'Role of community radio incomparable in social mainstream'

Lalitpur, Feb 13: Community radio played a significant role in the political change of different periods, protecting democracy, creating public awareness and in disaster management. However, it is now struggling for existence. 

Speaking at a programme organised by Association of Community Radio Broadcasters Nepal here on Tuesday on the occasion of World Radio Day, stakeholders shared that community radio is struggling for its existence due to the advancement and increasing use of information technology. 

On the occasion, Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat mentioned that the media played a significant role in establishing freedom of expression and the rule of law after the political change of 1990. 

He explained that there is a big challenge in the commercial development and sustainability of community radios. "Social platforms have reduced the use of radio and television. So there are negative impacts on their business. People's interest in radio is decreasing and radio has been finding difficulty to get advertisements", stressed Minister Mahat.

The Finance Minister added that the Finance Ministry had already given consent for the exemption of renewal fees and royalties as demanded by community radio operators. 

He expressed commitment that the state would take the initiative to protect the radio, which played a crucial role in making the general people aware.

Similarly, Vice-Chairperson of Lumbini Province Planning Commission, Dr Nahakul KC, pointed out that radio should change their working style for its effectiveness in this era of information technology, saying radio has a significant role in social empowerment and mainstream. 

"There is a drastic change in the communication sector after the restoration of democracy. The role of radio in social empowerment is incomparable. A separate model for the operation of community radio being away from political affiliation is necessary", he underscored.  

KC shared that the Lumbini province government has forwarded different activities including accident insurance of media persons, and the establishment of the Communication Registrar Office. 

Likewise, the President of the Federation of Nepali Journalists, Bipul Pokharel, emphasized that community radio should compete with media based on information technology and internet and broadcast content meeting the local's expectations for their existence. 

Chairperson of the Advertisement Board, Laxman Humagain, mentioned that community radio could identify their targeted audiences, stressing that community radio should keep local content in priority while Chairperson of ACORAB, Arjun Giri, said there should be an exemption on the import of radio equipment and royalty determined for radio. (RSS)