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Radio Bundelkhand: Coming
of Age
T here are
two major media of communication, print and electronic. Both have their
own limits and boundaries. Electronic media mainly comprises of
television and radio. Radio Bundelkhand has made its presence in 140
villages (approximately) in Bundelkhand, Central India. Since it
commenced operations from 23 October 2008, it has been broadcasting
programmes without any hitch. Currently, Radio Bundelkhand broadcasts
programmes for 9 hours (approximately) a day, which includes shows on
information and entertainment.
With a very low budget setup,
it was a big challenge to prove its utility. The suggestion to stretch
the radio broadcast to 8.30 pm. Due to lack of vehicle facilities at
night, it was deemed necessary to think of an alternative for the same.
To overcome this hurdle, we introduced a device and after testing it
successfully we started using it for our radio. This strategy not only
contributed towards the radio’s economic savings but also helped the
community reporters reach home before sunset.
Another challenge ahead of us
was regular broadcast of the programmes and keeping a record of all of
them. For this, we started using GRINS, a mix of hardware and software
which was given to Radio Bundelkhand by Gram Vaani (a Delhi-based
organisation). It too played an important role in simplifying and
streamlining radio broadcasting.
Gram Vaani in its next step
provided our radio with another new technique that enabled us to manage
the phone calls and sms received. We could now create a complete
database and also get the general public opinion through sms.
Under the policy of Government
of India, it is mandatory that at least half of the programmes are made
by the community. We proudly announce that more than 80 per cent of our
radio’s programmes are made by the local community where Bundeli folk
music has its own important place. Despite having limited resources, we
have the facility of recording Bundeli folk songs with stereophonic
sound so that our listeners can get clear sounds.
It was not an easy task to
listen and monitor 9 hours’ broadcast. A person would need to listen to
all the programmes of the radio and that was not possible for us due to
budget limitations. To beat this obstacle, we tried to develop an audio
visual device. With the help of this device we can now monitor the sound
quality of all the programmes.
We have continued to make big
and small efforts in the radio from time to time. The Radio Bundelkhand
team tries its level best to enable each and every person related to the
radio, whether he or she may be a reporter or a freelancer, to handle
the day-to-day technical problems on their own. And it is with great
pride that we can say that we have earned the trust that the Bundelkhand
community has placed in us.
q
Ashok Shukla
ashukla@devalt.org
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