No subject

instrumental role in the campaing for community radio in India. Ashish Sen,
who heads this non-governmental campaign group, explains key issues. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: Why, in your view, has community radio taken so long to come to
India?
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Despite the recent emergence of private radio, Government policy in the
country has indicated a bias towards media control. Unfortunately, for
various reasons, radio has suffered the most severe fall out.

After SITE (India's much talked-about satellite education project), radio
was by and large put onto the backburner. The emphasis on television since
the 'eighties, has, not surprisingly, had an adverse reaction on promoting
radio culture among the general public.

The community component in community radio has not received adequate
emphasis. This has weakened community radio from developing as a movement.
We tend to invariably end up talking to the converted.

Proponents of community radio have talked about the need for community radio
as a Rights issue. But we've not been able to sufficiently articulate its
need by demonstrating hands on experiences from communities .

This relative absence of a "hands on emphasis" has weakened efforts at
political and legal advocacy. Perhaps we need to emphasise the relevance of
community radio both as a development and a rights issue.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: Is the palpable official fear of radio -- by secessionists,
militants or subversive elements -- a valid fear?
----------------------------------------------------------------------

In as much as any other media could be misused .

----------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: How could the government ensure against such possible misuse?
----------------------------------------------------------------------

By  putting forward  and implementing constructive and realistic regulatory
mechanisms and a code of ethics.

The Constitution of India could be used as a benchmark for implementing this.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: Could you cite examples abroad where misuse of such radio outlets
has been minimised, without muzzling the channel?
----------------------------------------------------------------------

No example comes to mind in an absolute context, but to some extent the
Phillipines and Nepal.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: What do you foresee as unfolding over the community radio front in
India over the next few years -- a gradual opening up, the complete blocking
of community radio, the petering out of this debate, or some other scenario?
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Given sufficient demonstrable models which are backed by effective
networking and advocacy, I'd like to believe that there would be a gradual
opening up.

Strategic public/community-private partnerships could accelerate this
process. The emergence of mixed media models (combining radio and the Net)
would also play a role in the opening up process.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: What, in your view, would be the most suitable strategy for
campaigners wanting to legalise community radio broadcasting in India?
----------------------------------------------------------------------

(i) Strengthen efforts at networking, particularly political and legal
advocacy .

(ii) Walk our Talk.  Demonstrate efforts in community participation in radio
by strategically engaging/collaborating with existing spaces in AIR and GYAN
VANI.

(iii) Endorse the need for community radio as a development issue as well .
Strengthen this by advocating a three tiered scenario for radio -- (1)
government radio (2) private radio and (3) community radio.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: Why, if at all, should radio has a special relevance to a country like
India?

----------------------------------------------------------------------
After more than 50 years we remain to effectively straddle the problem of
literacy. Radio, for obvious reasons, would be a particularly relevant
medium. Radio is affordable, and accessible to more than 96 per cent of the
country .

---------------------------------------------------------------------->
QUESTION: With TV, cable TV and the Internet appearing to have a headstart
in the consumer's mind today, does continuing to focus on radio make
sense? If so, why?
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Yes. Given appropriate marketing  and awareness efforts, radio has the
potential to capture the public (urban and rural) imagination. (Private FM
station) Radio City's recent operations in Bangalore would reinforce this
point.

AIR's recent FM  activities in Bangalore have also strengthened its
listenership. Radio is both affordable and accessible. This is especially
significant in the rural context, where connectivity often is an issue.

At the same time, we should constructively exploit the emergence and
popularity of the media (video and net) and develop *appropriate* mixed
media models.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: Can universities play a role in promoting non-commercial,
development-oriented radio broadcasting in India at this stage?
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Yes. GyanVani's recent operations is a case in point.

FOOTNOTE: Ashish Sen can be contacted at Voices <voices at vsnl.com>