|
What is Community Radio?
A community radio station is one that is operated in the
community, for the community, about the community and by the
community. The community can be territorial or geographical
- a township, village, district or island. It can also be a
group of people with common interests, who are not
necessarily living in one defined territory. Consequently,
community radio can be managed or controlled by one group,
by combined groups, or of people such as women, children,
farmers, fisher folk, ethnic groups, or senior citizens.
What distinguishes community radio from other media is the
high level of people’s participation, both in management and
program production aspects. Furthermore, individual
community members and local institutions are the principal
sources of support for its operation.
Characteristics of Community Radio
Following are the characteristics of community radio:
v
It serves a recognizable community.
v
It encourages participatory democracy.
v
It offers the opportunity to any member of the
community to initiate Communication and participate in
program making, management and ownership of the station.
v
It uses technology appropriate to the economic
capability of the people, not that which leads to dependence
on external sources.
v
It is motivated by community well being, not
commercial considerations.
v
It promotes and improves problem solving.
Principles of Community Radio Operation
a) Access to the facility is the primary step towards
the full democratization of the communication system. People
have access not only to the media products but also to the
media facilities. The feedback channel is always open and
full interaction between the producers and receivers of
messages is maintained.
b) Participation in the production and management of
media is the logical step after access. Citizen’s
participation in radio is allowed at all levels – from
planning to implementation and evaluation of the project. It
involves the citizens in the decision-making process,
including making decisions about the contents, duration and
program schedule. The citizens, or their representatives,
also have a voice in the management and financing of radio
program projects.
c) Self-management of the communication facility
follows participation. Once the community members gain
necessary experience and assimilate the required skills
there is no reason for preventing them from managing and
owning the radio station.
d) Community mandate is the inevitable result of the
process of democratizing the communication system. Community
mandate encompasses not only management but also ownership
of the radio.
e) Accountability is exercised. There is no sense in
having the opportunity to operate, control and manage the
station when accountability is not in the hands of the
managers and broadcasters.
Distinct Features of Community Radio
a) Facilities
A community radio often uses the basic production and
transmission equipment appropriate for the size, needs and
capability of the community. Usual transmission equipment is
comprised of a low-power FM transmitter of 20 to 100 watts.
The production facility can range from a simple tape
recorder or a karaoke playback machine to a simple studio
that consists of an audio-mixer, tape decks, CD player and
microphones. In some facilities a simple loudspeaker or the
community audio tower system (CATS) is used, either
independently or coupled with a transmitter. Technically
speaking, the community audio tower system is not radio.
However, even with its apparent advantages and disadvantages
the CATS serves a purpose similar to that of community
radio. Regardless, the community prepares regular programs.
b) Sources of Support
Much, if not all, of the resources needed for operating the
community radio come from individuals, institutions and
organizations within the community. Private individuals are
motivated to contribute to the station. Various fund raising
schemes such as raffles draws, benefit dances, selling of FM
receiver set are held. Institutional advertisements or
sponsorships or outright donations are accepted. Host
institutions such as schools, foundations, cooperatives,
local government units and religious organizations may
provide backstop support. Resource generation and
appropriate fund raising schemes are planned
and implemented by the station management.
c) Management
The management of a community radio station is entrusted to
the Community Radio Council (CRC). The CRC is a
multi-sectoral body, which obtains its mandate from the
community to run the station. CRC is trained for the purpose
for managing the station. It usually has seven to 25 members
who are representatives from the most important sectors for
the community such as farmers, fishermen, women, youth,
laborers, ethnic communities, educators, and religious
denominations. The members are initially selected from among
wellrespected community leaders on the basis of their moral
integrity, probity and community involvement. Eventually the
council has a right to co-opt new members or replace those
who retire.
The functions of the council include, among other things,
deliberating on the direction and polices of the station,
and making major decisions for the situation.
d) Program Makers
A core of selected community members who have the time,
ability and enthusiasm are chosen to prepare regular
programs. Like the members of the management council, the
program makers are from various sectors of the community.
