Self Sustainability of Community Radio: Stories from India

Brecht wrote, "Radio is one sided when it should be two. It is purely an apparatus for distribution, for mere sharing out. So here is a positive suggestion: change this apparatus over from distribution to communication. The radio would be the finest possible communication apparatus in public life, a vast network of pipes. That is to say, it would be if it knew how to receive as well as transmit, how to let the listener speak as well as hear, how to bring him into a relationship instead of isolating him. On this principle the radio should step out of the supply business and organize its listeners as suppliers." Community Radio is a means of alternative media which asks for participation of people in program making, managing and owning the Radio station. Community Radio Stations (CRS) serves a defined geographic community. Participation at various levels gives the sense of ownership to the people which helps the CRS in its functioning; and empowers people. This book presents two case studies of Community Radio Stations from India.