News
World Radio Day 2023
A resonating video by Community Information Network echoed on 12th International World Radio Day event organized by UNESCO in partnership with Association of Community Radio Broadcasters Nepal (ACORAB) and the World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (AMARC). The event was organized to commemorate the important role community radio has played, both in the past and present, in establishing peace in Nepal.
, established in April 1951 following the advent of democracy, stands as the Nepal’s foremost and prominent state-owned radio broadcasting organization. Over the years, it has achieved the widest reach among all broadcasting centers and FM relay stations in the country successfully reaching 91% of the population.
“...When Radio Sagarmatha got its license in 1997, the state monopoly of airwaves ended not just in Nepal but also in South Asia. It was the first community radio in the region and its success led to a revolution in mass communication. Today nearly 600 community and private FM stations constantly inform, entertain, and educate local communities across Nepal,” the video continued.
Radio has emerged as the most impactful and cost-effective medium of mass communication in Nepal. Given the country's mountainous terrain, radio broadcasting has successfully reached and educated a significant portion of the population. Throughout Nepal's history, radio has been a witness to major transformative events, from the downfall of the Rana regime to the establishment of democracy, and a decade-long Maoist revolution to the end of monarchy. The role radio played in the peacebuilding process following these major revolutions in Nepal remains crucial and noteworthy.
The theme for this year’s World Radio Day was ‘Radio and Peace’. The event explored how interacts with peacebuilding processes in Nepal by providing the foundation for sustainable peace. Through presentations and open discussions, the participants also discussed the role of radio in all stages of a conflict from pre-violence to post-conflict reconstruction.
"Our community radio has shown its remarkable potential in alleviating social divisions and conflicts that often emerge from political turmoil in Nepal. However, we still face numerous challenges,” said Arjun Giri, the president of ACORAB, emphasizing the significance of community radios. “The transition towards federalism necessitates a federal act to regulate community radios. Unfortunately, the provincial governments have taken it upon themselves to regulate community radios without the presence of federal law. This has resulted in licensing complications and difficulties during the renewal process, causing us significant inconvenience,” he added.
I have distinct memories of when radio served as our sole source of information. Our community radios have played an immensely significant role in our history, spanning from the transition from monarchy to the establishment of a federal democratic republic. I firmly believe that our community radio will continue to have a pivotal role in healing the wounds of past conflicts, facilitating the completion of pending peace processes and showcasing Nepal's journey towards a peaceful destination.
The event embraced a panel discussion that facilitated meaningful discussions on the issue of inadequate representation of all communities within the radio landscape of Nepal. The constructive dialogues among key stakeholders helped to foster a culture of inclusive dialogue between them while also exploring the prospects of community radio in the country. It contributed to the policy advocacy efforts and overall strengthening of peacebuilding initiatives by the radio sector.
Despite the impact of technological advancements, Radio has continued to evolve and thrive as a powerful medium for communication, entertainment and promoting peace across the globe. The rise of television and modern digital broadcasting has altered its prominence in these days, but it still remains as a trusted source of information. Its role in connecting people and cultures from past to present couldn’t be denied.
