rather 

emerged with the appearance of the first newspapers, initially serving to entertain and/or 

perhaps help sell more copies. There were no sinister agenda, and journalists or editors made 

sure that the reader was aware that the information presented was not true. Over the years, 

politicians and business people realized the potential of fake news and started to use it for 

manipulation – politicians with the intention to reach a certain position in society, and business 

people for profit maximization. The trend of not marking fake news as such continues to this 

date and it has become exceedingly difficult to recognize such news. Ironically, only satirical 

portals continue to mark their news as fake.  

Although, truth was the basis and core founding pillars of journalism, with journalists taking 

up the role of meticulous individuals within the societies of the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, it 

was just a matter of time before those who embellished information appeared, exploiting 

journalism and journalists for their own agenda and propaganda. This, particularly, came to 

prominence during World War I, when the warring sides, especially the UK, the USA and later 

Germany, realized that armies and soldiers were not enough so they began using various 

manipulative techniques to influence the public and even their own soldiers. One soldier on the 

losing side, Adolf Hitler, directed all his power in the rise of Nazism to propaganda, with the 

help of Joseph Goebbels.  



11 

 

 

2.2 Causes and Spread of Misinformation 

In social media, misinformation, rumors and false information are most often caused by four 

underlying issues, which are detailed more fully below; 

a) Incorrect information – intentional versus unintentional; 

b) Insufficient information; 

c) Opportunistic disinformation; and 

d) Outdated information. 

 

Incorrect Information 

Incorrect information can be caused by situations where the true situation is difficult to confirm. 

Radiation in Japan was a good example. After the meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear 

Power Station in March, 2011, many rumours circulated regarding appropriate safety 

precautions, such as whether people should evacuate, the possibility of food and water 

shortages and whether there would be additional radioactive releases. Incorrect information 

and rumours can be caused by persons who wish to create confusion. A typical example is 

when fake accounts are created that impersonate official accounts. Users of such fake accounts 

proliferate fake news which are reposted, retweeted and re-shared until they hit the full public 

domain where they receive massive attention.  

 

Insufficient Information 

When information is slow to emerge on circumstances surrounding an event, rumours can start 

rapidly. Insufficient information can be a result of several factors, such as: not having clearance 



12 

 

to release the data, lack of a designated official for that information, or a belief that information 

must be complete to release and therefore intentionally withheld. Confusion continues to arise 

when official channels do not release information fast enough, provide information updates in 

the right social media and traditional media channels, or the population is unaware of or does 

not trust the official source for that information. The public will generally follow and amplify 

official information when they can access information they believe. 

 

Opportunistic Disinformation 

Opportunistic disinformation occurs when predatory individuals attempt to capitalize on a 

particular event or incident and it generally falls into one of two categories, namely, revenue-

generating and financially incentivized or malicious and politically incentivized.  

Revenue-generating disinformation attempts to hijack the attention of the users of social media 

from a particular happening or event that is newsworthy and redirect that attention for 

commercial purposes. Typically, a phishing scam or spammer may mimic a pre-existing 

website, blog or social media account redirect users to a sales pitch or other ad. Some scammers 

also capitalize on a popular hashtag and use click-throughs to boost viewer statistics on a 

website or encourage the purchase of a specific product or service unrelated to the original 

hashtag.  

Malicious disinformation is typically politically motivated, and can be even more challenging 

to both identify and counter. Studies that have examined the volume, timing and location (e.g., 

tracked IP addresses, associated time zone and geo-tagged posts) of this category of social 

media posts indicate an intent to cause harm and disrupt the standard flow of truthful 

information during a specific event or incident. During Hurricane Harvey in 2017, a rumour 

spread on Twitter that officials were asking shelter-seekers about their immigration status. Also 



13 

 

in 2017 after Hurricane Irma, a rumour surfaced that survivors would receive generators from 

the federal government. While some posts could be attributed to innocent mistakes, the scope 

and velocity of amplification seems to indicate an intentional rebroadcasting of disinformation 

with the intent to frighten vulnerable members of the local communities and weaken their trust 

with government entities offering essential aid. 

 

Outdated Information 

The current media environment relies heavily on being first with information. During crisis, 

rumours start to surface, novice and experienced users alike surf the internet, often posting 

images of the initial returns from their search without first verifying the date or accuracy of the 

data they are sharing. This happens most often with users sharing photos from past disasters in 

a hurry as evidence of a disaster, which is often believed as being true as the phrase “pictures 

of it didn’t happen” has permeated social media user’s mindsets. Secondarily, older articles 

describing a past incident can resurface when reposted and publication dates are changed 

automatically through re-posting.  

 

2.3 Theoretical Framework 

If truth is the foundation of journalism, news is its key genre – without it, there are no 

journalists, media or journalism as a profession. In the early formation days of news writing, 

the profession followed the rule established back in the ancient Rome, that news was important 

to answer five questions (the 5 Ws): who, what, where, when and why. Over the years, the rule 

has been expanded to include “how (H) and the mandatory attribution of sources, as well as 

“what next” (W) that addresses the question of what happens next. If all these questions are 

answered, the result is hard, undisputed facts, with no lies, accurate, balanced and objective 



14 

 

(Malovic 2007). Do we get an answer from fake news? We do! The only difference is that the 

answer is a lie and as such cannot be classified as news. News must be truthful – if it is fake, it 

cannot be considered news, hence, fake news in this sense is an oxymoron.  

In almost every case, one can clearly determine whether a particular piece of media content, in 

all the 400 years of journalistic history, is fake news (misinformation, disinformation and 

malinformation). But to do so, it is vital to define terms such as “fake news”, “alternative facts” 

and “post-truth”, as well as to clarify whether it is possible to have a generic term for 

misinformation, disinformation and malinformation, and whether the term “fake news” is that 

term. Among the numerous authors and academics who have brought due diligence to the 

phenomenon of fake news so as to give it a definition and typology, two names stand out – 

Hunt Allcott and Matthew Gentzkow. The authors state that fake news is “news articles that 

are intentionally and verifiably false, and could mislead readers” (2017: 4). A similar division 

is offered by Edson C. Tandoc Jr. et al, who explain that fake news has six forms; “(1) news 

satire, (2) news parody, (3) fabrication, (4) manipulation, (5) advertising, and (6) propaganda. 

