Full Circle Associates

In my work assisting folks in applying online interaction tools and processes to my work, over and over again it is clear that ownership of the medium, content and process of interaction is essential for even a hope of sustainability. That has translated into making design and deployment a community function, not the "consultant" function. I facilitate rather than do.

When you think of this concept in terms of any medium, it still makes sense. Today via the BytesforAll mailing list I was pointed to this story: When own mohallah is on air, all you will hear is radio ga ga

NEW DELHI, APRIL 1: Imagine a radio station for every neighbourhood. Where local shops can advertise their goods, where communities can not only take charge of news content but debate on issues such as health and education.

Trying to make all this happen is the Information and Broadcasting Ministry which now awaits a response to a note circulated to the Ministries of Home, Communication and Defence before taking it to the Cabinet for approval.

Once cleared, it will usher in a radio revolution in the country which officials estimate should not take more than six months.

Over two years after the policy on community radio was announced—the BJP government’s decision on December 18, 2002 confined it to universities and colleges for security reasons—the UPA government is planning to hand over the radio to the community.

What this effectively means is non-governmental organisations, voluntary associations, Resident Welfare Associations (RWA) can start radio stations of their own, subject to the availability of frequencies. With bank guarantee money proposed to be reduced to Rs 25,000 from Rs 50,000, the radio station can become operational.

One of the reasons for bringing in a change in the policy, according to sources, was the lack of effective communication during the recent Tsunami disaster.

‘‘Communities operating radio stations along the coastal area could have issued adequate warning to prevent large-scale casualties,’’ sources said. With this in mind, the I&B Ministry has proposed that the community take charge of radio operations.

Advertising will be allowed but has been capped at five minutes to an hour of programming. Foreign funds will be allowed through the FCRA or Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act. Flexibility is also being shown in increasing the wattage of transmitters which is now at 50 watts.

There are some interesting bits in this article and I want to learn more (one web press story does not the full story tell!) First is the catalyst - the tsunami. The role of catalysts in change is incredible. From an activist perspective, what kinds of positive human catalysts can we deploy to stimulate change?

Second is the cost issue. Lowering the license fee and allowing outside funding is part of the control, or loosening of control. When I read this, I thought about the work Jock Gill is proposing around women in rich countries funding their sisters in the 2/3rds world through direct, personal microfinance. Would funding a radio station be a good investment?

Third is the provision for advertising. I'm no fan of radio ads, but I'm a big fan of finding mechanisms for sustainability and local ownership. External capital can start something, but it can't sustain it.

What do you think? Is this community in action?