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MUMBAI: The I&B ministry has joined hands with the United
Nations has kicked off a seminar that brings together Community
Radio Operators in the India at Indian Institute of Mass Communication.
National Consultation aims to raise awareness about the processes
involved in community radio (CR) licensing in India; showcase
different models/experiences of CR in South Asia and contextualise
it to the Indian situation and highlight crucial aspects of
programming, operation and management and sustainability of
community radio stations (CRS).
Secretary (I&B), Shri S. K. Arora anticipates that in the
next few years 4000-5000 community radio stations will spring
up in India and that it would help the community radio operators
(practicing and potential) in India to understand different
aspects from others' experience.
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.
Arora said "The Indian Government has been extremely
supportive of NGOs functioning. Mass media factor had been
missing in this support. This gap will be filled up by community
ratio operations."
"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.
Unesco director, division for communication development W.
Jayaweera in his keynote address said that community radio
is all about community engagement by harmonizing local potential.
"CRS can prove to be an excellent tool for managing plurality
in a society and fostering the democracy."
UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative
Maxine Olson 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.
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