ANNUAL REPORT 2013 BNNRC “Strengthening BNNRC Mobilizing Community and Empowering Voices for Change”
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) House 13/3, Road 2, Shamoli, Dhaka 1207 Tel: +88 02 913 07 50, 913 85 01 Fax: +88 02 913 85 01-105 Cell: +88 01711 88 16 47 Email:
[email protected] URL: www.bnnrc.net
DHAKA, BANGLADESH
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART 1
PART 2
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PART 1 Performance of the Period During the year 2013, BNNRC was able to implement a handful of strategic projects and other project related activities with increasing successes. This section highlights some of the said projects. As a result, many project benefits were realized in key areas of training, awareness, and capacity building for sustainability. Numerous outputs (results) were immediately achieved but it takes time to determine the full impact at local and national levels. The subsequent subheadings (sub-sections) present key profiles of the project. On the whole, it can be stated that the performance of the organization was generally successful.
A Profile of Projects Successfully Implemented During the reporting period (January-December 2013), a number of projects were successfully designed and implemented with full support of the partners. The various inputs and outputs of each project are briefly described under relevant sub-sections of this report. Implemented project activities and their outputs are summarized in table below. This is followed by brief project descriptions. A Summary of Projects Implemented by BNNRC in the year 2013 Project Title Girl Power Project
Strengthening BNNRC and Mobilizing Community for Community Media Pioneering, Connecting and Empowering Voices for Change Basic English Language for Outreach Radio Audience in Bangladesh Flagship UN Action for Community Radio in Bangladesh Fellowship for Young Women in Media and Journalism
Funding Agency Plan Bangladesh Free Frees Un Limited
Implementation Period July 2011December 2015 (On going) January December 2013 (On-going)
EU- Free Frees Un Limited American Center & US States Department UNESCO IPDC
February 2013 To 2014 –On going October 2102 -On-going
Free Frees Un Limited
October-2013March 2014
Extended till November 30th
Activity Highlights Engage young girl and women with Community Radio
Provide technical support by distributing back-up transmitters to CR initiators
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Context in which the projects took place The year-2013- has seen many mass protests in Bangladesh. Protests in Dhaka and other cities in Bangladesh broke out in February after a verdict in a war crimes trial enraged the public. On May 5, tens of thousands of madrassa teachers and students, including many boys under the age of 18, converged on Dhaka from different parts of the country. The demonstrators committed vandalism and arson, attacking security forces with sticks and stones, but victims’ statements suggest that security forces used excessive force, and in some cases fired at close range. After the May protests, mainstream newspapers like the Daily Star warned against the “degradation of ideals and values that Islam stands for,” and the “odious misrepresentation of religion and denigration of the position of women in our society.” Prominent bloggers have complained about religious extremism and the use of religion in politics. The government appears confused on how to deal with Islamists and their opponents. In an effort to appease religious sentiment, the government arrested four bloggers in April, with the police describing them as “known atheists” and accusing them of “instigating negative elements against Islam.”Authorities arbitrarily arrested many protesters and supporters, opposition media has been harassed and human rights groups feel at risk. With national elections scheduled for early 2014 and no agreement yet on how they should be conducted, the year ended up with many demonstrations by creating the political scenario more troublesome. The Rana Plaza Tragedy on April 24 posed the question of professional security of the workforce (a large portion of that is women). There was also question from the International buyers whether they would continue their business in Bangladesh. A large number of Garment workers are coming on the street for fixation of their wage and job security. This also created tension in the economic stability of the country, though certain target in food production of the country has been achieved! Media Scenario: Political turmoil brings not only new opportunities and challenges for journalists but also affects journalist’s independence. In many cases, journalists – particularly at the local level – are targeted by politicians and candidates (this may be the case particularly in the upcoming elections) who are trying to push their agenda into the mainstream media. Community stations may present a similar dilemma. Coverage is uneven with communities and rural areas under-represented, local voices disempowered and legal safeguards such as the Right to Information Act underutilized. There is still a lack of justice against those who perpetrate acts of violence against journalists and prevent them from doing their jobs. Aside financial stakes involved, the media still play a weak constructive role and there is still characterized by a lack of professionalism and weak investigative journalism. Although there is a rapid growth in bloggers and citizen journalists – particularly on online platforms – training of journalists is in high demand.
Strengthening BNNRC in collaboration of FPU BNNRC started its partnership with FPU in 2011 aiming its organizational capacity strengthening which it has continued in 2013 as well. At the same time BNNRC focused on sustainability of the radio stations and did advocacy to influence the policy makers for a Community TV policy in the country which would ultimately contribute for the growth of a propoor media environment in Bangladesh. Under the financial assistance of FPU for the project titled as Strengthening BNNRC and Mobilizing Stakeholders for Community Media: BNNRC set two objectives: 4
To strengthen BNNRC so that it is actively engaged and undertake innovative initiatives in lobbying and advocacy for improved legislation and law enforcement with regards to community media and Right to Information Act (RTI). To orient and sensitize the Civil society groups and other stakeholders regarding the importance of community radio, its sustainability, skills of the Media professionals involved and the Civil Society Groups to have a stronger voice and role. Find a brief description of the performance as below: BNNRC staffs received Knowledge and skill on Learning Need Assessment (LNA) A training workshop entitled “Training Workshop on Learning Need Assessment - LNA & Making Training Effective” was held at CDM-BRAC, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh on February 16-20, 2013 under the support of Free Press Unlimited (FPU). Abi Daruvalla was the course leader on behalf of Free Press Unlimited. Five (05) senior staff members of BNNRC participated in the program. The objective of the training workshop was to particularly focus on enhancing the staff members’ capacity on the following issues: Learning Need Assessment - LNA Effective Facilitation on Training Implementation Strategies for Change The objectives also concerned imparting knowledge, conceptual clarity as well as practical sharing of best practices of their ongoing training plan and conduction.
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Regarding the participants of the course, Ms Abi appreciated about the trainees and she remarked “The participants were very motivated and proactive in all the training sessions and open to new ideas and methods to make their training more effective.” Purchase office space for Community Radio Academy and studio The Process of Purchasing BNNRC’s own studio, office space and Community Media Academy have been started in 2011 through the support of FPU. The space is now under construction and continued in 2013 aiming to end the process in 2014.It is expected that BNNRC will shift its present rental office, academy and studio to a permanent set-up by the middle of 2014. Continue Resource Centre for effective "Help Desk "at BNNRC Help Desk has collected information from the stations and updated its database on a regular basis. On behalf of BNNRC and being the member of National CR Central Monitoring Committee it has compiled the monitoring reports and submitted to the committee on a regular basis. Help desk kept constant liaison with Ministry of Information, Information Commission and attended NGO Coordination Meeting held at District Commissioner Office every month. In addition to that the desk maintained links with other media houses and supplied information when they require. To make the radio stations [located in distant places] updated Help Desk provided the stations the knowledge materials and information in a coordinated manner. On a regular [monthly] basis, it has supplied the Magazine-“Betar Bangla” published by Bangladesh Betar, the “Current Affairs”[a monthly publication on updates of national and international issues], the Community Media Bulletin [published from BNNRC, through FPU support]. Apart from this, other materials related to the theme and content [e.g. Theme on World Radio day and World Press Freedom day –in BANGLA/translated version] are also sent to upgrade their knowledge and information level. Help desk has supported Coast and Dwip Unnayan Sangstaha (DUS) -2 new CR initiators in making liaison with the Ministry and accomplish a lot of official procedures during having their new license and start the setup process. To provide initial guidance, the Representative of Help desk/BNNRC joined in the Inception ceremony of Radio Sagar Dwip at Hatiya organized by DUS.Besides, Help Desk has provided supports to interested initiators in application process while government has called for community radio initiators in the second time on 17 September, 2013. BNNRC has organized an orientation for the new applicants as part of the supporting process. Special supports during disasters [Rana Plaza Tragedy and Mahasena] Help Desk was opened for 24 hours and maintained constant contact with the CR stations during 02 catastrophic disasters of the country. It was through the Helpdesk guidance that 14 Radio stations altogether broadcasted 1,338 minutes (22, 50 hours) of news and other public service announcement in response to the collapse of Rana Plaza [the man-made disaster] that caused a huge number of death and injury to the workers in 03 Garments of the Plaza at Savar, Dhaka on last 24 April, 2013. In the same way during the advent of Mahasena [the natural disaster] in May, in the coastal region of the country, the desk has provided support in sending contents on disaster preparedness [formatted by the GOB, BNNRC and BBBC Media Action] to Radio stations. The Desk served 6
on a round-the-clock basis to meet up any query from both ends-GOB and CR stations. The Help Desk has issued the Media Release during the time. Strengthening Community Media Academy Earlier, in cooperation with the members of BNNRC Resource Pool, it has developed 06 Training Modules for using in capacity development of community radio staffs. During the time efforts have been taken to revise and upgrade the training modules. For this, BNNRC has formed a core group of Resource Persons to review the module and training materials. This group has accomplished the task and shared the modules within the members. The modules are now in the process to be finalized. This effort will help in strengthening the Media Academy envisioned by BNNRC. Initiating Community Radio News Agency at BNNRC A Concept Paper has been developed on Community Radio News Agency by a Media Consultant. Later the paper was shared with the team members of BNNRC and their inputs have been considered during finalization of the paper. A workshop has been organized on 7 November where the CR Program producers (news) joined and discussed on their role and responsibilities in the Agency. The CR representatives have given an overview of the idea and the process has been started to select and link them initially as news reporter for the Community Media Bulletin. Knowledge dissemination and exchange With the objective to create an effective Knowledge Platform BNNRC has updated its website. Pl find: www.bnnrc.net. New site has been created on community radio news agency: www.cmna.net through which news bulletin has been published and sent to CR stations every day. BNNRC has published 06 newsletters named as community media bulletin which is widely distributed within its stakeholders.
Mobilizing Stakeholders for Community Media Meeting, Seminar, Rally and Discussion were organized to mobilize different types of stakeholders of the society so that the Civil Society groups and other stakeholders were sensitized and active regarding the importance of community radio, its sustainability, skills of the professionals involved, and then the civil society groups would have a stronger voice and role. Some of the events are mentioned here: i. Observation of World Radio Day at national and CR station level On the occasion of observing World Radio day a seminar was held at Bangladesh Betar Auditorium at 3-30 pm on February 13, 2013. Mr.Kazi Akhtaruddin Ahmed (Additional Secretary), Director General of Bangladesh Betar and Convenor of World Radio day Celebration Committee of Bangladesh presided over the seminar. Entitled as: “Challenges and prospects of Radio on Global Context, the seminar was moderated by Mr.Salahuddin Ahmed,Director(Program),Bangladesh Betar and Member Secretary, World Radio day Celebration Committee. The working session of the seminar included presentations of 4 key note speakers. The 1st key note presentation was on the “Community Radio situation in Bangladeshchallenges and scopes”, which was presented by Mr.AHM Bazlur Rahman, CEO, BNNRC.Mr. Shams Suman, vetran actor and station chief, Radio Bhumi presented the 2nd paper on regulatory 7
limitations and related policy review. The 3rd presentation was made by Lt.Colonel Mohammad Sajjad Hossain, Director, Spectrum Division; BTRC.His presentation covered the “problems, prospects and challenges of Radio in the contemporary world from the perspective of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC). This presentation was followed by Mr.Ahmed Reza, Professor, Dept.of English, Jahangirnagar University, in which he has described the historical role of Bangladesh Betar, its challenges and future scopes. Bangladesh Betar has organized a rally at capital city in partnership with BNNRC and CR stations. At field level Community Radio Stations also organized rally, seminar and radio talk show highlighting the importance of World Radio day. In many of the locations the events took place like festivals. ii. Observation of World Press Freedom Day 2013 The Community Radio Stations of the country, in cooperation with local Press Clubs, observed World Press Freedom day on 3rd May.BNNRC and Free Press Unlimited provided joint assistance in their programs. On the occasions of observing the day celebration, 433 participants joined in seminar, discussions, rally and talk shows held in 10 community radio stations of the country. Out of the total [433] there were 290 local journalists, member of Management Committee-20, Advisory Committee members-15 and more 108 including DC, ADC, DSP, UNO, Elected representatives, Civil Society leaders attended. In 1993, the General Council of United Nations officially announced 3rd May as World Press Freedom day. BNNRC prepared a theme paper [in Bangla version] on the basis of ‘THEME ‘declared by UNESCO and distributed within the stations accordingly. iii. Organize different Advocacy Programs for CR Trust Fund and Community TV 8
Throughout the whole year BNNRC team members attended different meetings and forums where there were opportunities to interact with Government level decision-makers, Civil Society Representatives, legislators and other Stakeholders.BNNRC attended meetings in Ministry of Information jointly organized by UNICEF [March],RTI Forum[May],meeting organized by National Democratic Institute on Election Education[June] .However, specific agendas for CR Trust Fund and Community TV were included in the Seminar organized at Bangladesh Betar[on World Radio day,13 February] and the meeting of Central Monitoring Committee held in January. BNNRC is also continuously giving inputs [particularly to incorporate the idea of Community Television] during finalization of the Community Broadcasting Policy that the Government will announce very soon. The government has finally convinced and incorporated the idea of community ownership in Radio and Television. This is an addition to two traditional types of ownership in Media-Public and private/corporate. iv. Subscribe and represent AIB,ABU,CMFE)
in
different
International
Media
forums
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This process BNNRC is continuing throughout the project period, which contributes in the result area of representing and networking in International Media Forums. 02 representatives of BNNRC attended FPU Global Partners Meeting held on 12-14 June at Istambul. A team of BNNRC and the staffs from CR stations attended in a Conference and training workshop organized by AMARC on women capacity development issues in Delhi on 19-22 January this year.
Capacity building of CR staffs in collaboration with European Union i. Training Workshop on Station Management A four day Training Workshop on “How to Keep Going on Community Radio Station” [on Station Management] was organized for community radio managers and senior program producers in Bangladesh from July 24 to 27, 2013 at Hotel Western of Moulvibazar, Sylhet, Bangladesh. The overall objective of the training workshop was to provide the participants with knowledge, skills and tools for better management of community radio stations. This would ultimately contribute in transforming the Community radio as true voice for the voiceless people. The training workshop included 33 participants from 16 community radio stations across Bangladesh comprising senior persons in the respective stations. They included the station managers, program producers, office in-charge and presenters. Two external resource persons – Raghu Mainali (Coordinator, Community Radio Support Center, Nepal) and Yadab Chapagain (Senior Management Consultant, Nepal) conducted the training program in cooperation with BNNRC staffs. The local organizer was the Community Radio Pollikontho and the course coordinator was Md. Kamaruzzaman, Program Coordinator of BNNRC.Specifically, the training focused on the following themes: • • • •
The key characteristics of CR and the CR management dimensions, Forces shaping the community radio organization effectiveness, Role and functions of CR manager, and Resource mobilization and sustainability 9
The certificate awarding ceremony was held on 26 July; 2013.Mr.Zahirul Islam, ADC, Moulvibazar participated as Chief Guest and awarded the certificate among the participants. Mohammad Ashraful Alam Khan, UNO, Moulvibazar Sadar joined as special guest. At the end of the training workshop participants expressed their satisfaction regarding the effectiveness of the training workshop which was reflected in their evaluation exercise. ii. Training Workshop on “Community Mobilization and Audience Research in Community Radio” A four day Training Workshop on “Community Mobilization and Audience Research “was organized for community radio managers and senior program producers in Bangladesh from July 31 to August 1, 2013. The training was organized at Radio Jehnuk, Jhenidah at the training hall of Sirzony Bangladesh, the NGO that operates the radio station. The overall objective of the training workshop was to provide participants with knowledge; skills and tools for producing community-centered programs and also learn and apply tools for measuring audience feedback. The idea was to introduce participants to the approach of carefully planning and designing programs in order to create interest and build audiences and how audience research can generate information and provide feedback in the process. Two external resource persons – Raghu Mainali (Coordinator, Community Radio Support Center, Nepal) and Binod Bhattarai (Journalism and communication consultant) conducted the training program in cooperation with BNNRC staffs. MD. Kamaruzzaman, Program Coordinator, BNNRC coordinated the program.
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The workshop was carried out by using adult learning principles which used both participatory methods and a mix of visual aids. The methods ranged from use of audiovisual, graphics and animations, power point presentations, short lectures, discussion and question and answer sessions. The training workshop included 33 participants from 16 community radio stations across Bangladesh comprising senior persons in the respective stations. They included the station managers, program producers, office in-charge and presenters. The participants were awarded certificates in the closing session. iii. Orientation for New CR Initiators: “Community Radio Installation, Broadcast & Operation” An orientation program was organized at COAST Trust Auditorium on 16 November, 2013 for the new initiators who has got primary approval to set up community radio stations in different parts of the country. Recently the Ministry of Information has primarily approved 16 applicants to set up radio stations. A total of 26 senior officials representing 15 initiating organizations joined the program. The objective of the program was to give direction and orientation to the new CR initiators so that they could take appropriate steps in installation, broadcast & operation of the stations. The workshop was facilitated by AHM Bazlur Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of BNNRC.The program was interactive and the participants took active part by asking different questions, which they might need to solve in the process. At the end they expressed the satisfaction and mentioned this type of orientation as “effective” for them. They have demanded more workshops of such kind, in different stages of their installation process. iv. Training Workshop on CR Governance An advanced level 3-day national training workshop was organized on Community Radio Continuous Improvement Toolkit (CR-CIT) at IDB Bhaban, Dhaka from 25-27 November. The objectives of the workshop were to improve and strengthen the internal governance of Community Radio stations in Bangladesh. The Toolkit was initially developed by UNESCO Chair on Community Media and his team at Hyderabad University, in cooperation with Commonwealth Educational Media Center for Asia (CEMCA) which was validated and contextualized in relevance to Bangladeshi situation by the inputs from the community radio practitioners through this workshop. A total of 30 Community Radio senior level staffs of 16 CR stations attended the training workshop from all over the country. BNNRC has organized the workshop in collaboration with UNESCO and UNESCO Chair on Community Media under the financial and technical assistance of European Union, Free Press Unlimited and CEMCA.
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The opening ceremony was graced by the presence of Dr.Vinod pavarell,UNESCO Chair on Community Media, University of Hyderabad as Chief Guest and the other special guests like Kanchan K.Mallik,Vasuki and Priti Raghunath (from the same university),Mr.Angkura Dutta,Program Officer,CEMCA.Ms.Reba Rani Saha,Joint Secretary, Ministry of Information,Mr.Kazi Akhtaruddin Ahmed,Additional Secretary and DG,Bangladesh Betar,renowned radio experts Mr.Kamal Ahmed and Farauqh Faisal. Retired Ambassador and Chief Information Commissioner Mr.Mohamad Farooq joined as Chief Guest of the closing session of the workshop on 27 November. In his speech, he told that the Commission has decided to train up the community radio staffs on RTI and the Commission has planned to sign an MOU with BNNRC in this regard. v. Project Launching Ceremony
The official launch of two-year Project was held on 1 September 2013 at Conference Room of IDB Bhaban, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, although the planned activities have been started in July, immediately after the contract signed. The program was graced by the participation of Mr Philippe Jacques, Head of Cooperation, EU Delegation to Bangladesh as chief guest and Mr. Henrick van Asch, First Secretary Political Affairs, Royal Netherlands Embassy in Dhaka and Mr. Leon van den Boogerd, Team Leader Participative Media & Vulnerable Groups, Free Press Unlimited as special guests. Ms Dessi Damianova, Program Manager South Asia, Free Press Unlimited (FPU) briefed on the project, while Mr.AHM Bazlur Rahman, CEO, BNNRC delivered welcome speech. The program was presided over by Mr.Rafiqul Alam, Chairperson of BNNRC Board of Trust.
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"Bangladesh can be proud of its vibrant and capable journalist community. For the European Union the right to freedom of expression and also the freedom to hold opinions and to receive and share information and ideas are key ingredients for the development of a strong democratic society. We hope that the community radio stations will play an important role in this process," said Philippe Jacques, the Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation during the opening.[Ref:EU supports radio at the grassroots/Press Information Notice released on 01 September, 2013 from EU Delegation to Bangladesh].
The program was widely covered by the national mass media including the prestigious Bengali & English daily news paper & popular TV Channels. The daily newspaper included the Independent, Daily Sun, News Today, New Age, Bangladesh Today, Dhaka Tribune, Prothom Alo and the mentionable TV Channels were NTV, Banglavision, Channel 24, SA TV, Boshakhi TV etc. vi. Equipment support package provided to Community Radio stations Since Community Radio is a relatively new phenomenon in Bangladesh, one of the prime objectives of the project is to build capacity of the staffs and volunteers in journalistic skills, in program production, in management and in daily operations. As part of capacity building efforts in program production the community radio stations have been provided equipment support.13 Community Radio Stations received an equipment package of 1 Laptop, 1 Printer, 1 Modem, 1 Camera and 2 Voice Recorders each.
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vii. Guidance to Program Production and broadcasting, so far 279 programs produced Under the technical guidance of BNNRC and FPU the radio stations have produced programs on issues of development and poverty reduction. So far 279 programs have been produced [on an average of 22 programs by each station]. The programs produced by the community radio stations met the information needs of the target audiences The topics included disaster prevention and management, impact of climate change, women rights (including education, women health, child care and employment), local governance, land rights, food production and security, farming and fishing, opportunities for starting small businesses etc. The general program formats are news and current affairs, informative programs, talk shows, magazine-type programs, local entertainment and music. Specific program formats are public service announcements, personal life stories, village debates, weekly forum (weekly phone with panel discussions).Each of the radio stations customized their programs to fit the interests of the general and specific audiences in each region, taking into account the area-specific context, experience and dialect. BNNRC officials provided guidance to the program producers by continuous field visit and follow up. From February the stations have started broadcasting their programs in prime time, with due credit lines of EU, FPU and BNNRC. The Types of Programs produced and broadcast are shown in table below: Table-A Type of Radio program 01. Radio Magazine Program
Number of Program & time each 87 Nos Time: each 25 minutes
Theme / Subject
1Pre-primary Education (Demand and Scope: Local Contest) 2.Primary Health Care 3.Primary Education (Qualitative Education) 4.Women and Child Rights / Issues 5.Agriculture 6. Child Rights. 7. Health and Family Planning. 8.Reproductive Health 9. Health and Nutrition 10. Life and Livelihood (Ethnic group, Dalit Community / Islanders). 11. Suicidal Issue. 12. Health Issues (Anti Drug Campaign) 13. Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) 14. Bio-diversity 15. Women and Gender Issue.
Targeted Listeners
1. Farmers. 2. Teachers, Students, Parents. 3. Women and Girls 4. Couples. 5. Child and Adolescents. 6. Local Administrative officials 7. Journalists 8. Grassroots level community. 9. People’s representatives.
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16.. Development of Local Heritage.
Table –B Type of Radio program 02. Information Based; a. Informative b. Talk Show c. Village Debate
Number of Program & time each 114 Nos Time: Each 21 minutes
Theme / Subject
Targeted Listeners
A. Informative; 1. Use of ICT for Information exchange. 2. Local Government (Function of Union Parishad, Union Information Service Centre, 3. Primary Health Care, Nutrition and Family Planning. 4. Agriculture (Specific crops farming). 5. Present Situation and need to do on primary Education. 6. Disaster Risk Reduction 7. Government Safety net program. 8. Bio-diversity of Sundarban. 9. Women development and Child Rights. 10. Right to Information. 11. Disable issues. 12. Primary and Pr-primary Education. 13. Anti Corruption issues B. Talk Show; 1. Women Issues. 2. Local Government (Present situation and demand) 3. Agriculture (Specific crops farming). 4. Local Culture (life of folk artist) 5. Anticorruption. 6. Government safety net 7. Primary and pre - primary Education
1. Grass roots peoples 2. Government Officials. 3. Guardians. 4. Farmers. 5. Women. 6. Students and Teachers. 7. Disable persons. 8. Local elected Representatives 9. Pregnant Women. 10. Helpless women.
C. Village Debates; 1. Life and Livelihood (Fisherman/Income Generating/Animal) 2. Village women health care. 3. Life and livelihood of working women at village level. 4. History of success women.
1. Professionals of diverse group 2. Women and Child. 3. Adolescent Girl. 4. Guardians 5. Villagers. 6. Local representatives. 7. Grassroots women. 8. Students and Teachers and Guardians.
1. Villagers. 2. Peoples Representatives. 3. House Wife and Working women. 4. Guardians. 5. Students and Teachers. 6. Farmers.
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5. Women and Child Issues (Dowry, education right) 6. Government Safety net program. 7. Women life and live hood activities. 8. Local development 9. ICT in Development 10. Village development 11. Women in village (obstacle and way forward) 12. Primary Health Care. 13. Child Marriage 14. Pregnant Women care. 15. Local government. 16. Pre-primary and Primary Education.
9. Government officials. 10. Divorced women, Widow, Disabled, Senior citizens etc
Table-C Type of Radio program 03. News Based; a. Development News b. Public Service Announcement (PSA) c. Life Based Success Stories
Number of Program & time each 156 i.s. 65 + PSA 91 (Average 7 of each CR) = 156 Nos Time: Each 20 minutes and PSA 10 – 30 Seconds duration.
Theme / Subject
A. Development News; 1. Village Agricultural News 2. Pre-primary and primary Education. 3. Child Labor. 4. Human Rights. 5. Tea Garden Labor’s 6. History and Heritage. 7. Water and Sanitation. 8. Investigative Women and Child Issues 9. Agriculture- use of Fertilizer 10. DDR and CCA 11. Women and Child Rights. 12. Local Culture Development 13. Primary Health Care B. Life Based Success Stories 1. Life struggles in different issues. 2. Life and Livelihood (socioeconomic conditions) 3. Women Education. 4. Agriculture, Fisherman, Handicrafts, 5. Dedicate personnel for Human welfare. 6. Village Women Struggle life and livelihood. 7. Freedom Fighter. 8. Local Enlighten Personnel and Senior Citizen.
Targeted Listeners
1. Journalist 2. Teachers and Students. 3. Farmers. 4. Women and Child. 5. Civil Society 6. Youth and Senior citizens. 7. Cultural Activist. 8. Social Activist. 9. Labor.
1. Child and Youth Group. 2. Students. 3. Women 4. Farmers. 5. Teachers. 6. Small Business man. 7. Development workers.
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C. Public Service Announcement (PSA). 1. Season based health message. 2. Anti Corruptions. 3. Right to Information. 4. Government Development Message 5. Different Health Tips. 6. Child and Women Rights. 7. Anti HIV/AIDS, Drugs campaign. 8. Environment / Climate Change / DRR issues. 9. Anti Sexual Harassment 10. Primary Health Care.
1. Local Community People.
Total = 357 [**Some of the program formats are split into 2 programs for ease of broadcasting and multiplier effects. That is how the total is shown as 357.]
viii. Workshop on Community Media News Agency Under EU support and in collaboration with FPU, BNNRC organized a workshop onCommunity Media News Agency for Strengthening Community Radio Development News on November 09 at YWCA Auditorium in Dhaka. Formation of a Community Media News Agency is a new idea and a pioneering step of BNNRC.One of the important objectives of forming such an agency is to bridge the national news channels with the grassroots information Flow.BNNRC will be the hub, where the development news sent from the community radio locations will be aggregated and sent back to the senders for prompt broadcasting. The staffs involved in news gathering and production at CR stations attended the workshop. They were given the idea of development news, the structure; functioning mechanism of Community Media News Agency, their roles etc. The sessions were conducted by Amin Al Rasheed, Senior Reporter, ABC Radio, Arshad Siddique, reputed expert in development and mass communication .Mr.Aminul Islam, Chief Information Officer, Ministry of Information, Bangladesh government presided over the session. The workshop was facilitated by AHM Bazlur Rahman, CEO, BNNRC. A total of 12 representatives joined the program.
ix.Publication
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i. Book let: A Booklet was published [1000 copies] on role of Community Radio in achieving good governance and MDGs.The booklet also included the CR Policy-2008 to cater the needs of the new initiators. ii. Directory: A Directory on Community Radio [1000 copies] has been developed and published.
Back up Transmitter Support by UNESCO The project has been implemented by Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) within the framework of approved UNESCO-IPDC Project entitled :“Flagship UN Action for Community Radio under budget code : 354BGD5001. Earlier, it was identified that out of 14 community radio stations, only 03 stations got their backup transmitters. For the others, it was really a challenge for un-interrupted program broadcasting and so they could not utilize their efforts and efficiency fully due to having their dependence on one transmitter. On this backdrop and to fulfill the demanding needs of the stations, it was planned and set up the objectives to make the stations fully operational by providing supports for additional (back up) transmitter. Accordingly, the previous contract of BNNRC with IPDC has been extended till 30 November and the allocation was distributed among 11 community radio stations. Each of the stations received the grant after submission of all relevant documents against the purchasing of a back-up transmitter. It can be mentioned that each of the stations on the way to purchase a transmitter, accomplished all procedural formalities and submitted the quotation, procurement order, bills and vouchers before the amount they received. The relevant documents are enclosed herewith this brief report. Find below the list of recipient CR stations:
Sl # 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11
Name of the Community Radio Stations Community Radio Padma 99.2 Community Radio Nalta 99.2 Community Radio Lokobetar 99.2 Community Radio Mohananda 98.8 Community Radio Chilmary 99.2 Community Radio Jhenuk 99.2 Community Radio Naf 99.2 Community Radio Bikrampur 99.2 Community Radio Borendra 99.2 Community Radio Sundarban 98.8 Community Radio Meghna [COAST Trust]
CHALLENGES AND KEY LESSONS
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1. Earlier, it was identified that out of 14 community radio stations, only 03 stations got their back-up transmitters. For the others, it was really a challenge for un-interrupted program broadcasting and so they could not utilize their efforts and efficiency fully due to having their dependence on one transmitter. Therefore, in order to make the stations fully operational it is essential to have a backup transmitter. 2. Transmitter is an import based and highly technical item. The Community Radio stations had to go through a long process to ensure the import of transmitter from the manufacturers who are based in England or France. For an import the CR management needs to observe some procedural formalities like-contact with the vendors, open LC at Bank, receive and shift the transmitter to the Community Radio location and finally the installation. Some of the stations had to take trade license from the authority for direct import. These formalities took time even beyond the assumed time-period. 3. There is limited number of vendor/suppliers in Bangladesh to import the transmitter. So, the stations were to depend largely on the outside producers. Of similar type, since there is no technical expert [to install and maintain the transmitter] available at rural level, the CR stations had to depend largely on outside/Dhaka based experts. 4. The instable political situation of the country was also a big challenge to the transmitter recipients [the CR stations]. In many times, it was not possible to keep up the schedule of the transmitter import and installation process. 5. Since the nature of financing in the project was “matching”, the stations required a considerable time to arrange the money of their part. 6. The CR stations expressed deep satisfaction with this UNESCO support. Earlier, Community Radio Stations had to depend on a single transmitter which was always at risk of interruption by having any technical failure. The Community Radio stations like Radio Chilmari and Borendra Radio were even stopped for a couple of days, while the single transmitters of those stations were sent to the capital city for repairing. Now this risk has been mitigated. All 14 stations are now free from the risks of disruption in broadcasting or sudden collapse. 7. At local level the local technical persons/technicians have got very little knowledge and skill regarding the maintenance and upkeep of the new transmitters. The parts or accessories are also not available nearby.
Engage Community Media for Elimination of Gender Based Violence (under Girl Power Program - GPP)-supported by PLAN International Girl Power is a five-year (2011-2015) multi-country programme funded by Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs for promoting equal rights and opportunities for girls and young women. In Bangladesh Girl Power Project (GPP) is working in collaboration with 10 partner organizations, aiming to “reducing violence against Girls and Young Women.” Girl Power Project also utilize media, especially community radio to make aware the community people on preventing gender based violence.BNNRC has taken initiative to launch a programme to sensitize and further activate the media people (initiators and practitioners) to eliminate the violence against girls and young women, and discrimination. The objectives of the project are:
To increase capacity of the media practitioners including the community radio journalists and motivate them to contribute in writing/produce program on protection of girls and young women (Child). To mobilize the local and nationwide community to internalize the importance on taking initiatives for protection of their girls and young women. 19
To disseminate information on gender, child rights issues among local as well as nationwide communities.
The project has been started in July 2011 and continued till December 2015. The Planned/Targeted activities are:
Develop Media Message on Protection Against GBV Broadcast Media Message through Community Radio Broadcast Media Message through Bangladesh Betar Organize Training on CP, CR, gender and Advocacy for Partner Org Organize Sensitization Workshop for Journalists on Gender and Child Protection Provide award to journalist for their best reporting Organize Roundtable Discussion with Editors of Media
The following achievements may be mentioned by BNNRC interventions under GPP: 110 journalists and media practitioners of print and electronic media from rural and national level have already got training and orientation on Gender and Child protection issues. More than 80 episodes on Girls and young women issues ( contents were selectected through conduction of FGDs of the local target listeners) have been broadcasted through Community Radio Padma(located in Rajshahi,northern part of Bangladesh) BNNRC Partner CSOs (the CR initiators) are already producing Radio Programs on relevant issues and exchange their best practices in this regard. Trained media practitioners/journalists are more sensitized and active to write/produce on Gender and Child Protection Issues. Wider audience of the target atrea better informed through regular Community Radio Broadcasting of Media Messages on gender equality, women's and child rights and protection against violence. Representatives of Civil Society Organization CSOs (BNNRC Partner Org.) are motivated to take action on CP, CR and Gender issues. Civil Society is sensitized and capacitated to represent issues related to vulnerable and marginalized girls and young women. Local Girls have been introduced with ICTs, who have not accessibility and affordability to these technologies. Girls are benefited with free access to resource materials provided from the project. They receive information on the issues of child protection, child rights and gender and disseminate those in their own community through both electronic and print media.
Community Radio for Basic English Language learning supported by American Center, USA in Bangladesh Basic English Language for Outreach Radio Audiences Objectives
Use Community Radio effectively in improving the English language skill of the outreach radio audience.
20
•
To develop and use on a pilot basis, the appropriate radio program materials for an effective “Radio English learning Project” for the rural learners in 01 community radio station of Bangladesh.
•
To develop radio stories on development issues as educational/motivational material and broadcast through community radio.
•
To consult and engage American Center, the media (radio) experts, veteran teachers and consultants from local, national and regional level; in content development, evaluation, further improvement and extension of the project in other community radio areas of Bangladesh.
Achievements
The major achievements of the project are narrated below: Conduct Need Assessment of Radio Listeners of Radio Pollikontho A need assessment was conducted with a view to assessing the feasibility and to know what sort of materials would be useful and liked by the listeners of Radio Pollikontho. The detailed report was submitted to American Center. Develop and broadcast promotional radio clip In the beginning, two attractive promotional materials on “English Language learning by radio programs” were developed and broadcasted through Radio Pollikontho with a view to creating the interest of the learner listeners as well as the general audience. To make the listeners aware, the promotional materials were broadcasted eight times in the morning and evening shift daily. 26 Radio Episodes Scripts and audios developed In consultation with the American Center Team, a list of contents were selected and finalized for developing 26 radio episode scripts. The draft radio episode scripts were reviewed and revised by the quality controller for developing learning materials. The scripts were finalized for preparing audio production by adapting the feedback, recommendations and suggestions of the experts and for publishing in the local news paper. Then the final episode scripts were shared with the selected performers for practicing and arranging audio recording, editing and mixing for Radio Pollikontho and a 30 minutes duration pre-broadcasting audio program was finally prepared. A total of 26 radio episodes on English Language learning were developed and broadcasted. The program was developed on some common issues that we face in our daily life. Most of the episode stories were developed with a mixed group of people containing different characters and representing different culture. The episodes were broadcasted twice a week and were repeated the same in the following day on the same time. Publishing the texts of 26 English Language Radio episodes in the Local News Paper Considering the capacity and quality, the “Patakurir Desh”, a local news paper was selected for publishing the English language curriculum texts in their regular editions. To perform this, an agreement was signed between BNNRC and local news paper under some terms and conditions to make the activities smooth. The Patakurir Desh has published all 26 radio episodes’ scripts regularly and by following our activity plan.
21
Regional Expert Consultations: Resource and knowledge Sharing NELTA project Visit A three member’s team of BELFORA has visited NELTA program from March 16-20, 2013 for reinforcing knowledge and lessons learned from their experiences. Program Coordinator, BELFORA and Coordinator, Knowledge Management for Development, BNNRC along with Station Manager, Community Radio Pollikontho formed the team. The objective of the visit was to meet the program coordinators, script writers, English language teachers and experts, vocalists, media specialists and audio technicians and to learn lessons from NELTA experiences. Finally it was revealed that there were scopes of mutual cooperation and exchange of expertise between Bangladesh and Nepal in improving the quality of English language teaching and learning in coming days. Nepali English Language Experts in Bangladesh A two members’ team from Nepal English Language Teachers Association (NELTA) and Department of English, Nepal government visited Bangladesh on September 2013 to share NELTA experience on English language learning by radio with BELFORA, Bangladesh team. They have participated in the Lessons Learned workshop of BELFORA and gave their expert opinions in the sessions. Meeting and consultation with stakeholders A number of meetings and consultations took place during the project period with the American center Team, consultants, material developer, quality controller and Radio Pollikontho staff members on a regular and need basis. The objectives of the meetings were to share the activities in details and on operational plan to monitor its progress.
Orientation of Radio Listeners’ Club (RLC) members An orientation on “Basic English Language for Outreach Radio Audience (BELFORA)” for the Radio Listeners club members was conducted on June 8, 2013 at Radio Pollikontho, Moulvibazar. A total of 25 participants from 12 RLCs of Radio Pollikontho broadcasting area attended in the orientation. The objective of the orientation was to share the project goal, objectives and activities Develop Teachers’ Handbook and Provide Training on Teachers’ Handbook To strengthen the program a handbook for the English language teachers has been developed and distributed among the English teachers of Radio Pollikontho broadcasting area. An expert on developing English language material was engaged for developing the material. The work was closely monitored by one renowned quality control expert. He gave guidance to the material developer by reviewing the draft materials. The Teachers’ Handbook was finalized by adapting the feedback, suggestions and recommendations and shared with the teachers for using in the classrooms. The consultant was responsible for facilitating training and refresher’s training course on the handbook for upgrading the teaching skills of the selected teachers in the project area. A total of 47 22
local English language teachers from 29 local schools and colleges have participated in the teachers training on Handbook. From the information gathered it was known that they used to teach a total of 5,078 students from class six to twelve standards. So through our trained teachers, 5,078 students of the locality have benefitted from the radio program. Rural success stories As part of planned project activities, a total of 12 success stories were developed in interview format and broadcasted accordingly. The activity was produced targeting the radio listeners to encourage and inspire them by sharing the experiences of some individuals who have succeeded in their life by learning English, knowing the scope and process how to get easy access to learn English and exploring the opportunities available at American Center and corners in Bangladesh. Radio Listeners’ Club (RLC) Members Meeting and Distribution of Radio sets There are a good number of Radio listeners’ clubs functioning in the broadcasting area of Radio Pollikontho.As a part of the activities “Radio Pollikontho team” made frequent visits to the RLCs to engage all RLCs in the process and have shared the goals and objectives of BELFORA. A total of 220 radio sets were distributed to encourage the listeners for listening radio programs. Lessons Learned Workshop The Lessons Learned workshop was organized at IDB Auditorium, Dhaka on 26 September on the eve of closing of the pilot phase of BELFORA Project. The objective of the workshop was to share the lessons learned of the project so that the findings and feedbacks of the selected participants could be used in future planning of the project on a wider scale. The participants of the workshop included English language experts, American Center representatives, staffs and listeners from Radio Pollikontho and representatives from the organizations like BRAC, BBC Media Action, Daily Prothom Alo, ABC Radio and Dhaka language Club. Two experts from Nepal English Language Teachers Association [NELTA] joined and shared the lessons learned from implementing similar project in their country.
Number of people reached The broadcasting coverage area of Radio Pollikontho is 17 kilometers radius around transmission point. So the whole community people of the surrounding area are the beneficiaries of the project in general. But specifically the listeners of low intermediate level, dropped outs and potential radio listeners are the target audience. Initially it has been targeted 5000 beneficiaries for the project.
Fellowship for Young Women in Media and Journalism The project entitled: Fellowship for Young Women in Media and Journalism has been started in September 2013 under the financial assistance of FPU.It has aimed to ensure the women access to mass media. This project has been planned to create scopes for the young women so that they will be able to present in mass media the problems and prospects of the local community people with special focus on vulnerable women and children. Presently, more than two hundred women young professionals are working with 14 community radio stations of the country which is encouraging to inspire them to work with wider audience. This fellowship 23
program will help them to work more skillfully for the larger groups of women and children community. A total of 14 fellows and 13 focal persons are now selected. One fellow is working for one station. Under different training and workshops through this program, the fellows will acquire skill and confidence. In the long run, these young women fellows will be developed as brand ambassadors of community media, form networks and thus women leadership will be established at local media sector of Bangladesh. The project will be implemented gradually in all broadcasting area of Community Radio Stations all over the country. The initial phase of the project will continue up to March 2014.
Events Continued on CR issues i. Monitoring Committee Meeting Community Radio related Monitoring Committee meeting was held at 10:00 am on 10th January 2013 at the IDB conference room, Agargaon, Dhaka with the help of Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) and Free Press Unlimited (FPU). Mr. Qazi Akhter Uddin Ahmed, (Additional Secretary), Director General, Bangladesh Betar & Chairman, Community Radio related Monitoring Committee presided over the meeting. Among others Mr. Monjur Rahman, Joint Secretary (Broadcasting), Ministry of Information and Member Secretary, National Regulatory Committee attended in the meeting; among the Members, Community Radio related Monitoring Committee- Mr. Dulal Kumar Paul, Chief Engineer, Bangladesh Betar; Mr. Narayan Chandra Shil, Deputy Director General (News), Bangladesh Betar; Mr. Salah Uddin Ahmed, Director (Program), Mr. Sohel Rana, Assistant Director, Bangladesh Betar and Mr. AHM Bazlur Rahman, CEO, BNNRC were present in the meeting. A total of 22 representatives from the Community Radio stations namely Padma, Nalta, Lokobetar, Pollikontho, Sagargiri, Mukti, Mohananda, Chilmari, Jhenuk, Krishi, Borendra, Naf, Sundarban and Bikrampur were participated in the meeting. In his closing speech, Mr. Monjur Rahman, Joint Secretary (Broadcasting), MoI and Member Secretary, National Regulatory Committee for Community Radio told that Community Radios have already been achieved a lot. As a result, the process of giving approval and license of Bangladesh to new community radio initiators is continuing. He informed that the ministry is very much concern for mitigating the present challenges of community radios. He expected that the government would take necessary action at inter-ministry level for broadcasting development news through the community radio stations within a short time and would take appropriate step for allocating fund for Community Radio Trust Fund in the next budget. ii. Annual Planning and Review Meeting of Community Radios in Bangladesh A daylong Annual Planning and Review Meeting of Community Radios in Bangladesh was held on 30th April, 2013 at 10 am in IDB Auditorium, Dhaka. The event was organized by Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) under the support of Free Press Unlimited. The objectives were as follows: To develop an idea of a participatory approach (sharing knowledge and expertise) that can make an effective promotion of community radios in Bangladesh To introduce and promote a toolkit for continuous improvement of community radio (CR) sector (developed through UNESCO support) with a people-centric vision towards the CR practitioners. To identify the possible interventions for promoting community radios through reviewed progress and challenges of the year 2012.
24
A total of Thirty (30) Community Radio Practitioners from 14 community radio stations (CRSs) participated in the Annual Review and Planning Meeting.The categories of the participants included the CR Initiators, Station Managers, Head of news, Program Producers, Reporters, News producers, News and Program Presenters etc Mr. Dulal Chandra Biswas, Director General, Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB) was the first key speaker of the day, he talked on ‘Vision of Community Radio in Bangladesh” and ‘Community Radio Continuous Improvement Toolkit”, a recent initiative of UNESCO Chair on Community Media –India and CEMCA/COL’. The session was moderated by Syed Tarikul Islam, Community Radio Naf and Chaired by Mr. Shahidul Islam, Community Radio Nalta. Under Mr.AHM Bazlur Rahman’s facilitation the second session was moderated by Ms. Parvin Nahar, Station Manager, Community Radio Jhenuk and Chaired by Mr. Mehedi Hasan, Station Manager, Community Radio Pollikontho.Mr. Amin Al Rasheed, Editor, Community Media and Senior Reporter, ABC Radio conducted session on, Community Media News Agency (CMNA) Operation. This session was moderated by Mr. Tareq Mahamud, Central Coordinator, Community Radio Lokobetar and Chaired by Syed Tarikul Islam, Community Radio Naf. The next session was on ‘Support Available from BNNRC’ by Mr.AHM Bazlur Rahman as key Speaker. while Ms. Sabrina Sharmin, Program Manager (Communications), Community Radio Chilmari moderated and Md. Azizur Rahman. Program Manager, BRAC (Community Empowerment Program) Chaired this session.Moderated by Mr.AHM Bazlur Rahman and Chaired by Mr. Arif Sikder, Executive Director, Community Radio Bikrampur, this session introduced two (2) Guest Speakers from Dhaka FM, Mr. Md. Anisuzzaman, GM (Operation) and Mr. M. A. Hakim, CEO, Dhaka FM. Mr. Kamaruzzaman, Project Coordinator, BNNRC was also present as a speaker. iii.Training Workshop on Operational Sustainability for Functional Community Radio in Bangladesh Currently, one of the major challenges faced by Community Radio Station (CRS) operators in Bangladesh is sustaining the operation in CR. Most CRS manage to raise the initial funding for setting up the stations but thereafter find it difficult to run the CRS as thriving community institution. In this context, to promote sustainable CR operation in Bangladesh, CEMCA initiated to organize a 3 day long workshop from 9th to 11th June, 2013, at Community Radio, Radio Mahananda, Chapainawabganj. The event was jointly organized by Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) and Community Radio, Radio Mahananda. The output of the workshop was visualized as following: -
Sustainability parameters are identified and contextualized to CR Policy in Bangladesh. Action Plan developed by each of the stations, to rest the parameter based on the base line data. Capacities of CRS, strengthened in sustainable operation of the stations.
A total of 23 CR practitioners from 12 Community Radio Stations of the country participated in the program. Among the facilitators, there were four representatives from COL/CEMCA, BNNRC, Rupantar and CR Radio Mahananda. The issues covered in various sessions were : Present Scenario of CRSs in Bangladesh, Assessment of CRS, Sustainability Matrix: Highlighting the Contributing and Challenging Factors of ‘Institutional Sustainability’ Program or Social Sustainability’ Financial Sustainability’ of CRSs, Action Plan for Operating CRS as a Sustainable Model.
25
The participants described the workshop as an opportunity for them to discuss the program, challenges and possible interactions for activating sustainability. Raising the money for operations, engaging the community, providing relevant programming and keeping volunteers motivated pose major challenges. Unless all these aspects are taken care of and sound station and content management practices adopted, the station fall into doldrums. To test the parameter, verifying all the received individual action plans, ‘Community Radio Nalta’ and ‘Community Radio Jhenuk’ the two community radios were suggested as the sustainable model in the second phase. Case Study Radio Pollikantha [FM 99.2], where Community voice is heard ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------“In our radio station, in program production and broadcasting, we give special emphasis on Mother and Child Health issues. Because; they are the backward sections of our community. Therefore we give extra care for them in community radio program production”- told Mr. Mehedi Hasan, Station Manager, Radio Pollikontha in a discussion at BNNRC Secretariat, Dhaka last September. Mehedi had travelled a long way from Moulvibazar, a local district at the countryside, where the community radio has started broadcasting only 2 years back. Moulvibazar is 211 KM away from the capital city- a 4-hours drive. Mehedi Hasan came to the mega-city to receive the prestigious Meena Media Award-2013 that his station achieved in Radio Category, in a competition organized by UNICEF, by bidding all other radio stations of the country including the Public Service Broadcasting/Bangladesh Betar as its competitor. The competing program that Pollikantha submitted was “Alor Bhuban” [The world of light], a magazine program dealing with children's rights and their access to health facilities. A few months back, on May 24, Pollikantha received the Family Planning Media Award-2012-13 in Radio category in other media-contest jointly organized by UNFPA and Family Planning Directorate of Bangladesh Government. One of the important strengths of those programs was, as Mehedi told -” the active participation of village women and children. They directly participated in our programs and talked about their problems and demands.” By being one of the enthusiastic members of the 1st generation community radio station in the country, which was initiated by BRAC [one of the largest NGOs], Radio Pollikontha has now made its strong existence as a community media institution within the surrounding 17 km radius of Moulvibazar District. The station has started broadcasting since 4 December, 2011 after getting a license from the Ministry of Information. “It was not easy to start; there were challenges, for example-there was no skill or idea on community radio in place. Earlier People were doubtful, for radio listening, they knew only about “Bangladesh Betar “or BBC. But gradually local youth boys and girls came forward and the community people were convinced that there could be one radio in their own area that could echo their own voices.”-Mehedi elaborated. The station is now broadcasting 08 hour program in a day which includes-health, agriculture, education, market price, youth employment, local government’s safety-net information and different types of programs on local culture, sports, lifestyle, history and heritage. People from different walks of life take part in different stages of the programmingfrom planning to broadcast. People like government officials, subject matter specialists, elected representatives, students, teachers, youth groups, senior citizens and most importantly the women take part in the programs. There were listeners clubs around the radio stations who take part in group listening and provide systematic feedbacks. At present there are 7023 listeners organized through 690 Listeners clubs around the audience area. Their feedbacks are used in improving the quality of program production and broadcasting. ”But it was not easy to start at the beginning. Since there was no skilled human resource at the local level, and it was BNNRC who took the initiative to guide and for our capacity 26
development“- Mehedi continued. At present ten (10) Male and twelve (12) female staffs and a large number of volunteers are working in this station. They are professionally skilled in operational management, program production and broadcasting of a radio station. Also, they are quite motivated to do something for a community radio in their own area. Mithu [the young producer who presents the basic English language program in local language] joins every morning from a distant village which is a 2-hour journey from the station. Sharmin Shifa (another young producer) is now equipped with an integrated radio operation skills that includes the skills of production, editing and presentation. She does not need to depend on. A neo-media generation is coming up! Pollikantha has become a popular radio station of the community-particularly for their programs on mother and child health, agricultural activities and Basic English language course. The rush of SMS, Phone calls, e-mails and even letters can be the proofs of the popularity of the programs. To add to these, every day numbers of people use to come from distant villages to visit the station. A Radio station was once a myth to them and now it has come at their doorsteps and become a reality! When a peasant works in his field and tunes Radio Pollikantha [99.2 FM] on his mobile phone he may feel how a myth is getting reshaped! The programs that broadcast is trying to keep a balance through a mix of smiles and tears-as the community life goes on with a mix of funs, wits, singing and serious talks. “It is like a mirror where people can see their faces,”-Mehedi told in characterizing the diversified programs of Radio Pollikantha. Community Radio Pollikantha has shown the elements to be established as a community media institution in the country. It becomes a place worth to visit by other community radio experts and practitioners in the country. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Notes: Experts say that the success of the 1st generation community radio stations led the Ministry of Information of Bangladesh Government to primarily approve more 16 community radio stations as a second batch in the last month [November, 2013]. Pollikantha is a Bengali word, it means rural voice or the voice of the Village.
27
PART 2 Knowledge, Networking and Capacity Building
At a Glance Report on Community Radio Stations
Sl #
01
Name of CR and Initiator Org:
Community Radio Padma 99.2 CCD Bangladesh Monafer More Rajshahi Broadcast: Experimental = 22 July
Monthly meeting of Local Advisory Committee held in regular Basis?
No On line Radio: www.rad iopadma. com
Information Sector
Broadcast ing hour in daily basis
With in 24 Hours
14 Hours
(10 am – 12 am )
Live = 11 h 30 m Recorde d=2 h 30 m
Nature of Program
Working People
In regular basis
Up to: 31.12.2013.
Dev: News (How many time)
Dev: Adver tisem ent
Manage ment Committ ee
Advis ory Com mitte e
Total Listen ers
How Upa zilla Cov ered
5:15pm 7:15pm 9:15pm 11:15pm (prime time)
5 Min: par hour
7 Memb er
15 Me mbe r
5 Lacs
6
Radio Listen ers Club
Grand total
Volunteer
M
F
Total
M
F
Total
13
9
22
32
30
24
84
(Male = 45 Female = 39)
1. Life & Livelihood 2. Education 3. Primary Health 4. Right based 5. Promotion of indigenous culture 6. Youth, Child, Women issue 7. Job information 8. Local development information 9. Knowledge based information 10. Right to Information 11. Local culture promotion
04 (15 mini each) = 60 min: 12am.(5 min @
-
2011. Regular = 07 Oct 2011. License # 01. Anniversary date: 07 Oct ’12 st 1 Anniversary.
Sl #
02
Name of CR and Initiator Org:
Community Radio Nalta 99.2 NHCHF Kaliganj Satkhira Broadcast:
Monthly meeting of Local Advisory Committee held in regular Basis?
Yes
Information Sector
Broadcast ing hour in daily basis
With in 24 Hours
9 Hours
(9 am-11 am = 2 h, 2 pm – 5 pm = 3 h, 8 pm – 12 am = 4 h)
Working People
In regular basis M
F
Total
5
-
5
12. ICT4D 13. Local news and information 14. Interview of Grass roots Freedom Fighter 15. Entertainment 16. Special Day observation 17. Job news 18. Rent of home & land 19. Information and song of movies 20. NGOs news
12am) =60+5= 65min
Nature of Program
Dev: News (How many time)
Dev: Adver tisem ent
Manage ment Committ ee
Advis ory Com mitte e
Total Listen ers
How Upa zilla Cov ered
3 (15,15,30 = 1 Hour) = 60 min
5 min 30 Sec
9 Memb er
24 Me mbe r
6 lacs
3
Radio Listen ers Club
Grand total
Volunteer M
F
Total
16 3
43
206
209 (Male = 168 Female = 43)
1. Primary Health related magazine program/information 2. Agriculture 3. Climate Change/DRR 4. Entertainment 5. Right based 6. Development Motivation/Information 7. Local cultural promotion 8. Live & Livelihood 9. Religious 10. Local Government
111
(2,331 )
29
Experimental = 13 July 2011. Regular = 01 Oct 2011.
Live = 1 h 30 m Recorde d=7h 30 m
11. Right to Information 12. Against Trafficking 13. Special Day observation 14. Youth, Child, Women issue 15. Interview of Grass roots Freedom Fighter 16. Local news and development information 17. Weather news
License # 02 Anniversary date: 13 July ‘ 13 2nd Anniversary.
Sl #
03
Name of CR and Initiator Org:
Community Radio Lokobetar 99.2
Monthly meeting of Local Advisory Committee held in regular Basis?
Yes
Information Sector
Broadcast ing hour in daily basis
With in 24 Hours
5 Hours
(3 pm -8 pm)
MMC 99 West Sadar Road, Barguna
Live = 2 h Recorde d=3h
Nature of Program
Working People
In regular basis
Dev: News (How many time)
Dev: Adver tisem ent
Manage ment Committ ee
Advis ory Com mitte e
Total Listen ers
How Upa zilla Cov ered
5 (12 mini) = 60 min
No
11 Memb er
15 Me mbe r
3 lacks 50 thou sand
5
Radio Listen ers Club
Grand total
Volunteer
M
F
Total
M
F
Total
8
-
8
59
41
100
108 (Male = 67 Female = 41)
1. Climate Change / DRR 2. Education 3. Agriculture 4. Right to Information 5. Issue based Development Information 6. Market information 7. Issue based Awareness 8. Entertainment 9. Right based 10. Special Day observation. 11. Gender & Women
06
(205)
30
Broadcast: Experimental = 27 May 2011. Regular = 27 May 2011. License # 03
Empowerment 12. Women & Child Rights 13. Local Governance 14. Science & Technology 15. Career Opportunity 15. Development News
Anniversary date: 27 May ’13 2nd Anniversary.
Sl #
04
Name of CR and Initiator Org:
Community Radio Pollikontho 99.2
BRAC Mathar Kapon Chandnighat
Monthly meeting of Local Advisory Committee held in regular Basis?
Yes
Information Sector
Broadcast ing hour in daily basis
With in 24 Hours
8 Hours
(9 am to 1 pm and 3 pm to 7 pm) Live = 2
Nature of Program
Working People
In regular basis
Dev: News (How many time)
Dev: Adver tisem ent
Manage ment Committ ee
Advis ory Com mitte e
Total Listen ers
How Upa zilla Cov ered
Radio Listen ers Club
1 (10 mini) = 10 min
No
25 Memb er
15 Me mbe r
4 Lack
4
690 (7,0 23)
Grand total
Volunteer
M
F
Total
M
F
Total
8
7
15
8
10
18
33 (Male = 16 Female = 17)
1. Health 2. Agriculture 3. Right based 4. Entertainment 5. Development information 6. Knowledge based information 7. Local Government issue
31
Moulvibazar
8. Local talent 9. Market information 10. Special Day observation 11. Education 12. English Language 13. Cooking 14. Street Show 15. Development issue based program for Adulsent and youth on reproductive health 16. Success Story (life story)
h Recorde d=6h
Broadcast: Experimental = 25 Oct 2011. Regular = 12 Janu. 2012. License # 04 Anniversary date: 12 Jan ’13 st 1 Anniversary.
Sl #
05
Name of CR and Initiator Org:
Community Radio Sagar Giri FM 99.2 YPSA Sitakunda Chittagong
Monthly meeting of Local Advisory Committee held in regular Basis?
Bimonthl y On line radio (issue based)
Information Sector
Broadcast ing hour in daily basis
With in 24 Hours
5 Hours
(12 pm – 5 pm) Live = 1 h 30 m
Working People
In regular basis
Nature of Program
Dev: News (How many time)
Dev: Adver tisem ent
Manage ment Committ ee
Advis ory Com mitte e
Total Listen ers
How Upa zilla Cov ered
1. Primary Health 2. Agriculture 3. Disable issue 4. Entertainment 5. Climate Change/DRR 6. Live and Livelihood 7. Development Motivation 8. Local Government issues. 9. Special Day
2 ( 3 mini each only Bulletin) = 6 mini as bulletin
No
7 Memb er
7 Me mbe r
2 lac 62 thou sand
3
Radio Listen ers Club
Grand total
Volunteer
M
F
Total
M
F
Total
4
4
8
13
7
20
28 (Male = 17 Female = 11)
805
(18,84 0)
32
Broadcast: Experimental = 23 Nov 2011. Regular = 24 Mar 2012.
www.rad iosagargi ri.ypsa.or g
Recorde d=3h 30 m
(National/International) observation/information/ne ws. 10. Women and Child issue 11. Education 12. Arsenic English Languge !3. Bio deversity
License # 05 Anniversary date: 24 Mar st ’13 1 Anniversary.
Sl #
06
Name of CR and Initiator Org:
Community Radio Mahananda 98.8 Proyas MUS Chapi,
Monthly meeting of Local Advisory Committee held in regular Basis?
Yes
Information Sector
Broadcast ing hour in daily basis
With in 24 Hours
7 Hours (3 pm 10 pm)
Live = 3 h Recorde
Working People
In regular basis M
F
Total
8
4
12
Nature of Program
Dev: News (How many time)
Dev: Adver tisem ent
Manage ment Committ ee
Advis ory Com mitte e
Total Listen ers
How Upa zilla Cov ered
Radio Listen ers Club
1. Education 2. Infotainment 3. Trafficking 4. Local Government issues. 5. Local News 6. ICT4D 7. Agriculture 8. Local Heritage/Tourism 9. Live & Livelihood 10. Local Indigenous people
2 times
no
11 Memb er
6 Me mbe r
4 .5 lacks
4
200
Grand total
Volunteer M
F
Total
15
9
24
36 (Male = 23 Female = 13)
6:30 pm & 9:30 pm
(5,80 0)
(12 mini --24 mini)
33
Gobratola,
d=4h
issues/culture 11. Special Day (National/International) observation/information/ne ws. 12. Health 13. Information & song of movies 14. Local culture promotion 15. Local development information 16. Right based 17. NGOs news 18. Knowledge based information 19. Youth, Child, Women issue
Chapainawabg onj- 6300.
Broadcast: Experimental = 29 Oct 2011. Regular = 28 Dec 2011. License # 06
Anniversary date: 28 Dec ’12 1st Anniversary (held on 5th Jan ’13). Sl #
07
Name of CR and Initiator Org:
Community Radio Mukti 99.2
Monthly meeting of Local Advisory Committee held in regular Basis?
No
Information Sector
Broadcast ing hour in daily basis
With in 24 Hours 10 Hour (9 am to 3 pm and 6
Working People
In regular basis
Nature of Program
Dev: News (How many time)
Dev: Adver tisem ent
Manage ment Committ ee
Advis ory Com mitte e
Total Listen ers
How Upa zilla Cov ered
Radio Listen ers Club
1. Mina Cartoon / Child issue 2. English language 3. Knowledge Exchange 4. development information. 5. Women and Child Issues
5 times (10 minutes each) = 50 min:
no
7 memb er
7 me mbe r
4 lacs 50 thou sand
11
2 (350 )
Grand total
Volunteer
M
F
Total
M
F
Total
11
5
16
8
6
14
30 (M=19 F=11)
34
LDRO
pm to 10 pm)
Sherpur Road, Bogra. Operated by: ASBL
Live = 8 h Recorde d= 2h
6. Education 7. Science and Technology 8. Life and Livelihood 9. Local development information 10. Job information. 11. Local news and information. 12. Agriculture 13. Religion 14. Entertainment.
Broadcast: Experimental : 7 Dec: 2011 Regular: 31 Dec: 2011 License # 07 Anniversary date: 31 Dec: ’13, 2nd Anniversory. Sl #
08
Name of CR and Initiator Org:
Community
Monthly meeting of Local Advisory Committee held in regular Basis?
Yes
Information Sector
Broadcast ing hour in daily basis
With in 24 Hours
3 Hour
Nature of Program
Working People
In regular basis M
F
Total
3
-
3
Dev: News (How many time)
Dev: Adver tisem ent
1
No
Manage ment Committ ee
Advis ory Com mitte e
Total Listen ers
How Upa zilla Cov ered
9
7
4
4
Radio Listen ers Club
Grand total
Volunteer M
F
Total
12
8
20
23
1. Health and Live and lively hood information
88
(2,215
35
.
Radio Chilmari 99.2
(4 pm – 7 pm)
RDRS Bangladesh
Live = 1 h Recorde d=2h
(Male = 15 Female = 8)
Chilmari Kurigram Broadcast: Experimental = 02 Nov 2011. Regular = 02 Jun 2012.
