Showing posts with label community radio. Show all posts
Showing posts with label community radio. Show all posts
Transforming Women’s Lives Through Radio and TV
Swapna Majumdar, CNS Special Correspondent
In 2008, in De Mugogo, an impoverished village in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), voices of women were heard for the first time on a community radio-- Radio Bubusa FM was the first community radio set up by women in DRC’s South Kivu province. The radio station, exclusively for rural women, shared information on health, violence against women, HIV/AIDS, and food security with a community that had never before listened to a radio.
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| Photo Credit: Swapna Majumdar |
Broadcast Launch of Community Radio in Lalitpur
Alapur, Birdha Block, Lalitpur: Community Radio (CR) achieved another milestone on 3rd September 2010. Its first Community Radio (CR) station 'Lalit Lokwani' went on air in Uttar Pradesh (UP) state, India, and officially began its broadcast to over 80 villages in Lalitpur district of Budelkhand region. A combined effort of UNICEF, Ideosync Media Combine and Sai Jyoti, a Laitpur based NGO, the region's first radio station was jointly put on air by Ranvir Yadav, District Magistrate (DM Lalitpur, Jugal Kishore, Joint Director Bharatendu Natak Academi UP and well known theatre personality who also recently made an appearance in Amir Khan's Peepli Live and Rajeshwari Chandrashekar, Programme Manager, UNICEF Lucknow at a gala function organized at the Lalit Lokwani station in Alapur. Read more
Turn off the Diabetes Tap - Turn Media on!
Turn off the Diabetes Tap - Turn Media on!
Diabetes is one disease that can be influenced by the consumption of unhealthy foods. There are approximately 285 million or roughly 7% of the world’s adult population affected by diabetes. The use of media tools on health care promotions and campaigning is growing but much more needs to be done to ensure that more positive messages reach a greater number of people in the world. The media can be used as a tool to spread disease prevention messages.
"Either we spend all our time mopping the floor, or we get up and turn off the tap," said
Professor Jean Claude Mbanya, the new president of International Diabetes Federation (IDF) during the 20th World Diabetes Congress held in Canada.
The most effective way to turn off the flowing diabetes tap from flooding all over is to give education to people as the slogan of World Diabetes Day this year focusing on 'Understand Diabetes and Take Control', says. There is a need to influence people to be concerned about what they eat so that they can prevent the onset of diabetes.
It has to be a big poke to get all attention. The fastest way is turning the mass media spotlight on the disease. However, in Chiang Mai, Thailand, as in many parts of the world, the media often fail to give adequate attention to the problem of diabetes.
Apichai Mathavaphan, a senior radio announcer and news reporter of MCOT Broadcast Chiang Mai FM 100.75 Mhz. explained that, "There are 13 main Radio Stations in the Chiang Mai, 13 FM stereo and 2 AM, which belongs to Government. And under the new Institution Law 1997 - there are 329 new community radio stations registered in Chiang Mai, 80 - 90 of them are broadcasting radio program daily at the moment."
"The benefit of this is Chiang Mai people can have more choices to listen to what they really like, on the other side some people might not be able to reach the good programmes because there are too many on the radio" said Siripong Wattanapaiboon Director of GSSM Radio Station Broadcast, FM 91.75 Mhz.
"When there are too many radio stations broadcasting at the same time, sometimes it interrupts the other channels and the problem is lack of quality control," said Rattanaporn Suvagodha, Vice Director of Voice of Mass Communication Chiang Mai University FM 100 Mhz.
Despite the fact that Chiang Mai has so many open channels to communicate with audiences including newspapers, television stations, radio stations and other media, many of the outlets lack funding and depend on sponsorship from businesses. As a result, they give very little attention to health-related issues.
"There is not enough health programmes on radio. The DJs themselves don't have deep knowledge about diseases. They are not doctors. They might read something from the newspaper, search online or invite the experts," said Siripong. "When diabetes and other non-communicable diseases which are causing many deaths each year are now increasingly perceived as major issues in society, the media is turning to new diseases such as 'Virus H1N1'. That is how real issues impeding people's health like diabetes have been forgotten" he added.
"In the past, often the media have focused on diabetes campaign a week or two before start of an event without giving continuous education or updating people on prevention efforts. We often talk about things when it's too late. Considerable damage has been caused already by then," said Yanyong, the Head of Radio National of Thailand, Chiang Mai, Thailand. "This way it's like 'building the fence for the lost cow" said Yanyong.
According to Nopniwat Krailerg, Editor of LannaThai-news newspaper in Chiang Mai, media organizations were not in touch with health organizations which campaign on diabetes-related issues.
"We do not often receive any updated information from government or organizations themselves on health issues, if you send something good to us that I find interesting why will I not share it with other people" he said.
"I've been working on health radio program for 8 years and 9 months. I could say that changing people's consumption behaviour is very hard," added Apichai. "In the next few years Thailand will have more elders in society than ever before, because the number of elders is going up to 20% of our population, owing to increase in life expectancy and decline in birth rates among other factors. We have to ask the government and policymakers how much they are prepared for this eventuality" he added.
"The challenges in our work is funding," said Yanyong Somchit, Director of National Radio Thailand (Chiang Mai) while Jareat Hommak, Head of Siang Sam Yod Radio Station also express his concerned at the same point, "The government and policy makers should support the media sector much more than this, people especially with low incomes still listen to radio for information but I think the government doesn't give enough importance to media yet."
"I think we need to make people understand that actually diabetes and non communicable diseases are not far from them, and we should use all media to give education to people, also set up campaign or activities in the community and school to support as well," said Sayomporn Ano the Head of Rajchabhat Collect Radio Station Chiang Mai. "Whoever have media on their hands and know how to use it efficiently their work would be easily successful." he said.
