Narrowcasting Innovation Model for Extension Projects during the New Normal

Abstract

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions on face-to-face training and mass gatherings impacted extension activities aimed at transferring knowledge and technology to beneficiaries. This study developed a narrowcasting innovation model based on radio-based instruction and digital innovation to address these challenges. Implemented as the BukSU Bayanihan IEC Initiative Kontra COVID-19, the model transitioned extension training to radio-based modalities augmented by social media live streaming. The mixed-methods approach involved quantitative feedback via Google forms and qualitative insights from interviews and focus group discussions. This methodology effectively captured participant satisfaction, knowledge gain, and practical application across nine dimensions of the new normal, including Health and Wellness, Governance and Management, and Education. The initiative aired 40 radio episodes, which, when live-streamed on Facebook, reached 66,389 views and 143,056 people. Impact evaluation revealed high levels of satisfaction, knowledge gain, and practical application, with respondents reporting significant improvements in personal hygiene, governance, mental health coping strategies, and media literacy skills. The integration of digital platforms facilitated real-time feedback and engagement, ensuring continuous adaptation and responsiveness to community needs. The model’s success underscores its potential for broader application in extension programs, particularly in crisis situations where traditional interactions are limited. This study provides valuable insights for enhancing extension services under restrictive conditions, demonstrating the narrowcasting innovation model’s efficacy and scalability.
Keywords: Narrowcasting, innovation model, new normal, community engagement, radio-based instruction

References

Barasch, A., & Berger, J. (2014). Broadcasting and narrowcasting: How audience size affects what
people share. Journal of Marketing Research, 51(3), 286-299. https://doi.org/10.1509/jmr.13.0238

Bertello, A., Ferraris, A., De Bernardi, P., & Bertoldi, B. (2022). Challenges to open innovationin traditional SMEs: An analysis of pre-competitive projects in university-industry-government collaboration. International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, 18(1), 89–104. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11365-020-00727-1

Ciriello, R., Richter, A., & Schwabe, G. (2018). Digital innovation. Business & Information Systems Engineering, 60(6), 563-569. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12599-018-0559-8

Deroncele-Acosta, A., Palacios-Núñez, M. L., & Toribio-López, A. (2023). Digital transformation and technological innovation on higher education post-COVID-19. *Sustainability, 15 (3),2466. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032466

Flera, A. (2003). Mass media communication in Canada. Thompson Nelson.

Goncalves, J., Kostakos, V., & Venkatanathan, J. (2013). Narrowcasting in social media: Effects and perceptions. In *Proceedings of the SIGCHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems* (pp. 1539-1548). https://doi.org/10.1145/2492517.2492570

Legendre, F., Lenders, V., May, M., & Karlsson, G. (2008). Narrowcasting: An empirical performance evaluation study. In Proceedings of the 3rd International Workshop on Challenged Networks (CHANTS ‘08).

Li, Y., Zhang, X., Dai, D. Y., & Hu, W. (2021). Curriculum innovation in times of the COVID-19 pandemic: The thinking-based instruction theory and its application. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 601607. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.601607

McBurnie, C. (2020). Expert consultation: Learning through radio and television in the time of COVID-19.EdTechHub.https://docs.edtechhub.org/lib/YRC7UKWE/download/4CQXQRSY/ McBurnie_2020_Expert%20Consultation.pdf

UNESCO. (2013). UNESCO | Statistics on radio. Retrieved from http://www.unesco.org/new/en/ unesco/events/prizes-and-celebrations/celebrations/international-days/world-radio-
day-2013/ statistics-on-radio

UNESCO. (2020). Learning through radio and television in the time of COVID-19. Retrieved
from https://en.unesco.org/news/learning-through-radio-and-television-time-covid-19

USAID. (2017). Philippines: National demographic and health survey. Retrieved from https://
dhsprogram.com/pubs/pdf/FR347/FR347.pdf
Published
2024-12-30

Most read articles by the same author(s)