Fake news hides under a veneer of legitimacy as it takes on some form of credibility by trying 

to appear like real news” (2017: 11). David Klein and Joshua Wueller define fake news as the 

“online publication of intentionally or knowingly false statements of fact” (2017: 6). According 

to John Allen Riggins, fake news “could be understood as intentionally misleading context 

made to imitate journalistic content with the primary aim of generating profit” (2017: 1315). 

Lion Gu, Vladimir Kropotov, and Fyodor Yarochkin state that fake news is “the promotion and 

propagation of news articles via social media. These articles are promoted in such a way that 

they appear to be spread by other users, as opposed to being paidfor advertising. The news 

stories distributed are designed to influence or manipulate users’ opinions on a certain topic 

towards certain objectives” (2017: 5). Finally, Ethical Journalism Network 2 defines fake news 



15 

 

as “information deliberately fabricated and published with the intention to deceive and mislead 

others into believing falsehoods or doubting verifiable facts.”  

There are four main factors that always stimulate and increase the acceleration of 

misinformation, especially, during a health crisis (Rosnow, 1988). These are general 

uncertainty, outcome-relevant involvement, personal anxiety and credulity. Misinformation 

depends on uncertainty. When people spread a misinformation, they must exist in an uncertain 

information environment. Besides, the misinformation which people believe in is basically 

associated with their life or important to the public. During a pandemic, personal anxiety may 

amplify the rapid transmission and consumption of misinformation. Scholars define anxiety as 

a negative affective state that is produced by apprehension about an impending, potentially 

negative, outcome. Scholars also investigated the relationship between the anxiety and personal 

belief and in brief, the level of anxiety is notably related to the belief of misinformation (Zollo, 

2018). Credulity is regarded as another factor that has been implicated as a predictor of 

misinformation spreading. In the sphere of public health, two factors can impact people’s 

credulity. First is health literacy, which is defined as the degree to which individuals and groups 

can obtain, process, understand, evaluate and act upon information needed to make public 

health decisions that benefit the community (Freedman, 2009). Usually, public health issues 

are complex to the public. Not only does the public readily trust a piece of information but also 

misunderstand an accurate information and turn the information into a piece of misinformation. 

Besides, previous research indicated that cultural, social and religious factors profoundly 

influence health-related behaviours (Zhang, 2020).  

 



16 

 

2.4 Other Related Studies 

A recent study on the characteristics of Misinformation spreading on social media during the 

Covid-19 outbreak in china was conducted by Kelin Chen, Yuni Luo, Anyang Hu, Ji Zhao and 

Liwei Zhang of the Institute of Urban Governance, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen. The study 

sought to understand some of the characteristics of health misinformation because that can be 

a premise to rebuking and purposefully correcting such misinformation on social media. The 

study, however, did not assess the role radio can play in disseminating accurate information 

during emergency health situations like the Covid-19 pandemic.  

In August, 2020, Lejla Turcilo and Mladen Obrenovic of Heinrich Boll Foundation published 

a study on misinformation, disinformation, malinformation: causes, trends and their influence 

on democracy. The study made it clear that misinformation, disinformation and malinformation 

have become new threats to democracy. The study further indicated that information disorder 

is creating global political and economic disorder as well and as such, all global, regional and 

local actors should be included in strategies for preventing and combatting these threats.  

An editorial with the topic “Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): The Impact and Role of Mass 

Media During the Pandemic was published on 23rd August, 2021, by Patricia Arriaga, 

Francisco Esteves, Marina A. Pavlova and Nuno Picarra, seeking to examine media use, mental 

health and well-being during the Covid-19 pandemic. The study does not throw light on the 

role radio has to play in minimizing the proliferation of misinformation about the pandemic.  

“Covid-19 Related Misinformation on Social Media: a systematic review” was published by 

Elia Gabarron, Sunday Oluwafemi Oyeyemi and Rolf Wynn with objective to review 

misinformation related to coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) on social media during the first 

phase of the pandemic and to discuss ways of countering misinformation. The study revealed 



17 

 

that several social media posts about Covid-19 (28.8%) during the first phase of the pandemic 

could be classified as misinformation.  

 

2.5 Misinformation During the Covid-19 Pandemic 

“We are not just fighting an epidemic; we are fighting an infodemic” – Tedros Adhanom 

Ghebreyesus (WHO). Fighting against misinformation amid pandemic outbreaks is quite 

challenging in places where internet users are very high (Van Prooijen, 2018). The first rumour 

about Covid-19 emerged in January, 2020. The rumour held that it was not possible for the 

corona virus to reach Africa or even survive in Ghana, due to the warm weather in the area. 

Tales of natural shielding by nature were circulated mainly via WhatsApp. The rumour that 

black people were immune to Covid-19 due to melanin in their skin soon reached the shores of 

Ghana by February. This rumour was widely circulated through Twitter, WhatsApp and 

Facebook (now Meta). It was just a matter of time before the 5G Conspiracy Theory surfaced. 

The idea that 5G towers installed in Wuhan, China and some parts of Europe were the causes 

of Covid-19 cases soon flooded the internet and social media platforms and gained momentum 

by mid-April, 2020. 

Consequently, Covid-19 cases started rising in Ghana and spread steadily from the country’s 

capital Accra to other regions of the country. Ashanti, Western, Eastern, Northern and Ahafo 

regions subsequently recorded cases and the President stepped in to encourage the wearing of 

Personal Protective Equipments (especially nose masks), practicing of social distancing and 

the directive to stay home and only go out for essential items. Another directive that followed 

suit was the reduction of the number of passengers boarding public transport vehicles. the 

closure of schools and the closure of entry points into the country (Land and Airports), only 

allowing for entry of essential goods and services. Gradually, the reality of the situation started 



18 

 

to dawn on most Ghanaians and things became more serious when lockdown measures were 

implemented and security forces were charged with enforcing the lockdown measures. In 

Accra, the epicenter of the country’s Covid-19 outbreaks, contact tracing began and was 

strengthened by training 1,340 surveillance officers during the first three months of the project.  