Media and health organizations need to work together to provide more information about diabetes. The use of media can potentially assist many people to know about the disease, ways to prevent it and existing services and approaches to take better care of people living with certain conditions like diabetes.
"Either we spend all our time mopping the floor, or we get up and turn off the tap," said
Professor Jean Claude Mbanya, the new president of International Diabetes Federation (IDF) during the 20th World Diabetes Congress held in Canada.
The most effective way to turn off the flowing diabetes tap from flooding all over is to give education to people as the slogan of World Diabetes Day this year focusing on 'Understand Diabetes and Take Control', says. There is a need to influence people to be concerned about what they eat so that they can prevent the onset of diabetes.
It has to be a big poke to get all attention. The fastest way is turning the mass media spotlight on the disease. However, in Chiang Mai, Thailand, as in many parts of the world, the media often fail to give adequate attention to the problem of diabetes.
Apichai Mathavaphan, a senior radio announcer and news reporter of MCOT Broadcast Chiang Mai FM 100.75 Mhz. explained that, "There are 13 main Radio Stations in the Chiang Mai, 13 FM stereo and 2 AM, which belongs to Government. And under the new Institution Law 1997 - there are 329 new community radio stations registered in Chiang Mai, 80 - 90 of them are broadcasting radio program daily at the moment."
"The benefit of this is Chiang Mai people can have more choices to listen to what they really like, on the other side some people might not be able to reach the good programmes because there are too many on the radio" said Siripong Wattanapaiboon Director of GSSM Radio Station Broadcast, FM 91.75 Mhz.
"When there are too many radio stations broadcasting at the same time, sometimes it interrupts the other channels and the problem is lack of quality control," said Rattanaporn Suvagodha, Vice Director of Voice of Mass Communication Chiang Mai University FM 100 Mhz.
Despite the fact that Chiang Mai has so many open channels to communicate with audiences including newspapers, television stations, radio stations and other media, many of the outlets lack funding and depend on sponsorship from businesses. As a result, they give very little attention to health-related issues.
"There is not enough health programmes on radio. The DJs themselves don't have deep knowledge about diseases. They are not doctors. They might read something from the newspaper, search online or invite the experts," said Siripong. "When diabetes and other non-communicable diseases which are causing many deaths each year are now increasingly perceived as major issues in society, the media is turning to new diseases such as 'Virus H1N1'. That is how real issues impeding people's health like diabetes have been forgotten" he added.
"In the past, often the media have focused on diabetes campaign a week or two before start of an event without giving continuous education or updating people on prevention efforts. We often talk about things when it's too late. Considerable damage has been caused already by then," said Yanyong, the Head of Radio National of Thailand, Chiang Mai, Thailand. "This way it's like 'building the fence for the lost cow" said Yanyong.
According to Nopniwat Krailerg, Editor of LannaThai-news newspaper in Chiang Mai, media organizations were not in touch with health organizations which campaign on diabetes-related issues.
"We do not often receive any updated information from government or organizations themselves on health issues, if you send something good to us that I find interesting why will I not share it with other people" he said.
"I've been working on health radio program for 8 years and 9 months. I could say that changing people's consumption behaviour is very hard," added Apichai. "In the next few years Thailand will have more elders in society than ever before, because the number of elders is going up to 20% of our population, owing to increase in life expectancy and decline in birth rates among other factors. We have to ask the government and policymakers how much they are prepared for this eventuality" he added.
"The challenges in our work is funding," said Yanyong Somchit, Director of National Radio Thailand (Chiang Mai) while Jareat Hommak, Head of Siang Sam Yod Radio Station also express his concerned at the same point, "The government and policy makers should support the media sector much more than this, people especially with low incomes still listen to radio for information but I think the government doesn't give enough importance to media yet."
"I think we need to make people understand that actually diabetes and non communicable diseases are not far from them, and we should use all media to give education to people, also set up campaign or activities in the community and school to support as well," said Sayomporn Ano the Head of Rajchabhat Collect Radio Station Chiang Mai. "Whoever have media on their hands and know how to use it efficiently their work would be easily successful." he said.
Media and health organizations need to work together to provide more information about diabetes. The use of media can potentially assist many people to know about the disease, ways to prevent it and existing services and approaches to take better care of people living with certain conditions like diabetes.
Jittima Jantanamalaka
[The author is the Director of Jay Inspire and produces radio programmes for FM radio stations in Thailand]
[The author is the Director of Jay Inspire and produces radio programmes for FM radio stations in Thailand]
This article also published in:
The New Nation – Bangladesh
Medindia.net
Modern Ghana
Diabetes Journal
Citizen News Service (CNS), India/Thailand
Bihar and Jharkhand News Service (BJNS)
Medindia.net
Modern Ghana
Diabetes Journal
Citizen News Service (CNS), India/Thailand
Bihar and Jharkhand News Service (BJNS)
Submissions to the 3rd Laadli Media Awards for Gender Sensitivity 2010-11 (India) open
Population First and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) have invited entries for the third UNFPA – Laadli Media awards for Gender Sensitivity (ULMAGS) across various regions in India for 2010-2011.
The award has been instituted to acknowledge, highlight and celebrate the commendable efforts undertaken by various media to support gender-just perspectives. The media pieces include advertising, print media, television, radio, documentary, internet and blog, that challenge dominant social stereotypes, analyse social, economic and political development from the viewpoint of gender.
Entries are accepted from journalists contributing news features, investigative stories, editorials, op-eds and columns in individual category and media houses on gender issues in English and many Indian languages. Articles/reports should have been published / displayed / broadcast or televised between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010. The deadline for receipt of submissions is 1st November, 2010 for southern and western regions and 1st January, 2011 for northern and eastern regions.
