Community Radio as Empowerment Model: Analyzing Cases of India, Nepal and Bangladesh

Abstract

The world today appreciates the need for community broadcasting. It has the potential to ensure freedom of opinion and expression that is upheld by Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Community broadcasting came to the neighbouring countries of India, Bangladesh and Nepal much later in comparison to some other parts of the world and even when compared to some countries in the continent of Asia. The development of community broadcasting in these three countries has not followed the same trajectory but these trajectories share a good number of commonalities. The community radio stations in these countries have their stories of success but are facing problems of existence due to lack of funds and difficulty in generating proper content for the community. This paper seeks to analyze the scenario and suggests some measures for a successful and sustainable model for continued existence of community radio stations.