All these measures were implemented to help contain the virus and aid in the safe reopening 

of socioeconomic activities and schools.  

 

2.6 The Use of Radio During the Pandemic 

Radio has the power to instill and promote citizens’ resilience during periods of public health 

emergencies. It has the potential to influence opinions, change behavior and accurately inform 

the public about Covid-19. In order to effectively position radio to debunk misinformation 

about Covid-19 in Ghana, several strategies could be employed (Kapoor, 2020). In the current 

crisis caused by Covid-19, radio has been an essential medium to stay informed (Rodero, 2020). 

According to a study by Rodero (2020), radio consumption during the pandemic in Spain 

increased significantly. The peak slot continued to be mornings but due to lockdowns, listening 

was more spread throughout the day, with increased listening especially in the afternoon and 

at noon times. The same research also depicted that an upward trend in radio consumption was 

recorded in other countries like the United Kingdom, Italy, Chile, Australia and South Africa. 

This trend was not different from the situation of Ghana as radio stations adapted to the new 

situation with professionals working from home and programmes modified to include content 

on coronavirus. As in other crisis, consumption of radio content has increased and the medium 

is aiding in lessening the psychological effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.  

 



19 

 

2.7 Efforts by Radio to Combat Misinformation During the Pandemic 

It is important to use trusted and credible sources for information collection and assimilation. 

Media stations, including Television, Radio and Print Media, have all mounted efforts to help 

guide citizens and propagate the narrative of government and health officials during the 

pandemic. Radio stations all across the country immediately responded to the emergency health 

situation by broadcasting safety tips like frequent washing of hands with soap, social 

distancing, sanitizing and the need to self-isolate if a person developed symptoms of Covid-19. 

Radio stations also aired the president’s periodic Covid-19 updates and held programmes on 

the next day to thoroughly dissect key issues of the president’s addresses (which were 

characterized by the popular phrase “Fellow Ghanaians”).  

 

2.8 Summary 

Misinformation, fake news and rumours will always continue to circulate; they cannot be 

eliminated in their entirety but agencies can act proactively and preemptively with measures 

that will lessen the risks during disasters and emergencies. Radio has great potentials to reach 

people in times of emergencies when people’s appetite for news and update is ripe. It remains 

a strong source for public information in times of health crisis. With widespread panic caused 

by misinformation about Covid-19, radio can play a huge role in combating the spread of false 

and misleading information. Many people within the populace continue to listen to radio daily 

and this provides radio with great capacity if the right information can be disseminated timely 

and unambiguously, in languages, dialects and translations that ensure that the entire populace 

in the country is reached. This will go a long way to assist the government and health officials 

in dealing with emergency situations such as the Covid-19 pandemic in order to reduce the 

stress on medical facilities and protect the vulnerable economy from being pushed into another 

crisis altogether.  



20 

 

CHAPTER THREE 

METHODOLOGY 

 

3.0 Introduction 

In this chapter, the methodology used for the study is discussed. Focus is thrown on the research 

design, population, the sample and the sampling technique employed. The research instrument, 

data collection procedures as well as data analysis plan are all discussed under this chapter.  

Research Methods, according to Rajasekar (2006), refer to all the methods used by a researcher 

during a research study. Explanations are drawn using research methods to collect, measure 

and observe facts. Explanations cannot be done solely on the basis of reasoning. 

Experimentally verified explanations are accepted.  

 

3.1 Research Design 

For this study, the researcher adopted the use of descriptive survey. Descriptive survey is the 

process of collecting data in order to test hypothesis or answer questions concerning the current 

status of the study (Lawrence and Tar, 2013). This research design was appropriate for this 

study because it is useful in arriving at meaning conclusions. Data is collected from the Area 3 

listeners of Potters FM through the administration of questionnaires and things are reported as 

they are observed. However, one weakness of this research design is that it is difficult to ensure 

that the questions to be answered by the respondents are clear, not misleading and free from 

ambiguity (Seifert & Hoeffunnug, 1991). Nonetheless, this method satisfies two goals: it 

describes and predicts, and there is no manipulation of the process. The validity of the findings 

obtained via descriptive surveys is established through replication (Wimmer & Dominick, 

2006). 



21 

 

 

3.2 Population 

It is vital to draw a distinguishing line between a population and a sample. Population refers to 

all members that meet a set of specifications. For example, the population of Accra is defined 

as all people residing in Accra. A population of inanimate objects can also exist, such as all 3-

storey buildings in Accra. A single member of any given population is referred to as an element. 

When only some elements of a given population are selected for a particular study, we refer to 

that selection of those elements as a sample. A sample is different from a census, in that, a 

census includes all the elements of a population, whereas a sample is a selection of just some 

of the elements of a given population.  

Area 3 in Sunyani Municipal is a complex mix of residential apartments and business premises. 

The area is littered with stores and shops which make it ideal for the researcher to obtain 

unbiased data from the respondents. The location houses the Sunyani Melcom Shop, MTN 

Ghana Office, Potters FM, Llord Driving Academy and residential apartments interspersed 

with small shops and offices. The Sunyani Coronation Park is situated at the centre of Area 3. 

For this study, the targeted population comprises the people living in Area 3 of Sunyani 

Municipal.  

 

3.3 Sample 

A good job needs to be done at the sampling stage of any research work. This is because the 

sample is a direct representation of the population. As such, getting the sample wrong means a 

wrong representation of the entire population. A sample is a subset of a population that depicts 

the general population characteristics and enables statistical inferences to be made that are 

representative of that population.  



22 

 

The sample was selected from Area 3 in the Sunyani Municipality of Bono Region. 

Specifically, only listeners of Potters FM were selected to be part of the sample. The sample 

consisted of 120 listeners of Potters FM who were randomly selected. The respondents 

comprised shop owners, restaurant operators, blue-collar workers, insurance brokers and 

everyday ordinary residents who live in crowded apartments in the area.  

 

3.4 Sampling Technique 

Sampling is a method that enables researchers, without examining each person, to obtain 

information on a population based on the results from a subgroup of the people (Emerson et 

al., 2013). The researcher used a non-probability sampling method called the Purposive 

Sampling Technique. With this type of sampling technique, the researcher relies on his or her 

judgement when choosing members of a population to participate in a study. The researcher 

selected individuals who had worked or lived in Area 3 of Sunyani for more than a year and 

above 18 years.  

 

3.5 Research Instrument 

The researcher applied the use of questionnaire as the main instrument for the research work. 

Its appropriateness in eliciting responses from the respondents made it the obvious choice for 

the researcher. For a descriptive survey, data are usually collected by administering 

questionnaire (Gay, 1987). The questionnaire was structured into five sections; Section A, B, 

C, D and E. Section A consisted of questions about the demographic characteristics of the 

respondents; gender, age, education level and marital status. Section B comprised five items 

which measured sources of misinformation as perceived by the respondents. Section C handled 

the preparedness of Potters FM towards the pandemic and how the station responded to the 



23 

 

pandemic. For Section D, five items were provided to measure the role Potters FM played in 

disseminating accurate information and Section E also consisted of five items that tried to 

measure lessons learnt by the respondents by listening to Potters FM during the pandemic. 

 

3.6 Data Collection Procedure 

The researcher visited the location a week before the questionnaires were distributed and 

mapped Area 3. Respondents were chosen at random and the researcher had a brief presentation 

with them in clusters to declare the intentions of the study and request their cooperation. A 

brief background was provided on the questionnaire to aid the respondents to fully comprehend 

the nature of the study. The researcher was available to explain those items which were unclear 

to the respondents. An ample time of 7 days was given to each of the respondents and the 

researcher revisited the area to recollect the completed questionnaire from the respondents after 

the 7 days. All the distributed questionnaires were duly completed and the researcher achieved 

100% return rate.  

 

3.7 Data Analysis Plan 

According to Sarantakos (1998), data analysis allows the researcher to work on the data 

collected for assessment and derive meaningful and useful conclusions. The completed 

questionnaire was further edited to increase its consistency. The Statistical Package for Social 

Science (SPSS) software was used to analyze data generated from the administration of 

questionnaires to the respondents. Results were then presented using frequency tables, 

percentages and charts.  

 

 



24 

 

CHAPTER FOUR 

FINDINGS AND DATA ANALYSIS 

4.0 Introduction 

Data analysis is the process of bringing order, structure and meaning to the colossal amounts 

of data collected (Marshal & Rossman,1990). Of what use is data which cannot be organized, 

analysed and used in generating meaning conclusions? This chapter deals with the thorough 

analysis of the data collected with the use of frequency tables, charts and graphs. The data 

analysed are grouped under subheadings to make them easy to retrieve.  

 

4.1. Background Information 

The research instrument solicited the personal details from the respondents. These were 

Gender, Age, Education Level and Marital Status of the respondents.  

 

4.1.1 Gender of Respondent 

Table 1 depicts that 70 out of the 120 respondents were males. This figure represents 58.3% 

while 50 respondents were females, representing 41.7%. The chart below gives a pictorial 

representation of this analysis.  

Table 1: Gender of Respondents 

Item  Number (N) Percentage (%) 

Male 70 58.3 

Female 50 41.7 

Total 120 100.00 

 

Source: Field Work 2021 

 



25 

 

 

                Figure 1 Gender Distribution of Respondents 

 

4.1.2 Age of Respondents 

Table 2 below shows the age distribution of the respondents. Most of the respondents were 51 

years old and above; a total of 35 respondents representing a percentage of 29.2. Age ranges 

“18 – 30 years” and “41 – 50 years” recorded the same number of respondents, 29 each, 

bringing their cumulative percentage to 48.4. For age range 31 – 40 years, only 27 respondents 

were recorded, representing 22.5%. However, the respondents were evenly distributed 

according to their ages, with no age group significantly standing out.  

Table 2: Age of Respondents 

Items Number (N) Percentage (%) 

18 – 30 Years 29 24.2 

31 – 40 Years 27 22.5 

41 – 50 Years 29 24.2 

51 years and above 35 29.2 

Total 120 100.0 

Source: Field Work 2021 



26 

 

 

4.1.3 Educational Level of Respondents 

Table 3 and Figure 2 below illustrate the education level of the respondents of the study. 

Respondents with just Basic Education were the least among the three groups. Basic Education 

group recorded a total of 20 respondents representing 16.7%, while Secondary Education group 

recorded a total of 54 respondents, representing 45.0%. Meanwhile, Tertiary Education, which 

is the highest among the three levels of Education, had 46 respondents, which is far more than 

those with Basic Education but falls behind those with Secondary Education. Tertiary 

Education holders represented 38.3% of the represents.  

 

Table 3: Educational Level of Respondents 

Items Number (N) Percentage (%) 

Basic Level 20 16.7 

Secondary Level 54 45.0 

Tertiary Level 46 38.3 

Total 120 100.0 

Source: Field Work 2021 

 

Figure 2: Education Level of Respondents 



27 

 

 

4.1.4 Marital Status of Respondents 

Data was collected from respondents regarding their marital status. Only two options were 

provided for this item; Married and Unmarried (Separated/Single/Divorced). Out of the total 

number of 120 respondents, 54 (representing 45.0%) were unmarried, while the majority of 

them were married (66 respondents representing 55.0%). Analysis of the marital status of 

respondents can be seen in Table 4 below.  

Table 4: Marital Status  

Items Number (N) Percentage (%) 

Unmarried 54 45.0 

Married 66 55.0 

Total 120 100.0 

Source: Field Work 2021 

 

                               Figure 3: Marital Status of Respondents 

 

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

Marital Status of Respondents

Married Unmarried



28 

 

4.2 Sources of Misinformation 

Respondents were asked to provide what they perceive to be the various sources of 

misinformation. Five main sources were provided in the questionnaire and respondents were 

asked to tell how strongly they believed or otherwise, that a particular source was responsible 

for the spread of misinformation. Among the items provided were Family and Friends, Social 

Media and the Internet, Radio Stations, TV Stations and Newspapers/Magazines. Analysis of 

how they responded to each of the items on the questionnaire is provided in the sub-sub topics 

below.  

