10th National Community Radio Awards announced by Ashwini Vaishnaw

On July 25, 2024, a significant milestone was achieved in India’s community radio landscape. Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced the winners of the 10th National Community Radio Awards and inaugurated the country’s 500th Community Radio Station. The event was graced by the presence of Mizoram’s Chief Minister, Lalduhoma, marking the importance of this occasion for both national and regional development in communications.

Landmark Achievement: 500th Community Radio Station

Location and Significance

The 500th Community Radio Station, a landmark in India’s community broadcasting sector, has been established at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) in Aizawl, Mizoram. This new station, named “Apna Radio 90.0 FM”, is set to play a crucial role in disseminating vital information to the local community.

Key Features of Apna Radio 90.0 FM

1. Local Focus: The station will broadcast in local languages, ensuring accessibility for the region’s population.
2. Information Dissemination: It will provide daily weather updates, details about government schemes, and agriculture-related information.
3. Community Relevance: Given Mizoram’s agrarian economy, the radio station’s content is tailored to meet the needs of the local farming community.

Understanding Community Radio in India

Distinctive Characteristics

Community Radio stations differ significantly from public service broadcasting (like All India Radio) and commercial radio:

1. Low-Power Broadcasting: These stations operate at a lower power, focusing on a smaller geographical area.
2. Community-Centric: They are set up and operated by local communities.
3. Local Language: Broadcasting is done in local dialects and languages.
4. Focused Content: Programs address specific local issues such as nutrition, health, and community development.

Government Policy

The Indian government has permitted various entities to set up Community Radio stations, including:

• Educational institutions
• Community-based organizations
• Registered societies
• Trusts

This policy aims to democratize the airwaves and give voice to local communities.

10th National Community Radio Awards

Background

The National Community Radio Awards were established by the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in 2011-12. These awards recognize excellence in community broadcasting across India.

Award Categories and Prizes

The awards are presented in four categories, with each category offering:

• First Prize: Rs. 1,00,000
• Second Prize: Rs. 75,000
• Third Prize: Rs. 50,000

Winners of the 10th National Community Radio Awards

1. Thematic Award

• First Prize: Radio Mayur, District Saran, Bihar for “Tech Sakhi”
• Second Prize: Radio Kochi, Kerala for “Nirangal”
• Third Prize: Hello Doon, Dehradun, Uttarakhand for “Meri Baat”

2. Most Innovative Community Engagement Award

• First Prize: Yerlawani Sangli, Maharashtra for “Kahani Sunandachi”
• Second Prize: Vaylaga Vanol, Madurai, Tamil Nadu for “Let’s Build a New Norm”
• Third Prize: Salaam Namaste Noida, Uttar Pradesh for “Maid Didi”

3. Promoting Local Culture Award

• First Prize: Radio Brahmaputra, Dibrugarh, Assam for “Igarekun”
• Second Prize: Radio Kotagiri, Nilgiri, Tamil Nadu for “En Makkaludan Oru Payanam”
• Third Prize: Radio Active, Bhagalpur, Bihar for “Ang Pradesh ki Adbut Dharohar”

4. Sustainability Model Award

• First Prize: Radio Benziger, Kollam, Kerala (run by Bishop Benziger Hospital Society)
• Second Prize: Radio Namskar, Konark, Odisha (run by Young India)
• Third Prize: Radio Antarwani, Gulbarga, Karnataka (run by Sharanbasbeswara Vidya Vardhak Sangh)