For the e-brochure, entry form and contacts, click here.
The award has been instituted to acknowledge, highlight and celebrate the commendable efforts undertaken by various media to support gender-just perspectives. The media pieces include advertising, print media, television, radio, documentary, internet and blog, that challenge dominant social stereotypes, analyse social, economic and political development from the viewpoint of gender.
Entries are accepted from journalists contributing news features, investigative stories, editorials, op-eds and columns in individual category and media houses on gender issues in English and many Indian languages. Articles/reports should have been published / displayed / broadcast or televised between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010. The deadline for receipt of submissions is 1st November, 2010 for southern and western regions and 1st January, 2011 for northern and eastern regions.
For the e-brochure, entry form and contacts, click here.
2009 UNICEF ICBD Regional Award winner children in media spotlight
2009 UNICEF ICBD Regional Award winner children in media spotlight
Kulsum Mustafa
LUCKNOW: September 25, 2009: They trooped in with an air of confidence. There were 20 of them. From ages six to 14. Proud winners of the UNICEF Regional Award for International Children's Day of Broadcasting (ICDB). The All India Radio (AIR) children's programme team was accompanied by their mentor and senior AIR programme producer, Ms Archana Prasad. The radio team which had recently won international laurels had been invited to the UP Press Club with the media fraternity at the bi-monthly "Media for Children," programme jointly hosted by Media Nest and UNICEF, the former a forum of media
professionals.
Also present were the UNICEF communication specialist, Augustine Veliath, and one of the resource person for the radio programme that won the award, Dr Nautiyal, a scientist. The children, expert at handling the microphone, shared their experiences about the making of this special radio programme that had won them this prestigious international award and brought honour and recognition to the radio station.
ICDB is a day set aside each year to celebrate children's broadcasting and encourages young people to get involved in television and radio broadcasting. The 2009 ICDB theme was, "Unite for Children: Tune in to Kids."
The ICDB award was instituted 19 years ago. This is for the first time that AIR Lucknow has won it. A grand award ceremony is slated for 10 November 2009, in New York, where the regional award winners will be honoured and out of these regional awards one international winner will be declared as the global winner.
Besides India the other regional winners in the race for this international honour are Bangladesh, Brazil, Cambodia, Germany, Ghana, Kenya, Malaysia, South Africa, Suriname, Togo and
Ukraine.
The US based jury judged the entries between June and August 2009. The entries were evaluated by teams of broadcasters, radio and television experts and communications specialists. The judges looked at content, execution and year-round youth participation.
AIR Lucknow’s entire two hour programme broadcast on March 1, had been conceptualized, prepared and presented by children for this special broadcasting day. Later an edited version of 30 minutes was prepared which was send as an entry for the competition to New York.
It was an email message of Stephen Cassidy, Chief of UNICEF's Internet, Broadcast and Image Section, to Ms Prasad that carried the happy news. It read, "We are thrilled with broadcasters’ dedication to the ICDB and children's programming. We are inspired by the diversity and creativity these broadcasters exhibit in celebrating UNICEF's mission to involve young people in the media-making process. Children around the world reap the benefits of their commitment."
The mail went on to say how the ICDB was launched in 1991 to encourage broadcasters worldwide to create awareness for children's issues and takes place the first Sunday in March. On that day, youth write, report, produce and present programs that allow them to reach a wide audience with their thoughts on the issues that affect them. The next ICDB will take place on 7 March 2010.
"We put in our best but we never even dreamt that we would be getting this award," said an elated Tuhina, the anchor kid for the radio programme.
"It was lovely to face the media, get ourselves photographed and interviewed," said Gauri, Children's programme anchor. Tuhina said that all the while they had been conducting the interviews; this was for the first time that they were interviewed.
"It was a great feeling when my friends and teachers called up after reading the news and seeing our pictures in the newspaper. The news sunk in then," said Anshuma who is a student of class ninth. Wanting to become a software engineer for him radio will remain a part of his life no matter what he does in life.
"The quality of the programme speaks volume for the talent of the children. AIR never won an award simply because it never participated in the competition before. They made a good programme and forgot about it. They entered the competition for the first time and won,” said Mr Veliath who persuaded the programme team to send in their entry for the competition.
Expressing happiness at this great honor Ms Archana Prasad who will go to US to receive the award on behalf of the team gave full credit for this award to the children who had put in a lot of labour.
"I think it were the two interviews that the children had done with the slum children and with Dr Nautiyal for 'our planet Earth' that must have impressed the jury," said Ms Prasad when asked about the highlights of the programme sent for the competition.
Wrapping up the programme Ms Kulsum Talha, senior journalist and secretary general Media Nest said, "Media Nest and entire media fraternity applauds the great achievement of these bright kids and wishes them more success in life."
Kulsum Mustafa
(The author is a senior journalist and Secretary-General of Media Nest)
Kulsum Mustafa
LUCKNOW: September 25, 2009: They trooped in with an air of confidence. There were 20 of them. From ages six to 14. Proud winners of the UNICEF Regional Award for International Children's Day of Broadcasting (ICDB). The All India Radio (AIR) children's programme team was accompanied by their mentor and senior AIR programme producer, Ms Archana Prasad. The radio team which had recently won international laurels had been invited to the UP Press Club with the media fraternity at the bi-monthly "Media for Children," programme jointly hosted by Media Nest and UNICEF, the former a forum of media
professionals.Also present were the UNICEF communication specialist, Augustine Veliath, and one of the resource person for the radio programme that won the award, Dr Nautiyal, a scientist. The children, expert at handling the microphone, shared their experiences about the making of this special radio programme that had won them this prestigious international award and brought honour and recognition to the radio station.