 

4.2.1 Family and Friends as a Source of Misinformation 

Respondents chose the degree to which they agreed or disagreed that misinformation originated 

from Family and Friends. Analysis is seen in Table 5 below. The results in the table show that 

most of the respondents agreed that misinformation, to a certain extent, are received from 

Family and Friends. As many as 71 of the respondents strongly agreed, as well as 42 of them 

agreeing that Family and Friends spread misinformation. The cumulative percentage of these 

two groups of respondents is an overwhelming 94.2%.  

 

Table 5: Family and Friends 

Items Number (N) Percentage (%) 

Strongly Agree 71 59.2 

Agree 42 35.0 

Neutral 1 0.8 

Disagree 6 5.0 

Strongly Disagree 0 0.0 

Total 120 100.0 

Source: Field Work 2021 

 

4.2.2 Social Media and Internet as a Source of Misinformation 



29 

 

Almost all the respondents agreed that Social Media and Internet (as a set) is a major accelerator 

of misinformation. From Table 6 below, we can observe that 98.3% of the respondents agreed 

that Social Media and Internet was a major source of misinformation.  

 

Table 6: Social Media and Internet 

Items Number (N) Percentage (%) 

Strongly Agree 91 75.8 

Agree 27 22.5 

Neutral 1 0.8 

Disagree 1 0.8 

Strongly Disagree 0 0.0 

Total 120 100.0 

Source: Field Work 2021 

 

 

4.2.3 Radio Stations as Source of Misinformation 

In Table 6 below, most of the respondents disagreed that radio was a source of misinformation. 

Only a single respondent strongly agreed that radio was a source of misinformation. In fact, 61 

of the respondents disagreed that radio was a source of misinformation and 50 respondents 

strongly disagreed to this as well.  

 

Table 6: Radio Stations 

Items Number (N) Percentage (%) 

Strongly Agree 1 0.8 

Agree 0 0.0 

Neutral 8 6.7 

Disagree 61 50.8 

Strongly Disagree 50 41.7 

Total 120 100.0 

Source: Field Work 2021 



30 

 

 
                   Figure 4: Radio Stations as a Source of Misinformation 

 

4.2.4 TV Stations as Source of Misinformation 

From Table 7 below, 60 respondents representing 50% strongly disagreed that TV Stations 

were a source of misinformation. 46 of the respondents as well disagreed to this assertion. Just 

a handful of respondents believed that TV Stations were a source of misinformation. 2 of them 

strongly agreed that TV Stations were a source of misinformation while 5 of them just agreed. 

For these 2 groups of respondents (Strongly Agree and Agree) a cumulative of 5.9% was 

recorded which is just 7 out of 120 respondents. 5.8% of the respondents remained Neutral on 

the question.  

 

Table 7: TV Stations 

Items Number (N) Percentage (%) 

Strongly Agree 2 1.7 

Agree 5 4.2 

Neutral 7 5.8 

Disagree 46 38.3 

Strongly Disagree 60 50.0 

Total 120 100.0 



31 

 

Source: Field Work 2021 

 

 

4.2.5 Newspapers and Magazines as Source of Misinformation 

Table 8 gives an analysis of the respondents’ views as to whether Newspapers and Magazines 

were a source of misinformation. As much as 54.2% of the respondents strongly disagreed that 

Newspapers and Magazines were a source of misinformation. 36.7% of them further disagreed 

and only 5.8% strongly agreed that misinformation was circulated through Newspapers and 

Magazines.  

 

Table 8: Newspapers and Magazines 

Items Number (N) Percentage (%) 

Strongly Agree 7 5.8 

Agree 2 1.7 

Neutral 2 1.7 

Disagree 44 36.7 

Strongly Disagree 65 54.2 

Total 120 100.0 

Source: Field Work 2021 

 

4.3 Potters FM’s (88.3MHz) Responses to the Pandemic 

In the table below, descriptive statistics is provided on how Potters FM (88.3MHz) responded 

to the Covid-19 Pandemic. The researcher sought to find out if the listeners of Potters FM 

believed that the FM station responded adequately to the pandemic. Several questions were 

posed to the respondents and these are the results of their answers.  

 

 

Table 9: Potters FM’s Response to the Covid-19 Pandemic 



32 

 

 

Item YES NO 

N % N % 

Were Covid-19 Programmes organized 96 80.0 24 20.0 

Were Statistical Updates given  109 90.8 11 9.2 

Were Covid-19 Safety Measure Jingles played 118 98.3 2 1.7 

Were Covid-19 Programmes aired at Convenient Times 72 60.0 48 40.0 

Were new Programmes organized to entertain 100 83.3 20 16.7 

Source: Field Work 2021 

From Table 9 above, majority of the respondents answered in the affirmative that Covid-19 

programmes were organized by the FM station. A whopping 80.0%, representing 96 

respondents, said YES, the FM station organized Covid-19 programmes while 20%, 

representing 26 respondents said NO.  

 

                           Figure 5: Covid-19 Programmes Organized 

When it came to the question of Potters FM (88.3MHz) providing statistical updates on Covid-

19 cases, majority of the respondents, 109 respondents answered YES. This number 

represented 90.8% of the respondents while only 9.2% said NO.  



33 

 

 
                           Figure 6: Statistical Updates 

 

 

118 respondents, representing 98.3%, indicated YES, Potters FM (88.3MHz) played Covid-19 

Safety Measure Jingles. According to the Free Dictionary online, a radio jingle is a catchy, 

often musical advertising slogan. A jingle normally is characterized by a voice-over and it is a 

short advertisement or promotion of a product, person, event or activity. 

 
                           Figure 7: Covid-19 Safety Measure Jingles 



34 

 

 

 

 

Although as many as 72 of the respondents answered yes that Potters FM aired Covid-19 

programmes at convenient times, 48 on the other hand suggested that the times during which 

Covid-19 programmes were aired weren’t convenient enough to fit into their schedules.  

