Role of Indigenous Language Media in Preserving Cultural Heritage in Edo State

This study examines the role of indigenous language media in preserving Edo cultural heritage in Edo State, South South Nigeria. The Edo language and its attendant cultural practices, including traditional oral literature, festivals, and historical narratives, are under threat from English and Pidgin language media dominance and generational language shift among urban youth. This study uses a qualitative methodology combining content analysis of indigenous language programming on Edo Broadcasting Service and community FM stations with in-depth interviews with 18 indigenous language broadcasters, cultural practitioners, and traditional leaders in Benin City, Oredo, and Uhunmwonde local government areas. Focus group discussions with 36 secondary school students assess youth exposure to and interest in indigenous language media content. Findings reveal that Edo language programming accounts for 28 percent of total EBS airtime, concentrated in news bulletins, cultural magazine programmes, and weekly folktale broadcasts. Broadcasters cite declining youth audience engagement with Edo language content as a major challenge, attributed to the dominance of English and Pidgin in youth social networks. However, programmes incorporating contemporary music with Edo lyrics and youth presenters attract significantly higher listenership among younger audiences. Traditional rulers advocate for increased media time for oral history documentation and festival coverage. The study concludes that indigenous language media plays a vital but threatened cultural preservation role in Edo State. It recommends expanded indigenous language programming with contemporary formats, youth presenter involvement, and formal partnership between EBS and Edo State cultural institutions.

Keywords: indigenous language media, cultural heritage, Edo State, broadcasting, language preservation.