The program makers undergo training on preparing programs of
various formats such as radio talk, interview, magazine,
music, news, drama, documentary, or plugs. The initial
training normally lasts from two weeks to one month and is
conducted by professionals and people from the academe. The
production of community-oriented participatory programs is
emphasized during the training. The program makers are
volunteers from the community. Although most of them do not
receive honoraria, they undertake the day-to-day operation
of the station. They serve as producers, announcers, hosts,
scriptwriters, news gatherers, technicians and
administrative personnel. Under the leadership of the
designated senior manager, they prepare programs, operate
the equipment, and handle the administrative
responsibilities of the station.
e) Programs
Community radio’s program format is similar to that of a
mainstream radio including news, drama, talk shows,
interviews and magazine. However, in community radio
programs, there is a heavy emphasis on local contents. For
instance a program will feature the availability of
seedlings from local farmers and the price of vegetables in
the market along with public service items. News content
focuses on events coming from the municipality, villages and
local organizations. Discussions centers on issues of local
concern such as ordinances,
bridges that have to be completed, or the setting up of a
factory in the village. Broad participation by community
members is encouraged. There is a dominance of local
language, color and personality in the manner in which
programs are presented. Not only the regular production
group produces programs. Cultural and neighborhood programs
are prepared with a wider involvement from villagers who may
not have formal training in production.
f) Broadcast Hours
The broadcasters and the management council determine the
broadcast hours for a community radio on the basis of the
following:
v
capability and number of trained personnel;
v
availability of electricity or power;
v
technical feasibility;
v
needs of the community/audience;
v
availability of resources necessary for
operation;
v
competition with other radio stations.
With such considerations, community radio normally comes up
with shorter broadcasting hours than commercial or
government or public radio.
Stimulating Community Participation
Community residents can be motivated to participate in
program making by inviting them to neighborhood and village
level production workshops. Peasants, rural women and
unschooled people can be trained in the rudiments of
broadcasting. By bringing production to the rural areas,
radio is demystified for the people of the community. Many
forms of cultural programs and village activities may be
adopted and accommodated in radio programming. After all,
radio is simply people talking with people.
Activities in Setting-Up a Community Radio
Organizing. A core of responsible leaders, initiators
and workers who are convinced of the benefits of community
radio has to be organized.
Research / Evaluation. Baseline research will
determine the socioeconomic situation of the community at
the start of the community radio project. During early
operations a periodic assessment of progress and monitoring
has to be done. Evaluative studies are also called for in
the later stages of operation.
Training. Three groups of people need to acquire
basic skills – the core of managers, program makers and
technicians.
Documentation. With a new communication set up it
will be in the interests of prospective evaluators,
simulators, and adopters to record, on print, film, paper or
video the progress of the community radio.
Installation of equipment. There will be a need to
purchase equipment, construct a studio and put-up a tower.
Qualified electronic engineers and/or technicians are to
perform these tasks.
The importance and positive impact of community radio in any
developing nation are well documented which prove that
community radio is capable of harnising its unique nature of
upholding surpassed voices, practices and traditions. As a
tool for social change, community radio has several
advantages over other media:
a)
It allows true participatory communication. ( which
is essential for sustainable development)
b)
It serves a specific community which is recognizable
development ( as regards its characteristics and needs)
c)
Its programmes are relevant to the community
d)
It is an ideal communication tool for the illiterate
population ( which is still huge in many countries)
e)
It is cost effeicient in terms of investment which
will facilitate is sustainability.
What Can Community Radio Do?
1. Radio for the individual
v
Provides relaxation and entertainment. It
moves people away from their problems and anxieties.
v
Helps to solve problems by providing
information and advice.
v
Widens the horizons of people by stimulating
interest in previously unknown topics.
v
Promotes creativity.
v
Contributes to self-knowledge and awareness,
enabling the listeners to see themselves in relation to
others.
v
Guides social behavior by setting standards
and offering role Models
v
Provides topics of conversation through shared
experience and hence facilitates personal contacts.
v
Allow individuals to exercise choice, make
decisions and act as responsible citizens.
v
Inspires the individual and can move him/her
into action.
2. Radio for the community
v
Speeds up the process of informing the
community and therefore acts as a catalyst of change.
v
Serves as a watchdog on power holders,
affording active relationships between leaders and the
citizens.
v
Helps to approach consensus and to develop
common objectives by providing debate and discussing issues.
v
Exposes options for community action.
v
Enhances artistic and intellectual culture.
v
Brings out and disseminates ideas promoting
diversity and change.
v
Reinforces values to help maintain social
order through the status quo.
v
Offers chance for individuals and groups to
speak to each other, thus developing awareness of a common
membership of community.
v
Mobilizes both private and collective
resources for personal or community needs.
The radio producer may aim to achieve program objectives
along any of the impacts outlined above or by some other
community and individual purpose. He/she should be able to
state his/her program purpose clearly.
Status of
Community Radio
in India
According to
R. Sreedher, Director, Commonwealth Educational Media Centre
for Asia (CEMCA), “Community Radio can be compared to a four
year old child and it is trying to understand the system."
