Community Radio

Overview

Community radio represents an important opportunity for development practitioners working in rural India. SOVA is working with UNICEF and with Ideosync Media Combine (as a technical partner) to create and manage a community radio station in Chappar Village of Umuri Panchayat of Koraput district. The station’s programming will cover more than 60 villages including Koraput NAC township in a 15 km radius by air.

Why community radio?

• Despite technological advances in communications (e.g. satellite television, internet), radio is still the most popular and affordable mass medium available to those in remote rural areas.
• Community radio implies active participation of the communities in the planning and production activities of the radio broadcasts. In this way, the programming is an expression of the community itself.
• Local events and educational programs can greatly enhance transparency.
• Radio can provide information about ongoing development projects. Better knowledge of these projects promotes higher levels of participation and ownership and discourages corruption.
• For cultures with a strong oral tradition and for the many villagers who are illiterate, radio programming is especially vital for connectivity.
• Radio programs created by and for local tribes help to honor and preserve their cultural identity.

SOVA Activities

Preparation

• In 2009, a communication needs assessment was completed. Information collected from 579 people in 15 villages determined knowledge and skills, tracked information and entertainment sources, and gauged areas of interest and expectations.
• Field and studio recording equipment and tape recorders for narrowcasting were procured.
• The station was built on land donated by SOVA.
• SOVA facilitated the lengthy process of application for a license.

Training and Content Development

• 12 community reporters, 3 field supervisors, and a project coordinator were recruited from the local villages where programming is targeted. Training was given on reporting and interviewing techniques, equipment operation, and programming effectiveness.
• Community reporters have worked to develop a cache of 10 to 15 minutes programs.
• Exposure visits were organized to villages in the operational area.
• Narrowcasting is underway in all 63 villages.