 
 

On the subject of the provision of programmes to entertain listeners during the pandemic, as 

many as 100 respondents, representing 83.3% strongly agreed that this was done. 20 

respondents also agreed that entertaining programmes were introduced to keep listeners 

engaged during the pandemic.  

 

4.4 Role of Potters FM (88.3MHz) in Disseminating Accurate Information 

 

4.4.1 Timely Provision of Key News about Covid-19 

Table 10: Timely Covid-19 News 

Items Number (N) Percentage (%) 

Strongly Agree 91 75.8 



35 

 

Agree 27 22.5 

Neutral 1 0.8 

Disagree 1 0.8 

Strongly Disagree 0 0.0 

Total 120 100.0 

Source: Field Work 2021 

 

4.4.2 Ample Time Allocated for Covid-19 Programmes 

Table 11: Ample Time for Covid-19 Programmes 

Items Number (N) Percentage (%) 

Strongly Agree 51 42.5 

Agree 23 19.2 

Neutral 1 0.8 

Disagree 18 15.0 

Strongly Disagree 27 22.5 

Total 120 100.0 

Source: Field Work 2021 

 

 

4.4.3 Language Used was Clear to Understand 

Data on the clarity of language used for Covid-19 programmes was analysed in the table below. 

 

Table 12: Clear Language for Covid-19 Programmes 

Items Number (N) Percentage (%) 

Strongly Agree 45 37.5 

Agree 23 19.2 

Neutral 10 8.3 

Disagree 21 17.5 

Strongly Disagree 21 17.5 

Total 120 100.0 

Source: Field Work 2021 



36 

 

From Table 12 above, 45 respondents strongly agreed that language used for Covid-19 

programmes was clear. 23 agreed and 10 respondents were neutral on the topic. For Strongly 

Disagree and Disagree groups, the remainder of the respondents were slip 21 each.  

 

4.4.4 Invitation of Health Experts for Covid-19 Programmes 

 

Table 13: Health Experts on Covid-19 Programmes 

Items Number (N) Percentage (%) 

Strongly Agree 89 74.2 

Agree 22 18.3 

Neutral 1 0.8 

Disagree 3 2.5 

Strongly Disagree 5 4.2 

Total 120 100.0 

Source: Field Work 2021 

 

4.4.5 Potters FM Provided for their News about Covid-19 

 

Table 14: Provision of Sources for Covid-19 News 

Items Number (N) Percentage (%) 

Strongly Agree 79 65.8 

Agree 41 34.2 

Neutral 0 0.0 

Disagree 0 0.0 

Strongly Disagree 0 0.0 

Total 120 100.0 

 

 

4.5 Lessons Learnt by Listeners of Potters FM (88.3MHz) During the Pandemic 

 



37 

 

4.5.1 Potters FM Helped to Stay Safe 

On the subject of learning to stay safe during the pandemic, 93 respondents strongly agreed 

that Potters FM did help in cultivating this habit. 25 respondents, representing 20.8%, also 

agreed to this narrative. Table 15 below gives the details.  

 

Table 15: Staying Safe 

Items Number (N) Percentage (%) 

Strongly Agree (1) 93 77.5 

Agree (2) 25 20.8 

Neutral (3) 1 0.8 

Disagree (4) 1 0.8 

Strongly Disagree (5) 0 0.0 

Total 120 100.0 

Source: Field Work 2021 

 
 

                           Figure 9: Staying Safe 

 

 



38 

 

 

4.5.2 Anxiety and Uncertainty  

 
                           Figure 10: Anxiety and Uncertainty after Listening to Radio 

Figure 10 gives a pictorial presentation of opinions of respondents regarding increase in 

anxiety and uncertainty levels after listening to radio. High numbers of the respondents 

disagreed with this narrative.   

 

Table 16: Anxiety and Uncertainty from Listening to Radio 

Items Number (N) Percentage (%) 

Strongly Agree (1) 9 7.5 

Agree (2) 6 5.0 

Neutral (3) 3 2.5 

Disagree (4) 30 25.0 

Strongly Disagree (5) 72 60.0 

Total 120 100.0 

Source: Field Work 2021 

 



39 

 

 

4.5.3 Encouraged Relations to Listen to Potters FM (88.3MHz) 

 

                           Figure 11: Encouraged Friends and Family 

 

Table 17: Family and Friends Listening to Radio 

Items Number (N) Percentage (%) 

Strongly Agree (1) 71 59.2 

Agree (2) 27 22.5 

Neutral (3) 21 17.5 

Disagree (4) 1 0.8 

Strongly Disagree (5) 0 0.0 

Total 120 100.0 

Source: Field Work 2021 

A total of 71 responded strongly agreed that they recommended Potters FM to their close 

relations. 27 of them further agreed and none of the respondents disagreed on the topic. 

 

4.5.4 Verification of Sources of News 



40 

 

A close observation of Table 18 below depicts that 69 out of 120 respondents, representing 

57.5% strongly agree that they now verify sources of news items. 25 of them also do the same 

while 23 of them, representing 19.2% remain unchanged. Just 1 respondent strongly disagreed 

to the question asked and 2, representing 1.7% disagreed.  

 

Table 18: Verification of Sources of News for Covid-19 

Items Number (N) Percentage (%) 

Strongly Agree 69 57.5 

Agree 25 20.8 

Neutral 23 19.2 

Disagree 2 1.7 

Strongly Disagree 1 0.8 

Total 120 100.0 

Source: Field Work 2021 

 

                           Figure 12: News Source Verification 

 

4.5.5 Everyone has a Part to Play in the Covid-19 Pandemic 



41 

 

 

Table 19: Everyone has a Part to Play 

Items Number (N) Percentage (%) 

Strongly Agree 87 72.5 

Agree 32 26.7 

Neutral 1 0.8 

Disagree 0 0.0 

Strongly Disagree 0 0.0 

Total 120 100.0 

Source: Field Work 2021 

As displayed in Table 19 above, 72.5% of the respondents strongly agreed that they have learnt 

that, everyone has a part to play to help reduce the rate of infections in the country. 26.7% of 

the respondents agreed that everyone has a part to play in the fight against the pandemic. All 

the respondents were split between “strongly agree” and “agree”. Only 1 respondent remained 

Neutral on this subject.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



42 

 

CHAPTER FIVE 

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 

5.0 Introduction 

This chapter presents summary of the findings of the study, conclusions and recommendations. 

