Voice and Publics in West African Radio: 'Grogneurs' as Media Activists Bénin: 133

An examination of the grogneurs, frequent callers to radio shows in the Republic of Benin, investigating their motives, issues and public position. »First caller, good morning« – this is how a famous radio show in Bénin begins. Callers can express their concerns on almost any topic of public life, if they do so precisely and politely. These programs are called grogne, and listeners can denounce grievances. Grogne programs are media dramas with typical rhetoric and interaction rituals. The most frequent callers to these programs, the grogneurs, have become committed media activists. Tilo Grätz examines their topics, motives, strategies, and public position. Based on field research, he offers scholars of African Studies new understandings of media change in West Africa, and provides non-specialists with comprehensible insights into vibrant debates in this region of the continent.