By: Dr Brijender Singh Panwar & Nikita Joshi
In today’s digital world of hashtags, GIFs and reels, communication has expanded across a variety of mediums. Large parts of India today cannot think of a world without the internet and the quick communication it has enabled. Yet one would be misinformed to imagine that effective communication is restricted to unilateral means. A study of target audiences and their cultural contexts allows one to explore the different communication mediums that have been initiated and adopted by individuals and communities to suit their circumstances. The Community Radio is one such creative medium that is flourishing in different parts of the country today including educational institutes and rural heartlands. A radio set is the most frugal commodity often owned and operated by even those at the bottom of the pyramid. At the heart of this communication medium lie the values of community led ownership and grass root expression. It is a platform which allows communities to express themselves in their language and discuss issues that lie at core of their existence. Mediums such as these therefore not only create partnerships and develop communication and management skills but also become catalysts of social change. Governments hence play an important role in recognizing and encouraging these local communication efforts that also help build robust communities.
The Community Radio is set to truly make ‘Radio Waves’ at the “World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES), 2025” which is to be held in Mumbai from May 1 to 4, 2025. WAVES is being organized with the vision of connecting India’s Media & Entertainment (M&E) industry with the global markets, fostering growth, collaborations and innovations. The key objectives of WAVES is to drive industry growth, nurture innovation, empower young talent and promote cultural exchange. The Community Radio Association of India (CRAI), the registered, elected organization of Community Radios, in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India is organizing an array of initiatives at WAVES focusing on creating awareness and encouraging the development of Community Radio Stations in India.
The Community Radio Content Challenge is one among 32 Create in India Challenges. Each of the 32 Challenges under this initiative is designed to test skills and inspire youth to showcase their talents on a distinguished platform spanning diverse fields such as animation, gaming, esports, comics, filmmaking and more! The Community Radio Content Challenge is designed to highlight the diverse skills and unique voices that Community Radio Stations bring to the airwaves and inspire them to experiment with new formats, genres and storytelling techniques. This hopes to create opportunities for Community Radios to share knowledge, learn from each other and build connections. The Challenge will recognize and reward programs that make a real difference in their communities. Entries for the challenge have been sought from five categories namely – Public Health and Safety, Education and Literacy, Women and Child Development/ Social Justice and Advocacy, Agriculture and Rural Development and Cultural Preservation. A panel of experts, including renowned media personalities and representatives from the CRAI, will evaluate the entries, shortlist participants and finally select and award winners.
Apart from this a Community Connect Zone will be created by the CRAI at the CreatoSphere in WAVES. The Community Connect Zone aims to showcase the essence of Community Radio Stations and their significant contributions to various communities. The key elements of the Community Connect Zone are a Community Radio Stations Compendium Display Flip Book, the CRS India Map or Radio Garden, a Live Radio Set Up and a Newletter.
The Community Radio Stations Compendium Display Flip Book is a visually appealing, interactive flip book that will contain a comprehensive compendium of Community Radio Station initiatives across India. Attendees can browse through this digital compendium to understand the evolving landscape of community radio and its pivotal role in shaping local and regional narratives and learn of success stories.
A large, interactive map of India will be displayed to showcase the location of active Community Radio Stations across the country. Alternatively, a Radio Garden concept will be used, where visitors can virtually explore and listen to different community radio stations broadcasting from various parts of India. This will help visitors understand the diversity of voices and issues that Community Radio Stations represent.
A Newsletter that captures the most recent developments, activities and initiatives arising from the Waves Community Radio Content Challenge will be prominently displayed. This will include insights into the creative challenges faced by Community Radio Stations and their responses. The newsletter will keep visitors updated on trends in radio broadcasting and innovative community-led programs.
A dedicated space to celebrate Community Radio Station awardees for their exceptional contributions to community radio will be earmarked. This corner will showcase profiles of Community Radio Stations, producers and volunteers who have won awards for their impact on society. Visual displays and multimedia presentations will highlight their stories, emphasizing the influence of community radio in areas like education, health, social justice, tribal welfare, women empowerment, environmental sustainability and more.
In order to provide an immersive experience, a Live Radio Set Up will be established within the Zone, where visitors can interact with radio hosts, community broadcasters and engage in live discussions. The setup will allow visitors to participate in real-time broadcasts, ask questions, share experiences and engage with experts in the field of community radio.
A section dedicated to showcasing the “Mann Ki Baat” series will feature episodes aired via Community Radio Stations. This compilation will allow visitors to listen to key episodes that have resonated with diverse communities, reflecting important issues, national milestones and initiatives. The focus will be on how such broadcasts have connected the masses and empowered local communities.
Along with this more than 530 Community Radios from across the country are also participating in the deliberations at WAVES between the 1st to 4th of May 2025.
Engaging with Community Radios has time again proved that there is no dearth of talent and enthusiasm within communities in areas beyond Metropolitan and Tier 1 cities. WAVES aims to bring to fore the skills and potential of all such efforts in the media and entertainment sector and provide them with a global platform to connect and collaborate. The ultimate beneficiaries of such an initiative it is hoped, are the communities that these radio stations represent!
Dr Brijender Singh Panwar is a senior journalist and at present Director, M.S.Panwar Institute of Communication & Management, Solan, and Station Director of 16-year-old Hamara MSPICM Community Radio, Solan.
Ms. Nikita Joshi (IIS 2019) is currently posted as Assistant Director, Press Information Bureau, Mumbai, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India.
Courtesy PIB, Srinagar
