[cr-india] Community radio explosion expected in India, officials

[sajan venniyoor]

Community radio explosion expected in India, officials
http://www.indiaradiobulletin.com/view.php?newsid=85

New Delhi, 7 March: The National Consultation for Community Radio Operators in India opened yesterday with a declaration that India could have up to 5,000 community radio stations in the next few years. And that number could rise, according to 
I&B Ministry secretary S. K. Arora, who inaugurated the two-day event.

Organised by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting in collaboration with the United Nations, the consultations aimed, among other things, to raise awareness about the processes involved in community radio (CR) licensing in India. 

The event also showcased different community radio models/experiences in South Asia and highlighted crucial aspects of programming, operation and management and sustainability of community radio stations (CRS), according to the Information and Broadcasting Ministry. 

Arora said that it would help the community radio operators (practicing & potential) in India to understand different aspects from others’ experience. 

He said that in the next few years 4,000-5,000 community radio stations were anticipated in India. Considering the number of villages, the number could rise much more in the future, he added. 

Arora said the Indian Government has been extremely supportive of NGOs functioning, although mass media factor had been missing in this support. 

This gap will be filled by community ratio operations, he added. 

He also said NGOs had been producing community-related programmes, which were until now aired on All India Radio. 

"Despite having the message, carrying it up to the local populace had been a constraint for NGOs. Community radio stations would bridge this gap and NGOs would be in a position to reach out to the target audience of their own."

"Community radio focuses on low cost and low return pattern of operations, which are aimed at educating and entertaining the community using their own idioms and language in contrast to the private FM radio which is primarily driven by entertainment and business considerations, he added. 

Mr. W. Jayaweera, Director, Division for Communication Development, UNESCO, in his keynote address said that community radio is all about community engagement by harmonising local potential. 

He felt that CRS can prove to be an excellent tool for managing plurality in a society and fostering the democracy. He highlighted the Australian experience in this regard and said that new entrants can learn from it. Ms. Maxine Olson, UN Resident Coordinator & UNDP Resident Representative in her remarks said that UNESCO is training 150 personnel for Radio Banasthali in Rajasthan. She also referred to the support being lent by United Nations in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka in the setting up of CRS there. 

The two-day Workshop will have different sessions related to the operational, organizational, programme and technical aspects concerning the community radio in India with a view to facilitate the existing as well as prospective community radio operators in the country. 
   
      
Date: 07-03-2007  

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