ICDB is a day set aside each year to celebrate children's broadcasting and encourages young people to get involved in television and radio broadcasting. The 2009 ICDB theme was, "Unite for Children: Tune in to Kids."
The ICDB award was instituted 19 years ago. This is for the first time that AIR Lucknow has won it. A grand award ceremony is slated for 10 November 2009, in New York, where the regional award winners will be honoured and out of these regional awards one international winner will be declared as the global winner.
Besides India the other regional winners in the race for this international honour are Bangladesh, Brazil, Cambodia, Germany, Ghana, Kenya, Malaysia, South Africa, Suriname, Togo and
Ukraine.
The US based jury judged the entries between June and August 2009. The entries were evaluated by teams of broadcasters, radio and television experts and communications specialists. The judges looked at content, execution and year-round youth participation.
AIR Lucknow’s entire two hour programme broadcast on March 1, had been conceptualized, prepared and presented by children for this special broadcasting day. Later an edited version of 30 minutes was prepared which was send as an entry for the competition to New York.
It was an email message of Stephen Cassidy, Chief of UNICEF's Internet, Broadcast and Image Section, to Ms Prasad that carried the happy news. It read, "We are thrilled with broadcasters’ dedication to the ICDB and children's programming. We are inspired by the diversity and creativity these broadcasters exhibit in celebrating UNICEF's mission to involve young people in the media-making process. Children around the world reap the benefits of their commitment."
The mail went on to say how the ICDB was launched in 1991 to encourage broadcasters worldwide to create awareness for children's issues and takes place the first Sunday in March. On that day, youth write, report, produce and present programs that allow them to reach a wide audience with their thoughts on the issues that affect them. The next ICDB will take place on 7 March 2010.
"We put in our best but we never even dreamt that we would be getting this award," said an elated Tuhina, the anchor kid for the radio programme.
"It was lovely to face the media, get ourselves photographed and interviewed," said Gauri, Children's programme anchor. Tuhina said that all the while they had been conducting the interviews; this was for the first time that they were interviewed.
"It was a great feeling when my friends and teachers called up after reading the news and seeing our pictures in the newspaper. The news sunk in then," said Anshuma who is a student of class ninth. Wanting to become a software engineer for him radio will remain a part of his life no matter what he does in life.
"The quality of the programme speaks volume for the talent of the children. AIR never won an award simply because it never participated in the competition before. They made a good programme and forgot about it. They entered the competition for the first time and won,” said Mr Veliath who persuaded the programme team to send in their entry for the competition.
Expressing happiness at this great honor Ms Archana Prasad who will go to US to receive the award on behalf of the team gave full credit for this award to the children who had put in a lot of labour.
"I think it were the two interviews that the children had done with the slum children and with Dr Nautiyal for 'our planet Earth' that must have impressed the jury," said Ms Prasad when asked about the highlights of the programme sent for the competition.
Wrapping up the programme Ms Kulsum Talha, senior journalist and secretary general Media Nest said, "Media Nest and entire media fraternity applauds the great achievement of these bright kids and wishes them more success in life."
Kulsum Mustafa
(The author is a senior journalist and Secretary-General of Media Nest)
Regional Award to AIR broadcast on dreams of rag-pickers and homeless children
Regional Award to AIR broadcast on dreams of rag-pickers and homeless children
NEW DELHI, 18 September 2009 – A broadcast on the hopes and dreams of rag-pickers and homeless children by All India Radio (AIR) Lucknow has won the International Childre
n's Day of Broadcasting (ICDB) Regional Award.
ICDB is a day set aside each year to celebrate children’s broadcasting and encourages young people to get involved in television and radio broadcasting. The 2009 ICDB theme, "Unite for Children: Tune in to Kids," asked children to explore what they care about and what are their values, fears and dreams.
"I am very happy. I am speechless," said Archana Prasad, the chief producer of the Lucknow program called "Kids Tune in to Us." Other broadcasts included programs on classical singing and "Our Planet Earth." The children have worked so hard."
The winner of the 2009 ICDB Awards will be announced at an awards ceremony dinner at The Modern on 10 November 2009 in New York. The awards are given by UNICEF for outstanding commitment to the ICDB by television and radio broadcasters.
"We are thrilled with broadcasters' dedication to the ICDB and children's programming," says Stephen Cassidy, Chief of UNICEF's Internet, Broadcast and Image Section. "We are inspired by the diversity and creativity these broadcasters exhibit in celebrating UNICEF's mission to involve young people in the media-making process. Children around the world reap the benefits of their commitment."
The nominees each won a regional competition and now go on to compete for global honors. This year's nominees come from Bangladesh, Brazil, Cambodia, Germany, Ghana, India, Kenya, Malaysia, South Africa, Suriname, Togo and Ukraine and represent the best work produced in 2009.
Regional judging took place between June and August and entries were evaluated by teams of broadcasters, radio and television experts and communications specialists. The judges looked at content, execution and year-round youth participation.
The ICDB was launched in 1991 to encourage broadcasters worldwide to create awareness for children’s issues and takes place the first Sunday in March. On that day, youth write, report, produce and present programs that allow them to reach a wide audience with their thoughts on the issues that affect them.
Other winners included ATN Bangla (Bangladesh, "Voice of Children"), Cambodia National Television (CNT) ("Youth Today"), Citizen TV (Kenya, "Angel's Cafe"), Surinaamse Televisie Journaal (STVS) (Suriname, "10 minuten Jeugd Journal," created and produced by The Backlot), Télévision Togolaise (TVT) (Togo, "A Nous la Planete) and Studio 'Razom' (Ukraine, "Big Secrets").
The ICDB Regional Prizes for radio went to Rádio Justiça (Brazil, "Sintonize as Crianças na Rádio Justiça"), EUCHIRA (Germany, "Kids from Germany Meet Kids from the Balkans"), Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (Ghana, "UNIIQ Curious Minds / Gems of our Time"), TRAXXfm, Radio Televisyen Malaysia ("Tune in to Kids") and Maputaland Community Radio Station (South Africa, "Zisize Children’s Radio Project").
The 2008 ICDB Award for Television went to China Central Television (CCTV) for their program "On the Road." The 2008 ICDB Award for Radio went to Ghana Broadcasting Corporation for their program "Curious Minds."
The next ICDB will take place on 7 March 2010 with the theme "All Children All Rights."
Photo Credits and captions:
Photo 1: Tuhina the ten year old was among those who took over the Lucknow Radio Station on the International Children's Day of Broadcasting. (Photo credit: AIR, Lucknow)
Photo 2: Some of the ICDB participants with their mentor and guide Archana Prasad (6th from left) a senior programmer with AIR Lucknow. ( Photo credit: AIR, Lucknow)
Published in:
Citizen News Service (CNS)
Elits TV, USA
Wikio News
World News Report
Human Right Today
Inbox Robot, USA
News4u
Redioandmusic
NEW DELHI, 18 September 2009 – A broadcast on the hopes and dreams of rag-pickers and homeless children by All India Radio (AIR) Lucknow has won the International Childre
n's Day of Broadcasting (ICDB) Regional Award.ICDB is a day set aside each year to celebrate children’s broadcasting and encourages young people to get involved in television and radio broadcasting. The 2009 ICDB theme, "Unite for Children: Tune in to Kids," asked children to explore what they care about and what are their values, fears and dreams.
"I am very happy. I am speechless," said Archana Prasad, the chief producer of the Lucknow program called "Kids Tune in to Us." Other broadcasts included programs on classical singing and "Our Planet Earth." The children have worked so hard."
The winner of the 2009 ICDB Awards will be announced at an awards ceremony dinner at The Modern on 10 November 2009 in New York. The awards are given by UNICEF for outstanding commitment to the ICDB by television and radio broadcasters.
"We are thrilled with broadcasters' dedication to the ICDB and children's programming," says Stephen Cassidy, Chief of UNICEF's Internet, Broadcast and Image Section. "We are inspired by the diversity and creativity these broadcasters exhibit in celebrating UNICEF's mission to involve young people in the media-making process. Children around the world reap the benefits of their commitment."
The nominees each won a regional competition and now go on to compete for global honors. This year's nominees come from Bangladesh, Brazil, Cambodia, Germany, Ghana, India, Kenya, Malaysia, South Africa, Suriname, Togo and Ukraine and represent the best work produced in 2009.
Regional judging took place between June and August and entries were evaluated by teams of broadcasters, radio and television experts and communications specialists. The judges looked at content, execution and year-round youth participation.
The ICDB was launched in 1991 to encourage broadcasters worldwide to create awareness for children’s issues and takes place the first Sunday in March. On that day, youth write, report, produce and present programs that allow them to reach a wide audience with their thoughts on the issues that affect them.
Other winners included ATN Bangla (Bangladesh, "Voice of Children"), Cambodia National Television (CNT) ("Youth Today"), Citizen TV (Kenya, "Angel's Cafe"), Surinaamse Televisie Journaal (STVS) (Suriname, "10 minuten Jeugd Journal," created and produced by The Backlot), Télévision Togolaise (TVT) (Togo, "A Nous la Planete) and Studio 'Razom' (Ukraine, "Big Secrets").
The ICDB Regional Prizes for radio went to Rádio Justiça (Brazil, "Sintonize as Crianças na Rádio Justiça"), EUCHIRA (Germany, "Kids from Germany Meet Kids from the Balkans"), Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (Ghana, "UNIIQ Curious Minds / Gems of our Time"), TRAXXfm, Radio Televisyen Malaysia ("Tune in to Kids") and Maputaland Community Radio Station (South Africa, "Zisize Children’s Radio Project").
The 2008 ICDB Award for Television went to China Central Television (CCTV) for their program "On the Road." The 2008 ICDB Award for Radio went to Ghana Broadcasting Corporation for their program "Curious Minds."
The next ICDB will take place on 7 March 2010 with the theme "All Children All Rights."
Photo Credits and captions:
Photo 1: Tuhina the ten year old was among those who took over the Lucknow Radio Station on the International Children's Day of Broadcasting. (Photo credit: AIR, Lucknow)
Photo 2: Some of the ICDB participants with their mentor and guide Archana Prasad (6th from left) a senior programmer with AIR Lucknow. ( Photo credit: AIR, Lucknow)
Published in:
Citizen News Service (CNS)
Elits TV, USA
Wikio News
World News Report
Human Right Today
Inbox Robot, USA
News4u
Redioandmusic
Bringing in winds of change through Radio Ga Ga
Bringing in winds of change through Radio Ga Ga
Anjali Singh
Lucknow: 32 years old Kanshiram undergoes a complete transformation as he goes behind the microphone talking to his listeners on the Community Radio (CR). Formerly a bus
conductor who used to ferry passengers to and fro from the remote village of Lalitpur, today he works as a radio jockey (RJ) at the newly set up community radio station here. "I can't believe I am now a RJ broadcasting and anchoring radio programmes. It gives me an immense sense of satisfaction that I am doing something for the society. What makes it even more meaningful is the fact that I get to see the real issues through my work and and also provide solutions for it."
Sentiments that are also echoed by Sunita Chandel, a village housewife, she is now one of the twelve community reporters the radio station has, “It was unheard of until now that a daughter-in law of the village, would be actually recording programmes, editing, reporting and getting involved in solving women related issues. Initially there were lots of questions and refusals to grant permission at home but once my family and society realised how productive the work was they gave their permission."
