Radios For Community

Even in today's digital era, the community radios continue to serve the public, disseminating credible and objective news to them. In Nepal, they started to operate in mid-1990s, thanks to opening-up and conducive environment for pursuing journalism unhindered. The community radios acted as catalyst to spread democratic consciousness and spur development at the grassroots.  Now more than 350 channels are in operation, becoming reliable sources of information, education and entertainment for those with limited excess to mainstream broadcast or print media. They serve as a platform for people to share their stories, feelings and viewpoints on the burning issues in the community, besides empowering the local women and addressing local issues considered insignificant by the mainstream media. 

Radio Sagarmatha founded by Nepal Forum of Environmental Journalists (NEFEJ) in 1997 was the first community radio in the country. About 16 to 17 community radios were operating during the time of armed conflict. Getting the license and operating a community radio was a huge challenge back then, but community radios remained undeterred in disseminating news and views to the citizens. They have worked remarkably to promote fundamental rights and freedom of the people, and have played a crucial role in voicing the issues of women, Dalits and marginalised communities. 

Community radios have given impetus to major political transformations in Nepal, be it the democratic movement of 2007 BS or the armed conflict or people’s movement of 2006. In this context, speaking at the silver Jubilee celebration of the community radio Madanpokhara in Palpa, one of the oldest and most prominemt community radios of Nepal, Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma emphasised the significant role of community radios in promoting awareness and bringing social transformation at the grassroots level. 

Amidst the increasing competition and intensive use of information technology, community radios needs to be more focused on interest of local communities. Broadcasting different programmes in various regional languages, these radios have played a vital role in building public awareness. They have played an important role in conflict resolution and peace building endeavours. So, all the concerned stakeholders including the government need to formulate and support policies for the development of community radios. Implementing policies that support the sustainability, independence and effectiveness is crucial for the promotion of community radios. 

Simplifying license obtaining procedures and renewal of license for such radios stations and removing bureaucratic hassles can work for the growth of community radios. Government policies tend to make distinction between profit oriented and non- profit oriented broadcasters. Similar legal and financial obligations apply for both profit making and non-profit radio-stations. Subsidies and incentives need to be provide to the radio stations dedicated for truly informing the communities.  Regulatory frameworks should be designed to protect community radio stations from undue interference while ensuring they adhere to basic broadcasting standards and ethics.

The government should provide financial support, incentives and tax exemption to ensure the sustainability of community radios.  Providing advertisements, sponsorships and supporting fund raising can support them.  The government should launch the programmes to enhance broadcasting and technical skills and capacity building of community radio journalists and technical staff so the stations can air quality contents for the benefits of the audience.