Karthik Panchapakesan of Radio Active agrees with this view
and says that Community Radio is in India a state of
infancy, but he adds that it is also delivering and making
inroads (in some cases headways) in dissemination and
creating awareness of scientific information and
empowerment. According to K. Thangaraj, Chief Co-ordinator,
Kongu Community Radio, "A vast country like India, needs
several thousand Community radios [with the permitted
antenna height (30 m) and power (50 watts)]. Target has been
fixed for 4,000 to 5,000 Community Radio but till now we
have realised only 45. Even these 45 stations are on air
only for a few hours. Once again only a few among these are
really functioning with the aim of serving the Community
More agencies and institutions must come forward to
establish Community Radio in the true spirit. Now that the
government has come forward to permit limited advertising it
is hoped that more service minded organisations may come
forward to set up Community Radio stations. A concerted
effort can bring in more Community Radio in the country." J.
Paul Bhaskar of Pasumai Community Radio, feels that in
India, Community Radio has been limited as the low-powered,
small reach radio. This is because the government
characterises the Community Radio for its limited local
reach and low-power transmission, though Community Radio and
its programming content purely reflects the broad
educational, developmental and cultural needs of the target
Community it serves on micro to macro level. Rahul Joshi,
Assistant Station Head, Vivek Community Radio feels, "
Community Radio in India has got tied up in political
decision making and bureaucracy. We have all the failed to
create awareness among people at the grass root level". This
is established by the fact that there have been hardly 70-80
applications from NGO's for Community Radio and this coupled
with the slow process of decision making is hampering the
growth of Community Radio in the country. He adds that
certain bureaucratic blocks in the decision making process
have to be removed and greater awareness about Community
Radio has to be created.
Amolina Ray
of radio JU (Jadavpur University CR) feels that Community
Radio has great potential that is yet to be tapped. It gives
a platform to the Community to voice their opinion and
Community is easily affordable and accessible, so it can be
developed as a medium for Community interaction on a one to
one basis.
What
are the policy changes you would like to see in the near
future?
Talking about
the policy changes he would like to see in the near future,
Sreedher says, "I would like to see a single window for all
licenses. The WPC must be in a position to simplify
procedures or allow some frequencies to be made available
for free use for this sector. Advertisement policies
including Government advertisements must evolve.
Nationalised banks may come forward to fund capital cost for
these radio stations. Rules must be amended for a campus-
community partnership to apply for licenses. Policies may
be amended to allow a consortium of NGOs to apply for the
license in an operational area."Rukmini Vemraju, Programme
Officer, CEMCA adds, "The spectrum usage fee should be
reduced substantially (if not altogether waived); all
application processes should be available both on-line as
well as off-line for a while and more agencies should be
approved and certified by the government to make
transmitters, so that the current waiting period is cut
down."Speaking about the policy changes the team at Radio
Active would like to see in the near future, Karthik gives
an elaborate list, which includes more wattage power
(minimum 1kw); waivers within conformity; governmental
funding and support; availability of information and
content; accessibility and expertise and resource from
persons; corporate, public, private and people support;
involvement and participation of educational institutions,
ranging from primary to collegiate and specialisation
educational institution,in their immediate and surrounding
geographical area. Paul adds that there are huge investments
in terms of setting up a Community Radio, but the reach only
falls within the one or two blocks of the district. The
government should increase the power of transmitter and the
height of antenna, assessing the performance and functioning
of the Community Radio station. Also, relaxation of certain
rules like fixing the tower in a place where there is scope
for better reach and clarity of receiving can also be added
in the policy. The government can also encourage networking
of Community Radio with Ali India Radio. AIR can help in
training the Community Radio 's human resources and also
enhance the broadcasting power. The power of AIR's towers
or capacities can be utilised in reaching out to more
people. This networking will also help in information or
content development and in providing the best of information
to cater to the real need of the people. According to Paul,
Community Radio stations have the mandate to create
awareness among people and current affairs and various
developments have to be discussed in order to create
democratic values and peaceful conflict resolution methods.
The news presentation within the scope of guidelines may be
allowed for Community Radio. The source could be websites
maintained by Government, and independent news agencies".
