[cr-india] Query - what is the definition of Community.

[Pasha]

Hi,
(In response to Ramanarayan's query)

Community in the context of CR is that group of people whom the broadcast is
addressed to and with whose active participation the processes of program
planning, production, management and broadcast is taking place.

Yes, when we broadcast over the airwaves, it is not like a house magazine
which published for private circulation. The programs are available freely
on the particular frequency, and any body tuning in the frequency can listen
to the program. But, when the programs are planned and broadcast, a
perception of what is called 'primary audience' is kept clearly in mind.
This gives a clear perspective of content, message, nature of participation,
style of program making etc. The programs are addressed to a particular
'community' as predetermined, and is fully responsible and answerable to
that community.

The concept of 'primary audience' is further works with a group of community
associated with a CR. Say for example, it is a CR run by a Federation of
Women's SHGs, and there is a program in its content and style of production
is specifically addressed to young women in the community; then 'young
women' in the community become the primary audience, and others in the
community become the 'secondary audience'. This exclusivity (or inclusivity
or focus) is essential in making the programs more focused and relevant.   


Any body out the ambit and scope of CR and in the broadcast zone of the CR
can also listen to the program. (and CR should know this and be aware of the
impact it is likely to make on the 'outside-th- community' community.)

For example, Kelu Sakhi (run by IT for Change-Mahila Samakya Karnataka,
Mysore, and broadcast over Gyan Vani channel of Karnataka State Open
University,) is not a CR only in terms of how it is reaches it audience.
Otherwise in its nature and participation IS community radio program. Kelu
Sakhi is addressed to about 180 Women SHGs under MS Karnataka in three
taluks of Mysore district. Only about 3,500 women are its
participant/audience. Each and every program bit broadcast in Kelu Sakhi is
focusedly addressed to these primary stakeholders. The programs are
publicized in the other parts of the community and general public. Intention
is to make them listen(they are anyway free to listen, as well) and
understand what the Kelu Sakhi women have to say about various things, some
times and the institutions, procedures, processes concerning them. For
example, govt. officials, bank functionaries, gram panchayats etc would
learn the perspective of these women around them. 

But, most of the time, when NGOs are thinking of establishing CRs, they are
having entire population coming under their jurisdiction, rather than their
project participants. For the fear of CR not being 'vailable'  they plan
their programs and objectives to address to 'general audience' rather than
to specific community of listeners. In such case they are likely fail in the
purpose of a CR and run a mini AIR station in their zone. 

Regards,
Abdul Rehman Pasha    

-----Original Message----- From: cr-india-bounces at sarai.net
[mailto:cr-india-bounces at sarai.net] On Behalf Of ramnarayan.k at gmail.com
Sent: Monday, October 22, 2007 8:32 PM
To: cr-india
Subject: [cr-india] Query - what is the definition of Community.

Hi

What would be the definition of  a community (as a group of people) vis a 
vis CR. I ask this in the larger context of NGO's, that are working on 
other issues and are now adopting CR as a medium among others.

The medium of CR after delivery (or broadcast) is not exclusive and is 
open to a wide audience, While the project mode of many development 
NGO's is fairly focussed and target (specific people group) oriented. 
The reason i am seeking clarity and understanding is that during various 
discussions (not only at the CR workshop) some people (and 
representatives of organizations) were wondering how CR could be used to 
address (exclusively) a particular group within their geographical 
broadcast radius. (an example : Like a CR station for women shg's only 
!!! or another for health issues and health workers only)

I am not sure that the exclusivity strategy adopted in other programmes 
will be effective or even be advisable in CR. Because its one thing to 
plan and develop for particular group but another to try exclude 
listening participation and the subsequent indirect participation and 
subterranean feeling of being left out.

Of course there will be some clear demographic divisions of audiences as 
well as the priority of NGO's, of the broadcasts and of the group 
(community) most active in developing the programmes. But am not sure 
how it will work with this fairly "public medium".

Am not clear and think this is an "issue" so look forward to clearer 
thoughts on this.

regards
ram




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