Interestingly both Kanshiram and Sunita are part of a new era in communication, one that was much needed until now. But then the concept of community radios has long been the demand of rural India, so much so that today it is a reality. Predictably doubling up as a medium of entertainment and an effective mode of information and
awareness, the first community radio station in Lalitpur, UP is all set to go on air soon.
An initiative of department of Planning, Government of Uttar Pradesh (UP), UNICEF office for Uttar Pradesh and Ideosync Media Combine, community radio is being geared up as an important means of community outreach. Not only in the state of UP but Uttarakhand too. Jharkhand, Gujrat and Bihar these conventional radio stations have been making waves ushering in a change no other form of communication could achieve so far.
But will it work as a powerful mode of information dissemination for the community by the community?
Mr Tapas Datta, Programme Manager, UNICEF elucidates,"The few examples we have seen so far on how community radio can be used as a powerful tool of information and awareness goes on to prove that it is now become an integral part of democratic process. It is like a double edged sword which focuses not only on the interactive roles of individual shaping lives of people but at the same time facilitating a more horizontal spread of information which is ushering in a remarkable change in behaviours and attitudes."
And with Lalit Lokvani, situated 22 km from Lalitpur in Alapur village of Birdha block, making a beginning with over a lakh eager listeners within its 15 km transmission range covering 60 villages, radio will never be the same again. While dry run has been initiated the actual transmission will start after getting the license from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting soon, the station has been granted the frequency at 90.4 Megahertz.
And what programmes will the villagers get to hear?
Says Mridul Srivastava, station director of Lalit Lokvani, “Community radio is the real voice of the people, it is a communication service that caters to the interests and needs of a certain area, its culture, craft, cuisine and above all social and development issues. Most of our programmes will have participants from within the village community itself. In fact the narrow casting has been so successful that we are getting requests by the local candidates of various political parties to campaign for them through our community radio station.”
Adds Mazboot Singh, Community Reporter, Lalit Lokvani, Lalitpur, UP, recounting his experiences on how CR station in Lalitpur helped bringing about women empowerment "Lalit Lokvani proved to be a powerful motivator for the local women to come and participate in the radio programmes and also campaign for their rights and rights of the community as a whole. Though we are yet to start broadcasting the demand for our programmes are so high that we are narrow casting even now."
But what is extraordinary is that the community radio stations are doubling up as nerve centres in the villages of Uttarakhand and Jharkhand as well.
Citing examples of how their community radio station 'Mandakini Ki Awaaz' in Uttarakhand was raising relevant issues, Manvendra Negi, Station Manager of the community radio station elaborated, "Community radio can be used to solve many issues of social and cultural nature simply as it involves active participation of the community. As its a collaborative effort of SSGs, NGOs, gram panchayats and community reporters the impact it has is far more lasting than any other medium. Every social issue and government run programmes for the benefit of the community gets attention and information reaches those who need it most. What more can a communication media ask for?"
Darmyan Rana, Station Manager, 'Hevalvani' a community radio station also in Uttarakhand explains how their community radio station was also using the local cable network to disseminate information and programmes to the community.
"Using photographs as the background we run programmes with audio provided by our CRs and it has been very well received. The two pronged approach of CR thus makes it doubly meaningful for community outreach programmes as the imapct of visuals are always more."
But does CR have a impact to address social evils like corruption?
"Why not," says Suresh Kumar, Programme Coordinator, AID Jharkhand and Radio Vikalp, Garwha, a community radio initiative, "Take the example of programmes like Chala Ho Gaon Mein, which addresses topical issues of the village community. Here matters of violence, women rights and even corruption are addressed regularly specuially now with the elections around the corner. I feel the community radio is not only a cheap and best option for rural outreach programmes but is also pro poor as it helps fight for solidarity justice and good governance. Through the folk songs and dramas that we produce we have managed to do away with social evils and superstitions, raise child labour issues, highlight corruption and campaign against illetracy etc. Awareness and information about AIDS, Polio, Malaria and TB have also been addressed through our CR programmes."
Making a mention of the utility the community radio can have for disseminating information of govt policies and schemes, Kumar further says,"CRs can support the govt efforts to spared awareness about their schemes and policies and at the same time also help educate the community about the how they can benefit from these policies. As far as we have seen the impact of the policies through listenership of CR is higher than publicity material the government has printed so far."
Now that's what we call making waves and literally!
Anjali Singh - Citizen News Service (CNS)
(The author is a senior journalist and Director of Saaksham Foundation. Email: saakshamforchildrights@gmail.com)
[Photo credit: Anjali Singh]
Photo captions:
Top photograph: Reporters and RJs planning a programme meeting.
Middle photograph: The team of reporters and producers at the Community Radio Station at Lalitpur, all members were picked up from the adjoining villages.
Bottom photograph: A community Radio Jockey presenting a programme for villagers in UP
Published in
Op-Ed News (OEN), USA
Bihar and Jharkhand News Service (BJNS)
Media for Freedom, Kathmandu, Nepal
Anjali Singh
Lucknow: 32 years old Kanshiram undergoes a complete transformation as he goes behind the microphone talking to his listeners on the Community Radio (CR). Formerly a bus
conductor who used to ferry passengers to and fro from the remote village of Lalitpur, today he works as a radio jockey (RJ) at the newly set up community radio station here. "I can't believe I am now a RJ broadcasting and anchoring radio programmes. It gives me an immense sense of satisfaction that I am doing something for the society. What makes it even more meaningful is the fact that I get to see the real issues through my work and and also provide solutions for it."Sentiments that are also echoed by Sunita Chandel, a village housewife, she is now one of the twelve community reporters the radio station has, “It was unheard of until now that a daughter-in law of the village, would be actually recording programmes, editing, reporting and getting involved in solving women related issues. Initially there were lots of questions and refusals to grant permission at home but once my family and society realised how productive the work was they gave their permission."