All these are discussed in relation to the literature review and findings of the research in the 

earlier chapters.  

 

5.1 Discussion of Findings 

The study examined some of the sources of misinformation, a couple of misinformation 

circulated during the Covid-19 pandemic, how radio stations responded to the Covid-19 

pandemic and the role they played in disseminating accurate information during the pandemic. 

Specifically, Potters FM (88.3MHz) in the Sunyani Municipality was chosen. The study 

adopted the descriptive type of survey and used questionnaires to gather data from 120 

respondents and the data collected was analysed in-depth under chapter 4 with the use of SPSS 

Software.  

The findings from the study indicated that Social Media and the Internet are a major source of 

misinformation. Though governments, policymakers and health officials rely on Social Media 

and the Internet to communicate to their audience in a timely manner, these tools also remain 

a hotbed for the production, growth and dissemination of misinformation (Han et al, 2014). 

Anyone with a smartphone or computer and an active internet connection can access tons of 

information with just a click of the button. The perpetrators of online fake news do so mainly 

to attract attention in order to increase traffic flow on their sites. Some even use this as an 

advantage to advertise their products and services. Meanwhile, Radio Stations, TV Stations, 

Newspapers and magazines remain trusted and credible sources for people to access and 



43 

 

assimilate information.  Chen (2021) agrees that social media remains a major conduit or vector 

for spreading health misinformation during a public health emergency. Althought the World 

Health Organization (WHO) has launched a new information platform called the WHO 

Information Network for Epidemics, misinformation on social media goes faster and further 

like the viruses that travel with people go faster and further (Zarocostas, 2020) 

The findings also revealed that radio stations have potentials to reach the grassroots. There 

seems to be an abundance supply of radio gadgets in homes, offices, public transport vehicles, 

markets and general public spaces. Key information can be relayed to a large number of people 

through radio and radio even has the capacity to reach places where internet reception proves 

to be in low supply. The portability, convenience, cheap cost and availability of free signals 

make radio a very popular medium in both developed and developing climes. There exist both 

state-owned and privately-run radio stations in most country capitals, other large cities and 

rural areas across Africa (Madmobe, 2005).  

Furthermore, the study indicates that radio stations need to recognize that they have an 

important role to play in promoting public health protocols especially in times as this.  In times 

of pandemic, people resort to trusted news sources for information. Radio stations therefore 

need to adequately prepare and respond during such times. Bazley (2016) affirms the findings 

that radio remains the most widely used mass media in the world. Despite the immense 

popularity of television and the internet, radio still remains the mass medium that reaches the 

widest audience in the quickest possible time. Existing statistics indicate that over 5 billion 

people, representing 70 percent of the total world population have access to radio stations. 

Predictions based on research findings by Nielsen and Deloitte show that people aged between 

18 and 34 will most likely spend more time on radio than watching television by 2025 (Stewart, 

2018). As such, dedicated segments during the news or programme broadcasts are good 

avenues to dispel misinformation about Covid-19.  



44 

 

Additionally, radio stations need to develop new strategies to keep listeners entertained during 

emergency health situations. As a measure to curb the rapid spread of infectious diseases, 

governments may impose restrictions such as lockdowns and partial curfews. During this time, 

anxiety levels as well as boredom may increase in people. As such, entertaining and educative 

programmes on radio stations can keep people engaged throughout the difficult time of 

lockdowns and curfews. Radio broadcasts are a useful means to share public information 

especially to the most remote populations. In rural Africa, people depend on it as their primary 

source of information (UNESCO 2020 Report on Burkina Faso – addicted radio). The study 

also revealed that there is the need for radio stations to adapt their programming and station 

policies to envisage public health emergencies and how well vulnerable citizens can be rightly 

informed, educated and entertained.  

 

5.2 Limitations 

The study could not make generalizations based on the fact that only listeners of Potters FM 

(88.3MHz) in Area 3 were used. As such, the views of these respondents may not necessarily 

reflect the views of all radio station listeners in the region or the country for that matter.  

Again, time constraint factors did not enable the researcher to include other variables which 

would have been equally important in the study. Future researchers could investigate other 

factors related to the consumption of radio station activities especially in times of public health 

emergencies.  

However, the findings of this study are useful for governments, politicians, health 

administrators, policymakers and other radio stations to help them deliver tailor-made activities 

to the public in times of pandemics and other similar situations.  

 



45 

 

5.3 Suggestion for Further Studies 

It is imperative that further research is conducted into the strategies that can be developed and 

implemented to help curtail the spread and circulation of misinformation. Since the major 

source of misinformation, as suggested by this study, is Social Media and Internet, 

policymakers can help draw plans that can regulate the use of these tools in order to make them 

safe while not abusing the rights of people in the quest for a more trustworthy information 

atmosphere.  

Since radio stations play a vital role in disseminating key information to the grassroots, further 

research can be conducted into strategies can be put in place by governments and other groups 

to help cushion radio stations which stand the risk of falling out of business in difficult times 

like pandemics.  

 

5.4 Conclusions 

The information atmosphere has evolved and keeps evolving more rapidly. The capacity of 

people to receive and consume a piece of information has been deepened with technological 

breakthroughs and the proliferation of social media. As such, agencies that have the mandate 

to safeguard the public during emergency health situations should be abreast with tools and 

strategies that are capable of communicating the right messages to vulnerable citizens to help 

prepare them against the threat. The existence of misinformation is real. Even more tangible is 

the threat that misinformation poses to the work of public health officials who work tirelessly 

to bring the situation under control. An enormous work done can just be crumbled with one 

piece of misinformation within a matter of days.  

