Tell Me Why?

A number of voluntary groups tried to record audio programs with communities over the past years. Their only options were to broadcast them through All India Radio, or do narrowcasting. Often the lack of understanding at AIR regarding community radio blocked true content from going on the airwaves, forcing much of the lower end programming to be restricted to local narrowcasting. Then WorldSpace happened, and some could gain access to the satellite waves. However, the severe limitation was that hardly anybody in the catchment community owned satellite radio receivers. And then came the much awaited and much fought for CR policy. There were celebrations, and a number of consultations took place in Delhi in quick succession, at IIC, Pragati Maidan, NFI and IIMC. The National Consultation for Practicing and Potential Community Radio Operators in India, organized by Unesco and others on 6-7 March attracted wide participation and interest.

Some very encouraging ideas, very valid concerns and very worrying statements emerged.

“The Indian airwaves are now opening up. There is still much to be achieved, but the CR policy is a major step that will allow the civil society to air its voice.”

“Community radio stations can be set up by registered non profit organizations with at least three years of track record of working with the local community.”

“This is not community radio; this is NGO radio.”

“You need clearances from four different ministries?”

“Yes, but you don't need to run to all of them. For the applicant it's a single window service. You will get your approval within six months.”

“In disaster situations, the ministry will consider fast track approvals.”

“Will community radio be exempt from copyright, like it is in other parts of the world?”

“We will not allow kajrare to play on community radio. If you want to play kajrare, then go set up a commercial radio station.”

“Of course no news and current affairs programmes will be allowed on community radio; that is not allowed even on private FM channels.”

“Does the news of an impending flood constitute news? Is it allowed or not?”

“No, that is not political news, so it can be allowed”

“If the flood is due to poor embankments built by the local MLA through his development fund, is it political news?”

“Err.. mmm… oh just go ahead; who is checking.”

“No. They can shut us down.”

“Setting up a CR station will set you back by twenty lakhs.”
“No, three lakhs.”
“No, ten thousand.”

“Don't worry about stereo sound. Just use an inexpensive diskless recorder. It is community radio after all.”

It may be a natural step forward for the practicing community radio operator, but for sure times are as confusing as they can be for the potential operator. Does the policy really mean community radio is here? If communities are not allowed, and only NGOs with track record, capacity, funds etc. can set up radio stations, how many of such stations will really come up and sustain in the coming years? If NGOs are the route to go, then why an NGO, in spite of its size, capacity and track record being recognized, is being allowed only one radio station?

Why a group of village youth, with a letter of recommendation from the Panchayat, cannot set up a radio station for the village? Why AIR refuses to broadcast a community radio programme because its production is not `professional’ enough? Why a locally built hundred rupee transmitter cannot be allowed? Why community radio should not play kajrare? Why the line dividing popular entertainment and social programmes has to be so stark? Why does entertainment for communities have to mean folk songs only? Why quality can ignored when it is to do with anything community?

Why can’t communities be trusted?
Why must we think of communities as dumb?
Tell me why?