According to Amolina Ray of Radio JU, "It would be great if
the procedure for the license is simplified by
decentralisation. We would suggest that the transmitter
wattage should be more flexible in urban areas depending on
the congestion of airways. Support should be provided for
programming concepts, financial advice and technical
problems." Rahul adds, "We could do with a little
improvement, the procedure of applying for a license could
be made easier and the decision making could be a little
quicker. Also the ban on news and current affairs is a
serious concern and it is not consistent with international
laws. So, the ban on news should not be allowed on Community
Radio." Thangraj is of the view that efforts should be made
to popularise Community Radio. These methods should include
government initiatives, in which national, state wise and
regional initiatives of the government should be
communicated to the people through Community Radio. For this
purpose a CR should be given the status of press by the
state governments and any welfare scheme of the government
like NREGA, agricultural information, rural health mission,
mid-day meal scheme, NALSA etc. should be given publicity
through CR. He suggests that whenever a commercial FM or TV
licence is given or renewed it should be made compulsory
that they start at least 2 Community Radio in the
neighbourhood. Also, the Ministry of Panchayatraj and
Ministry of Rural Development should come forward to
encourage Panchayats and rural areas to set up Community
Radio. To increase the number of Community Radio in the
country by at least 500, every University in India and
colleges offering Media Science, Communication or Journalism
courses should compulsorily have their own Community Radio.
According to Thangraj, "Given the large cultural, social,
political and economic diversities in India. It is advisable
to have CR broadcasts relevant to the target Community, that
is, people in the coverage
area of the CR. Instead of following any foreign model it is
better to evolve a brand
'Indian Model' with all the components any Indian citizen
should be aware of."
How has
radio brought about a change in the community you work with?
Elaborating
on how radio has brought about a change in the community,
Sreedher cites a large number of examples from Anna
university, Holy Cross College Tiruchi, Manakula Vinayagar
College, Pondicherry, Kongu Engineering College, Erode,
Vidya Prathistan Baramati, Banasthali Vidyapeeth, Rajasthan,
etc. Anna FM's success in Kottupuram and Kannigapuram is
well documented. At present, CEMCA is facilitating the
Science for Women project of the RVPSP, Government of the,
in 12 radio stations which is a role model for the CRs
situated in educational institutions and is sure to bring
about greater development and awareness in the community.
Pasumai FM
tries to cover all developmental issues and they consider
reaching out to the people as their real success.
Sensitising the community towards social issues and problems
is being achieved through the Pasumai Community Radio. Paul
says, "Pasumai Community Radio deliberately involves
professionals and local people from almost all the fields to
enhance equal participation. Since Community Radio
concentrates more on the problems faced by the oppressed and
suppressed and downtrodden people the representative members
include academicians, social workers, civil society members,
students, youth group, volunteers, farmers, women, etc. on
daily basis in the phone in and live programmes to share the
Community views."Community Radio tells the story of the
people and helps communities striving to speak out and be
heard. Community Radio has provided means of empowerment to
the
Community. It has given children the chance to
speak confidently. It has also helped create awareness about
various issues such as environmental sustainability, social
duties etc. According to Rahul, "Vivek High School's
Community Radio does not only give a chance to children but
also parents, teachers and many more people to voice their
views. Recently, the involvement is increasing among the
people of the Community ." The best thing about Community
Radio is that it is operated by the Community, it speaks for
the Community and is all about the issues of the Community.
Amolina feels that Community Radio has helped bridge the gap
between the listener and the speaker. Everyone actively
participates in conceptualizing the programmes. Community JU
has helped in generating confidence among students. Students
from different educational institutions participate in the
programme. Without slightest hesitation local people, who
were prior listeners, come here to showcase their talent and
ideas. Campus Jamjamat is where they speak their mind.
Children from different schools participate in Shishu Tirtho
where they read their self-composed stories, recite poems.
The Community Radio with which Kongu CR is working is made
up of two large groups - the students of Kongu Engineering
College and the people in an around the college. Hundreds of
students produce and participate in Community oriented
programmes like skits, songs, essays, talk shows, etc.
Producing and presenting programmes increases their
confidence level, boosts their creativity, improves their
communication and develops their personality and civic
sense. The society members also contribute equally to
broadcast programmes of local interest on a variety of
topics. Kongu CR has brought about interaction between the
common people on the one side and professionals like
doctors, engineers, experts, on the other. Live phone-in
programmes have helped the Community interact with local
elected representatives.