Interestingly both Kanshiram and Sunita are part of a new era in communication, one that was much needed until now. But then the concept of community radios has long been the demand of rural India, so much so that today it is a reality. Predictably doubling up as a medium of entertainment and an effective mode of information and
awareness, the first community radio station in Lalitpur, UP is all set to go on air soon.An initiative of department of Planning, Government of Uttar Pradesh (UP), UNICEF office for Uttar Pradesh and Ideosync Media Combine, community radio is being geared up as an important means of community outreach. Not only in the state of UP but Uttarakhand too. Jharkhand, Gujrat and Bihar these conventional radio stations have been making waves ushering in a change no other form of communication could achieve so far.
But will it work as a powerful mode of information dissemination for the community by the community?
Mr Tapas Datta, Programme Manager, UNICEF elucidates,"The few examples we have seen so far on how community radio can be used as a powerful tool of information and awareness goes on to prove that it is now become an integral part of democratic process. It is like a double edged sword which focuses not only on the interactive roles of individual shaping lives of people but at the same time facilitating a more horizontal spread of information which is ushering in a remarkable change in behaviours and attitudes."
And with Lalit Lokvani, situated 22 km from Lalitpur in Alapur village of Birdha block, making a beginning with over a lakh eager listeners within its 15 km transmission range covering 60 villages, radio will never be the same again. While dry run has been initiated the actual transmission will start after getting the license from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting soon, the station has been granted the frequency at 90.4 Megahertz.
And what programmes will the villagers get to hear?
Says Mridul Srivastava, station director of Lalit Lokvani, “Community radio is the real voice of the people, it is a communication service that caters to the interests and needs of a certain area, its culture, craft, cuisine and above all social and development issues. Most of our programmes will have participants from within the village community itself. In fact the narrow casting has been so successful that we are getting requests by the local candidates of various political parties to campaign for them through our community radio station.”
Adds Mazboot Singh, Community Reporter, Lalit Lokvani, Lalitpur, UP, recounting his experiences on how CR station in Lalitpur helped bringing about women empowerment "Lalit Lokvani proved to be a powerful motivator for the local women to come and participate in the radio programmes and also campaign for their rights and rights of the community as a whole. Though we are yet to start broadcasting the demand for our programmes are so high that we are narrow casting even now."
But what is extraordinary is that the community radio stations are doubling up as nerve centres in the villages of Uttarakhand and Jharkhand as well.
Citing examples of how their community radio station 'Mandakini Ki Awaaz' in Uttarakhand was raising relevant issues, Manvendra Negi, Station Manager of the community radio station elaborated, "Community radio can be used to solve many issues of social and cultural nature simply as it involves active participation of the community. As its a collaborative effort of SSGs, NGOs, gram panchayats and community reporters the impact it has is far more lasting than any other medium. Every social issue and government run programmes for the benefit of the community gets attention and information reaches those who need it most. What more can a communication media ask for?"
Darmyan Rana, Station Manager, 'Hevalvani' a community radio station also in Uttarakhand explains how their community radio station was also using the local cable network to disseminate information and programmes to the community.
"Using photographs as the background we run programmes with audio provided by our CRs and it has been very well received. The two pronged approach of CR thus makes it doubly meaningful for community outreach programmes as the imapct of visuals are always more."
But does CR have a impact to address social evils like corruption?
"Why not," says Suresh Kumar, Programme Coordinator, AID Jharkhand and Radio Vikalp, Garwha, a community radio initiative, "Take the example of programmes like Chala Ho Gaon Mein, which addresses topical issues of the village community. Here matters of violence, women rights and even corruption are addressed regularly specuially now with the elections around the corner. I feel the community radio is not only a cheap and best option for rural outreach programmes but is also pro poor as it helps fight for solidarity justice and good governance. Through the folk songs and dramas that we produce we have managed to do away with social evils and superstitions, raise child labour issues, highlight corruption and campaign against illetracy etc. Awareness and information about AIDS, Polio, Malaria and TB have also been addressed through our CR programmes."
Making a mention of the utility the community radio can have for disseminating information of govt policies and schemes, Kumar further says,"CRs can support the govt efforts to spared awareness about their schemes and policies and at the same time also help educate the community about the how they can benefit from these policies. As far as we have seen the impact of the policies through listenership of CR is higher than publicity material the government has printed so far."
Now that's what we call making waves and literally!
Anjali Singh - Citizen News Service (CNS)
(The author is a senior journalist and Director of Saaksham Foundation. Email: saakshamforchildrights@gmail.com)
[Photo credit: Anjali Singh]
Photo captions:
Top photograph: Reporters and RJs planning a programme meeting.
Middle photograph: The team of reporters and producers at the Community Radio Station at Lalitpur, all members were picked up from the adjoining villages.
Bottom photograph: A community Radio Jockey presenting a programme for villagers in UP
Published in
Op-Ed News (OEN), USA
Bihar and Jharkhand News Service (BJNS)
Media for Freedom, Kathmandu, Nepal
Village Community Radio will give voice to people's issues
Village Community Radio will give voice to people's issues
"Community radio is the real voice of the people, it is a communication service that caters to the interests and needs of a certain area, its culture, craft, cuisine and above all social and development issues," said Mridul Srivastava, the station director of 'Lalit Lokvani'.
