PRESENT SCENARIO OF COMMUNITY RADIO IN INDIA
PRESENT SCENARIO OF COMMUNITY RADIO IN INDIA
Community radio in India has undergone significant growth and
development since its inception in 2004. As of March 2021, there are more than
300 community radio stations operating in the country, broadcasting in
different languages and serving diverse communities.
Community radio stations in India are typically operated by
non-governmental organizations (NGOs), educational institutions, and community
groups. They are designed to serve the local communities by providing them with
access to information, promoting their culture and traditions, and highlighting
their issues and concerns.
The government of India has played a significant role in
promoting community radio in the country. In 2006, the Ministry of Information
and Broadcasting introduced a policy framework for community radio that aimed
to make it easier for organizations to obtain licenses and set up stations. In
2015, the government further liberalized the policy by reducing the license fee
and extending the license period to 5 years.
Despite these positive developments, there are still
challenges facing community radio in India. One major challenge is
sustainability. Many community radio stations rely on grants and donations for
funding, which can be unpredictable and unsustainable in the long term.
Additionally, there is a lack of skilled personnel and infrastructure, which
can limit the quality and reach of community radio programming.
However, despite these challenges, community radio remains an
important platform for local voices in India. It has provided a space for
marginalized communities to share their stories, opinions, and concerns with a
wider audience. It has also helped to bridge the gap between mainstream media
and local communities, giving voice to those who are often ignored by
traditional media.
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