Anxiety, confusion, mass hysteria and distrust are serious vehicles of misinformation, 

especially in an emergency situation like pandemics. The Covid-19 pandemic has been 



46 

 

characterized with uncertainty and mass hysteria. These have become even more bizarre with 

the spread of fake news, half-truths and unverified stories about the origins and purposes of the 

corona virus and conspiracy theorists about the Covid-19 vaccines. If governments, the media, 

public health authorities and other regulatory bodies, who are in charge of the health of masses 

of people, do not regularly provide information to instil trust in the populace, it’s just a matter 

of time that people fall prey to fake news, hoaxes and conspiracy theories. 

Radio has strong potentials to reach grassroots because it is easily accessible, inexpensive, 

immediate and widespread. Everyone who has a mobile phone nowadays conveniently and 

literally has a radio in the palm of their hand. Most mobile devices are capable of receiving 

radio station frequencies and as such, these potentials must be fully utilized to ensure that 

accurate information is disseminated timely to better equip citizens in order to improve 

preventive behaviours and self-efficacy. Radio station programmes are nowadays aired over 

community information centres and also in public transport vehicles like taxis, buses and mini 

buses (trotro). Public health authorities should therefore take advantage of this and use radio to 

propagate their narrative in a clear and unambiguous language. Dedicated segments during the 

news or programme broadcasts could be good avenues to dispel misinformation about Covid-

19. Radio stations could dedicate ten to twenty percent of news time to informing listeners on 

the latest updates in the fight against the virus. In Burkina Faso for example, Radio Salaki 

dedicates the first five minutes at the beginning of each programme to talk about Covid-19. 

During these dedicated segments, presenters talk about preventing transmission, symptoms and 

other important information (Tellier, 2020).  

This study has clarified that misinformation (fake news, hoaxes, conspiracy theories, half-

truths, etc.) has become a real and present threat to public health. This threat can even transcend 

to damage the economy which thrives on a healthy labour force and the free movement of 

consumers. Radio is identified as have an immense capacity to reach a lot of people and if this 



47 

 

potential can be fully utilized, governments and public health actors can help win this fight. It 

is important to fight this pandemic from the medical and scientific fronts. Equally important is 

the need to fight the accompanying “infodemic” which can crumble our hard-earned scientific 

and medical breakthroughs.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



48 

 

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APPENDIX 

QUESTIONNAIRE 

 

 

GHANA INSTITUTE OF JOURNALISM 

SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES AND RESEARCH 

My name is Hannah Nyame, a student at the School of Graduate Studies and Research 

(SoGSaR) of Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ). This questionnaire is intended to solicit 

information on “Assessing the Role of Radio in Combating Misinformation about Covid-19; 

A Study of Potters FM (88.3MHz) in Area 3 in the Sunynai Municipality of the Bono Region”, 

to be submitted to the Institute in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the award of Master’s 

Degree in Development Communication. The research is solely intended for academic 

purposes. I assure you that the answers provided would be treated as confidential. 

Section A.  Demographic Characteristics  

1. Gender  A) Male  [ ] 

B) Female  [ ] 

 

2. Age   A) 18 – 30 years  [ ] 

B) 31 – 40 years  [ ] 

C) 41 – 50 years  [ ] 

D) 51 and above years  [ ] 

 

3. Education Level  A) Basic Level [ ] 

   B) Secondary Level [ ] 

   C) Tertiary Level [ ] 

 

 

4. Marital  A) Single   [ ] 

B) Married   [ ] 



55 

 

Section B:   SOURCES OF MISINFORMATION 

Kindly indicate the extent to which you agree to each of the following items using a Likert 

scale of 1 – 5 [where 1=Strongly Disagree; 2=Disagree; 3=Neutral; 4=Agree and 5 

=Strongly Agree]. 

 

S/N Statement 1 2 3 4 5 

1 Family and Friends 
     

2 Social Media and the Internet  
     

3 Radio Stations  
     

4 TV Stations 
     

5 Newspapers and Magazines 
     

 

 

Section C:  HOW RADIO STATIONS ARE RESPONDING TO THE PANDEMIC 

Write short answers or tick [√] as applicable where alternative answers are provided. 

1. Were Covid-19 programmes organized by Potters FM during the pandemic? 

Yes [   ] No [   ] 

 

2. Were statistical updates given by Potters FM during the pandemic? 

Yes [   ] No [   ] 

 

3. Did Potters FM play covid-19 safety measures jingles? 

Yes [   ] No [   ] 

 

4. Were Covid-19 related programmes aired at convenient times? 

Yes [   ] No [   ] 

 

5. Did Potters FM organize new programmes to keep listeners entertained? 

Yes [   ] No [   ] 

 



56 

 

Section D: ROLE OF RADIO IN DISSEMINATING ACCURATE INFORMATION 

Kindly indicate the extent to which you agree to each of the following items using a Likert 

scale of 1 – 5 [where 1=Strongly Agree; 2=Agree; 3=Neutral; 4=Disagree and 5 = Strongly 

Disagree]. 

 

S/N Statement 1 2 3 4 5 

1 Key news about Covid-19 was provided on time 
     

2 Ample time was given to the Covid-19 

programmes 

     

3 Language used was clear to understand 
     

4 Health Experts were hosted on the programmes 
     

5 Potters FM provided sources for their news 

about Covid-19 

     

 

Section E: LESSONS LEARNT FROM RADIO DURING THE PANDEMIC 

Kindly indicate the extent to which you agree to each of the following items using a Likert 

scale of 1 – 5 [where 1=Strongly Disagree; 2=Disagree; 3=Neutral; 4=Agree and 5 

=Strongly Agree]. 

 

S/N Statement 1 2 3 4 5 

1 Potters FM helped me to stay safe during the 

pandemic 

     

2 Anxiety and uncertainty increased from 

listening to Potters FM 

     

3 I encouraged family and friends to listen to 

Potters FM 

     

4 I now verify sources of news before re-sharing 

or reposting them 

     

5 Everyone has a part to play to minimize the 

spread of the virus