'Lalit Lokvani', is a village community radio planned to be operational in Lalitpur region of Uttar Pradesh state (India). It is a joint initiative of a Sai Jyoti Gramudyog Seva Sansthan (a non-governmental organization) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), situated just 22 km from Lalitpur in Alapur village of Birdha block.
The 15 km transmission range will take in its fold 60 villages comprising around 100,000 population. While dry run has been initiated the actual transmission will start after getting the license from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. For now, the community radio station has been granted 90.4 megahertz frequency.
Mridul, station director and four reporters of the Lalit lokvani, interacted with the UP state media at 'Media for Children', a bi-monthly media initiative organized by UNICEF and 'Media Nest', on issues of women and children. Media Nest is an organization that works for the welfare of media persons and their families.
Mridul and his team of twelve village reporters, including two women, have been provided technical training in reporting, researching, programme production, and broadcasting. As part of their capacity building exercise, they have prepared programmes on local culture, festivals, development, women and health issues.
It is unthinkable that a daughter-in-law of a village can actually record radio programmes, edit and in fact help in solving issues of women, said Sunita Chandel, who shared her experience of being a radio reporter. She said initially there were lots of questions, but once the family and society realised how productive the work was, they gave their permission.
"I am both happy and proud after I became a community reporter," she said. "If it is difficult to step out of one's home for a daughter-in-law, then believe me, it is even more difficult for a daughter to do so, but I held my ground and today I am an example setter-for the village girls," said Varsha, a young community reporter.
This was the first journey outside Lalitpur for both Sunita and Varsha, and they were thrilled with this great sense of empowerment and purpose in life.
For the other two male reporters- Bhagwan Das and Kashi Ram the work has meant the unfolding of a new tool of communication.
"We get a chance to see the real issues of the people and through our work we even provide a solution," said Bhagwan Das.
As for Kashi Ram, being a community reporter was a great feeling of being useful to society and community. He said while earlier he was just a listener of radio today he is the communicator and he enjoys the work which gives him a chance to be a leader.
The Government of India made a policy of issuing private community radio licenses for 5000 stations in November 2007. This made it possible for registered non-government organizations to enter the field, said Augustine Veliath from UNICEF.
"UNICEF saw the potential of this communication medium and selected Lalitpur, one of its integrated project districts for setting up the maiden community radio station," informed Augustine.
"Such interactive sessions with the real people help broaden vision of the media. The idea is to sensitize the press, give them in-depth information on issues which they can then translate into reports and features," said Kulsum Talha, Secretary General, Media Nest.
- Citizen News Service (CNS), (photo credit: Media Nest)
Published in
Citizen News Service (CNS)
Media for Freedom, Kathmandu, Nepal
Op-Ed News (OEN), USA
Bihar and Jharkhand News Service (BJNS)
The Seoul Times, Seoul, South Korea
"Community radio is the real voice of the people, it is a communication service that caters to the interests and needs of a certain area, its culture, craft, cuisine and above all social and development issues," said Mridul Srivastava, the station director of 'Lalit Lokvani'.
'Lalit Lokvani', is a village community radio planned to be operational in Lalitpur region of Uttar Pradesh state (India). It is a joint initiative of a Sai Jyoti Gramudyog Seva Sansthan (a non-governmental organization) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), situated just 22 km from Lalitpur in Alapur village of Birdha block.
The 15 km transmission range will take in its fold 60 villages comprising around 100,000 population. While dry run has been initiated the actual transmission will start after getting the license from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. For now, the community radio station has been granted 90.4 megahertz frequency.
Mridul, station director and four reporters of the Lalit lokvani, interacted with the UP state media at 'Media for Children', a bi-monthly media initiative organized by UNICEF and 'Media Nest', on issues of women and children. Media Nest is an organization that works for the welfare of media persons and their families.
Mridul and his team of twelve village reporters, including two women, have been provided technical training in reporting, researching, programme production, and broadcasting. As part of their capacity building exercise, they have prepared programmes on local culture, festivals, development, women and health issues.
It is unthinkable that a daughter-in-law of a village can actually record radio programmes, edit and in fact help in solving issues of women, said Sunita Chandel, who shared her experience of being a radio reporter. She said initially there were lots of questions, but once the family and society realised how productive the work was, they gave their permission.
"I am both happy and proud after I became a community reporter," she said. "If it is difficult to step out of one's home for a daughter-in-law, then believe me, it is even more difficult for a daughter to do so, but I held my ground and today I am an example setter-for the village girls," said Varsha, a young community reporter.
This was the first journey outside Lalitpur for both Sunita and Varsha, and they were thrilled with this great sense of empowerment and purpose in life.
For the other two male reporters- Bhagwan Das and Kashi Ram the work has meant the unfolding of a new tool of communication.
"We get a chance to see the real issues of the people and through our work we even provide a solution," said Bhagwan Das.
As for Kashi Ram, being a community reporter was a great feeling of being useful to society and community. He said while earlier he was just a listener of radio today he is the communicator and he enjoys the work which gives him a chance to be a leader.
The Government of India made a policy of issuing private community radio licenses for 5000 stations in November 2007. This made it possible for registered non-government organizations to enter the field, said Augustine Veliath from UNICEF.
"UNICEF saw the potential of this communication medium and selected Lalitpur, one of its integrated project districts for setting up the maiden community radio station," informed Augustine.
"Such interactive sessions with the real people help broaden vision of the media. The idea is to sensitize the press, give them in-depth information on issues which they can then translate into reports and features," said Kulsum Talha, Secretary General, Media Nest.
- Citizen News Service (CNS), (photo credit: Media Nest)
Published in
Citizen News Service (CNS)
Media for Freedom, Kathmandu, Nepal
Op-Ed News (OEN), USA
Bihar and Jharkhand News Service (BJNS)
The Seoul Times, Seoul, South Korea
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