Release of Community Radio Compendium and Documentary Film on Community Radio Movement in India developed by CEMCA

Shri Anurag Thakur, Hon’ble Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Govt. of India inaugurated the two-day Regional Community Radio Sammelan (North) at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication in New Delhi on June 23. During the inauguration ceremony, he conferred 8th and 9th Community Radio Awards and released the Compendium of Community Radio Stations in India. A documentary film on the Community Radio Movement in India, which was developed by Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (CEMCA) was also released on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the Minister said that Community Radio Stations play a key role in realizing the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Jan Bhagidari se Jan Andolan. These stations compliment the efforts of Akashvani and have played a key role in keeping their listeners informed during calamities. He expressed hope that the awards will encourage others to foray into this field. With the application process now online on Broadcast Seva Portal and connected to Saral Sanchar Portal, the Community Radios are benifitting from the eased-out process. He further stressed the vision of Prime Minister that there should be a Community Radio station in each district, and this should further percolate to one in every Block.

A presentation presented by Ms. Monica Sharma, CEMCA, on the development of Compendium of Community Radio Stations in India highlighted the process, the challenges, lessons learnt and recommendations for the future. The Community Radio Compendium shall serve as a comprehensive document comprising all the relevant details of the Community Radio Stations in the country and therefore, be a rich reference source for all the potential stakeholders.