MUMBAI GETS RADIO-ACTIVE Ayesha Nair, 5 April 2009, Mid-Day http://mid-day.com/news/2009/apr/050409-Bandra-Association-Community-Radio-Mumbai-news-Bandra-to-Mahim-activism-free-speech.htm
Mumbai: Bandra association finally gets community radio sanctioned; empowers areas from Juhu to Mahim. It now has the license to talk and make its voice heard Next time you make a comment about the apathetic nature of the public, think again. The ever-active citizens from the Khar-Bandra-Santacruz area have pursued, and received, a letter of intent (LOI) to launch their own community radio station. This would not be the first community radio station in the country but definitely the first of its kind in the city. Many educational institutions, NGOs and civil society organisations across the country run community radio channels. The Mumbai University runs a successful community radio station on 107.8 FM. FROM MAHIM TO JUHU Union Park Residents' Association (UPRA) is a step closer to receiving a license to begin their community radio station. They hope to have the station, which will beam from Pali area, up and running by June. Their frequency would cover the area from Mahim to Juhu. Traditionally, a community radio service caters to the interests of those within a certain geographic area and fill in the need for localised information that large radio stations overlook. However, the intent is to make listeners aware and keep them informed about the happenings in their area. 13-14 AGENDA-DRIVEN SHOWS The basis of UPRA's community radio station is similar. Says senior citizen Navin Chandra, who is spearheading this initiative, "We have 13-14 varied programmes that will concentrate on issues like water and electricity conservation, health, and education." Radio jockey Brian Tellis who is putting together content for the station, says, "The language of communication will be English, Hindi and Marathi. Programmes will be geared towards the environment, city and how we can respect the space we live in and better it." Environmentalist Darryl D'Monte says it will give a voice to the people: "Decision makers need to listen to them (the public). Ward officers can hardly look at a website." Corporator Adolf D'Souza thinks the radio station is a way forward: "Like any means of communication, it's a powerful medium. People want to know what is happening in their locality. It is also a novel way of keeping people informed and definitely a step forward." MP Priya Dutt who has supported this initiative believes it is a great platform for people to communicate with their representatives and have discussions with leaders. "Electoral awareness can be created. People can be made aware of the role of the corporator and the MLA. They can also have discussions with electoral representatives," she says. Keeping authorities in check A radio station of this nature will help keep authorities in check. Listeners would be aware of issues like roads who are the builders, contractors, what is the deadline and what progress has taken place, thus ensuring credibility and swift work. The station might have the backing of a political leader but Tellis says that it will not have a political agenda or political affiliations. Entertainment might find its way on to the station but it would not be entertainment for entertainment's sake. He also hopes that the famous names that reside in Bandra and Juhu will come on board but reiterates that it would be agenda-driven and not personality. BRINGING COMMUNITIES TOGETHER Like the name suggests, community radio plays an important part in bringing together the various sections and communities that are their listeners. The Mahim-Juhu area which will receive this station has a variety of communities and those involved with the station hope to bring them together. Tellis says, "The purpose is to build community. It will reach out to all demographics and communicates with the different strata of society." However, there is skepticism about the initiative as well. Activist Teesta Setalvad says, "If it is consistent and effective it can become a pressure group but the question is, would it be an inclusive one that caters to all sections of the neighbourhood community or only one? Are such associations concerned with salaries we pay our domestic help? What about provident fund and medical? Are they bothered about the conditions of work for the panwalla and the dudhwalla and schooling of their children? That would be a truly inclusive community." THEY NEED MONEY Since the dynamics of the listeners is varied, basing it on an exciting model of a community radio station would not have worked in their favour. So the model was built to suit the interests of these communities. However, a fair bit of research was undertaken and social surveys were conducted, says Tellis. The process, though, was tough. The letter of intent was granted after a year of application. Chandra says, "It is quite a difficult and time-consuming process. The ministries are in Delhi and you have to apply there. It has taken us more than a year (to receive the LOI)." Such a proposition is also expensive. URPA might have the backing of local leaders but they are falling short on funds. "The station cannot run on a few thousand chips. You have to hire staff and equipment. Not many are ready to support the initiative (financially). There is resistance," says Chandra. TRAINING COMMUNITIES Nomand India Network is a non-government affiliated organisation that helps set up community radio stations across the country. It's a group of five individuals spearheaded by Hemant Babu and its outreach coordinator is Michelle Chawla. Nomand India Network provides institutions with training, assistance in setting up studios and provides them with affordable equipment. Chawla says, "We strongly believe that content should be locally driven. The government aims to have community radio in rural areas. Many local musicians approach these stations. It also generates employment and educates people in technology. "The UPRA did approach us and visit our centre in Dahanu for training but it was a while ago." She believes that there is a great space for community radio as there is no diversity among the regular stations. Chawla lists the crucial parameters laid down by the government for community radio stations: >>50 per cent of the content should be locally generated >>The Effective Radiated Power (ERP) should be 100 watts, which on a flat surface covers 10-12 kms >>The height of the mast should be 30 metres from the ground 'IT'S A GREAT BOON'' Ashish Jagtiani, aka Jaggu, radio jockey on 94.3 Radio One speaks about commercial and community radio: "Firstly, let's get rid of the notion that commercial radio and community radio are competitors; far from it. Done well, they could complement each other. If commercial radio is local to the city, community is as local as a suburb. Commercial radio allows you to play the newest songs, get the who's who, create some great productions and ideally make some money. "Community radio stations have a more specific geography to cover and needn't have to make money. Community radio allows you to focus on civic and municipal issues specific to your area; it helps in spreading learning and education. It could be a forum to resolve local issues. It's a great boon to learn more about your immediate community. "Because of budget constraints and licensing issues, they may not play all the hit songs and the big guests that commercial radio does. But that allows them to innovate, get in new bands and promote local talent. Commercial and community radio put together gets you your daily dose of music, fun, awareness and education."
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