Community
members with social bent of mind have started taking keen
interest in the activities of Community Radio and are
producing programmes of local interests like "Mann Vaasanai"
(Local fragrance). According to Thangraj, "Kongu Community
Radio is an important out-reach programme of the college,
serving the customers, the students and the society which it
caters to. The change has been slow but steady and
measurable."Thus, there can be no doubt in the minds of the
people that Community Radio, though still in its early years
in the country, has made a hue difference to the lives of
the people it has touched so far. There are many milestones
that the movement has to cross before it is recognised as a
true medium "of, by and for" the masses. Sreedher sums it
beautifully when he says, "There is no doubt that ultimately
the CRs must be owned by the Community and already steps are
being taken in that direction. No one can give an example of
a Community station absolutely and completely owned by the
people or the Community anywhere in the world. According
to R. Sreedher, Director, Commonwealth Educational Media
Centre for Asia (CEMCA), " Community Radio in India can be
compared to a four year old child and it is trying to
understand the system." Karthik Panchapakesan of Radio
Active agrees with this view and says that Community Radio s
in a state of infancy, but he adds that it is also
delivering and making inroads (in some cases headways) in
dissemination and creating awareness of scientific
information and empowerment. According to K.Thangaraj, Chief
Co-ordinator, Kongu Community Radio, "A vast country like
India needs several thousand Community Radio [with the
permitted antenna height (30 m) and power (50 watts)].
Target has been fixed for 4,000 to 5,000 Community radios
but till now we have realised only 45. Even these 45
stations are on air only for a few hours. Once again only a
few among these are really functioning with the aim of
serving the Community.
What
are the policy changes you would like to see in the near
future?
Talking about
the policy changes he would like to see in the near future,
Sreedher says, "I would like to see a single window for all
licenses. The WPC must be in a position to simplify
procedures or allow some frequencies to be made available
for free use for this sector. Advertisement policies
including Government advertisements must evolve.
Nationalised banks may come forward to fund capital cost for
these radio stations. Rules must be amended for a campus-
community partnership to apply for licenses. Policies may be
amended to allow a consortium of NGOs to apply for the
license in an operational area."Rukmini Vemraju, Programme
Officer, CEMCA adds, "The spectrum usage fee should be
reduced substantially (if not altogether waived); all
application processes should be available both on-line as
well as off-line for a while and more agencies should be
approved and certified by the government to make
transmitters, so that the current waiting period is cut
down."
Speaking about the policy changes the team at RadioActive
would like to see in the near future, Karthik gives an
elaborate list, which includes more wattage power (minimum
1kw); waivers within conformity; governmental funding and
support; availability of information and content;
accessibility and expertise and resource from persons;
corporate, public, private and people support; involvement
and participation of educational institutions, ranging from
primary to collegiate and specialisation educational
institution,in their immediate and surrounding geographical
area. Paul adds that there are huge investments in terms of
setting up a Community Radio, but the reach only falls
within the one or two blocks of the district. The government
should increase the power of transmitter and the height of
antenna, assessing the performance and functioning of the
Community Radio station. Also, relaxation of certain rules
like fixing the tower in a place where there is scope for
better reach and clarity of receiving can also be added in
the policy. The government can also encourage networking of
Community Radio with All India Radio. AIR can help in
training the Community Radio human resources and also
enhance the broadcasting power. The power of AIR's towers
or capacities can be utilised in reaching out to more
people. This networking will also help in information or
content development and in providing the best of information
to cater to the real need of the people. According to Paul,
" Community Radio stations have the mandate to create
awareness among people and current affairs and various
developments have to be discussed in order to create
democratic values and peaceful conflict resolution methods.
The news presentation within the scope of guidelines may be
allowed for Community Radio. The source could be websites
maintained by Government, and independent news agencies".
According to Amolina Ray of Radio JU, "It would be great if
the procedure for the license is simplified by
decentralisation. We would suggest that the transmitter
wattage should be more flexible in urban areas depending on
the congestion of airways. Support should be provided for
programming concepts, financial advice and technical
problems." Rahul adds, "We could do with a little
improvement, the procedure of applying for a license could
be made easier and the decision making could be a little
quicker. Also the ban on news and current affairs is a
serious concern and it is not consistent with international
laws. So, the ban on news should not be allowed on Community
Radio." Thangraj is of the view that efforts should be made
to popularise Community Radio. These methods should include
government initiatives, in which national, state wise and
regional initiatives of the government should be
communicated to the people through Community Radio. For this
purpose a CR should be given the status of press by the
state governments and any welfare scheme of the government
like NREGA, agricultural information, rural health mission,
mid-day meal scheme, NALSA etc. should be given publicity
through CR.
By ,
Ms. Arpita Sharma
PH.D Student
Dept. of Agricultural Communication
G. B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology
Pantnagar – 263145 (Uttarakhand)
Email-Sharmaarpita35@Gmail.com
|