2. Disaster preparedness / awareness 3. Entertainment and infotainment 4. Issue based information (day observation, market prize, immunization day and place, LGED etc. 05. Agriculture 06. Women and Child issue 07. Science and Technology. 08. Education 09. Success story 10. listeners feedback 11. night sms program 12. Climate change and weather
(5 mini) = 05 min
Memb er
Me mbe r
lacs 80 thou sand
Manage
Advis
Total
)
License # 08 Anniversary date: 02 June ’12 1st Anniversary
Sl #
Name of CR
Monthly
Information Sector
Nature of Program
Dev:
Dev:
How
Radio
36
and Initiator Org:
09 .
Community Radio Jhenuk 99.2 Srizony Bangladesh Pabahati, Jhenidha Broadcast: Experimental = 20 Nov 2011. Regular = 05 Jan 2012. License # 09 Anniversary date: 19 Jul ’13 1st Anniversary.
meeting of Local Advisory Committe e held in regular Basis?
Yes
Broadcasting hour in daily basis
With in 24 Hours
9 Hours
(12 pm – 9 pm) Live = 5 h Recorded = 4h
Working People In regular basis
News (How many time)
Adver tisem ent
ment Committ ee
ory Com mitte e
Listen ers
Upa zilla Cov ered
Listen ers Club
2 times (10 mini each) = 20 mini
45 Min:
7 Memb er
Advis ory
3 lacs 90 thou sand
4
85 (690)
Grand total
Volunteer
M
F
Total
M
F
Total
4
1
5
19
15
34
39 (Male = 23 Female = 16)
1. Local development information 2. Youth, Child, Women issue 3. Education 4. Agriculture 5. Entertainment 6. Interview of Grass roots Freedom Fighter 7. Primary Health & Nutrition 8. Climate Change, Weather news 9. Knowledge based information 10. Local culture promotion 11. Right to Information 12. Development based Magazine program 13. Live and Livelihood program 14. Development Awareness/ Social Behavioral change 15. Job information 16. Special Day (National/International) observation news. 17. Local news and information
20 me mbe r Mon itori ng 11 me mbe r=31
37
Sl #
10 .
Name of CR and Initiator Org:
Krishi Radio 98.8 Agriculture Information Services (AIS), Ministry of Agriculture Amtali, Barguna Broadcast: Experimental = 01 January 2012. Regular = 29 January 2012. License # 10,
Monthly meeting of Local Advisory Committee held in regular Basis?
Yes
Information Sector
Broadcast ing hour in daily basis
With in 24 Hours
8 Hours (09am11 am,
3 pm-09 pm ) Live = 6 h Recorde d=2h
Nature of Program
Working People
In regular basis
Dev: News (How many time)
Dev: Adver tisem ent
Manage ment Committ ee
Advis ory Com mitte e
Total Listen ers
How Upa zilla Cov ered
10 minutes each mins 3 times 4 pm, 6 pm & 8 pm = 30 mins
Yes
20 Memb ers
17 Me mbe rs
75 Thou sand
9
Radio Listen ers Club
Grand total
Volunteer
M
F
Total
M
F
Total
7
1
8
20
10
30
38
(Male = 27 Female = 11)
01. Agriculture 02. Life & Livelihood 03. Education 04. Primary Health & Nutrition 05. Human Right based 06. Promotion of indigenous culture 07. Child, Women issue 08. Youth 09. Climate & Weather 10. Job information 11. Local development information 12. Knowledge based information 13. Right to Information 14. Local culture promotion 15. ICT for Dev 16. Local news and information 17. Interview of Grass roots Freedom Fighter 18. Entertainment 19. Special Day observation 20. Awareness buildup
30
( 525)
38
Issued date: 29.01.12.
program 21. National program broadcast
Anniversary st date: 1 January st ‘13 1 Anniversary
Sl #
11 .
Name of CR and Initiator Org:
Community Radio Sundarban 98.8 Amadi Bazar Koyra, Khulna Broadcasting A S I A of Bangladesh
Monthly meeting of Local Advisory Committee held in regular Basis?
No
Information Sector
Broadcast ing hour in daily basis
With in 24 Hours 6 hours 9 am to 12 am and 4 pm to 7 pm Live = 2 h Recorde d=4h
Nature of Program
Working People
In regular basis
Dev: News (How many time)
Dev: Adver tisem ent
Manage ment Committ ee
Advis ory Com mitte e
Total Listen ers
How Upa zilla Cov ered
Radio Listen ers Club
No
No
7 memb er
7 me mbe r
2 lacks 75 thou sand
6
239 (2,1 51)
Grand total
Volunteer
M
F
Total
M
F
Total
6
2
8
10
5
15
23 (Male = 16 Female = 7
1. Development Message/Motivation 2. Entertainment. 3. DRR/Climate Change 4. Live & Livelihood 5. Health 6. Education 7. Job information 8. Entertainment 9. Special Day observation 10. Agriculture 11. Market information 12. Fisheries 13. Local news and information
Broadcast: 39
Experimental = 15 Feb: 2012 Regular = 22 April 2012 License # 11 Anniversary date: 01 Aug ’13 1st Anniversary. Sl #
12 .
Name of CR and Initiator Org:
Radio Naf 99.2 fm ACLAB Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar Experimental : 21 Feb: 2012.
Monthly meeting of Local Advisory Committee held in regular Basis?
No
Information Sector
Broadcast ing hour in daily basis
With in 24 Hours
5 Hours
(9 am – 11 am = 2 h, 4 pm – 7 pm = 3 h)
Working People
In regular basis
Nature of Program
Dev: News (How many time)
Dev: Adver tisem ent
Manage ment Committ ee
Advis ory Com mitte e
Total Listen ers
How Upa zilla Cov ered
1. Knowledge Sharing 2. Anti Drug & trafficking. 3. DRR/Climate Change, environment & bio-diversity issue. 4. Development information on professional group 5. Entertainment 6. Health & sanitation. 7. Agriculture 8. Fisheries. 9. Local government development issue.
1 (5 mini each) = 10-15 min
No
09 memb er
17 me mbe r
55 thou sand
1
Radio Listen ers Club
Grand total
Volunteer
M
F
Total
M
F
Total
5
2
7
8
16
24
31 (Male = 13 Female = 18)
8
(160)
40
10. Women development & empowerment issue. 11. Right to information.
Regular broadcasting start from 21 Apr 2012 License # 12 Anniversary date: 21 Apr ’13 1st Anniversary
Sl #
13 .
Name of CR and Initiator Org:
Community Radio Bikrampur 99.2 EC Bangladesh
Monthly meeting of Local Advisory Committee held in regular Basis?
No www.rad iobikram pur.fm
Information Sector
Broadcast ing hour in daily basis
With in 24 Hours
6 hours Sun to Thu 4 pm 10 pm = 9 h= 45 m
Nature of Program
Working People
In regular basis
Dev: News (How many time)
Dev: Adver tisem ent
Manage ment Committ ee
Advis ory Com mitte e
Total Listen ers
How Upa zilla Cov ered
Radio Listen ers Club
12 (total 5 mini)
No
7 memb er
7 me mbe r
4 lacs 52 thou sand
8
550 (16, 500)
Grand total
Volunteer
M
F
Total
M
F
Total
3
-
3
4
6
10
13 (Male: 7 Female = 6)
1. Development Motivation 2. Issue based information and awareness 3. Entertainment 4. Local development News 5. Right to Information 6. Climate Change 7. Child care
41
8. Health 9. Education 10. Culture 11. Historical 12. Education
Live = 8.45 Recorde d=1h
Dewvogh, Munshiganj Broadcast: Experimental = 01 may 2012 Regular = 01 Sep 2012 License # 13 Anniversary date: 01 May st ’13 1 Anniversary.
Sl #
14 .
Name of CR and Initiator Org:
Community Borendra Radio 99.2
Monthly meeting of Local Advisory Committee held in regular Basis?
No
Information Sector
Broadcast ing hour in daily basis
With in 24 Hours
13 Hours (10 am
Nature of Program
Working People
In regular basis
Dev: News (How many time)
Dev: Adver tisem ent
Manage ment Committ ee
Advis ory Com mitte e
Total Listen ers
How Upa zilla Cov ered
4 (15 Mini) = 60 min
3.20 Sec
6 memb er
6 me mbe r
5 lacs
08
Radio Listen ers Club
Grand total
Volunteer
M
F
Tot al
M
F
Total
6
3
9
10
5
15
24 (Male = 16 Female =
1. Right based information. 2. DRR/Climate/Environment 3. Live & Livelihood 4. Anti Tobacco and Anti
7
(202)
42
to 11 pm)
NHRDA
08)
Live = 12 h Recorde d=1h
Ukilpara Naogaon Broadcast: Experimental = 08 March 2012
Drug campaign 5. English Language and Education 6. Infotainment 7. Daily Life 8. Religious 9. Local historical heritage 10. Interview of Grass roots Freedom Fighter 11. Right to Information 12. Child Issues. 13. Local News
Regular = 06 August 2012. License # 14 Anniversary date: 06 Aug ’13 st 1 Anniversary
Total = 108 h, Live broadcast: 61 h 45 min: Recorded broadcast: 45 h
91
38
129
381
211
592
721
7 h 13 min
1h8 min and 5 sec
141
181
51,39, 000
76
2,809 (56,87 2)
43
