Radio in Tonga : impact of modern communications technology in a changing traditional society

For more about the East-West Center, see https://www.eastwestcenter.org/This report views radio as a Tongan social institution and attempts to place it into perspective as a vital part of society. It is the result of a six-months' field study, and it also draws on the author's experience as Manager of the Broadcasting Commission, responsible for the day-to-day operation of the medium. The attempt has been made to balance the facts and figures concerning the history and the current organization of radio broadcasting in Tonga, viewed from the production aide of the microphone, with an investigation of how the listeners make use of the radio and how they are affected by it.--Intro.INTRODUCTION -- Radio in everyday life -- HISTORY, CURRENT STRUCTURE, AND SOCIAL CONTEXT OF RADIO -- The establishment of radio broadcasting in Tonga -- Current structure and organization of Tongan Radio -- The role of radio in Tongan society -- Tongan culture: traditions and future trends -- FIELD RESEARCH ON RADIO'S SOCIAL EFFECTS -- The fono: traditional character and contemporary relationship to radio -- The influence of radio on the Tongan language -- The role of radio in migration -- POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS