A collaborative effort led by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, India (MIB),  the Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (CEMCA), Radio Luit and Gauhati University resulted in a Community Radio Awareness Workshop in Guwahati, Assam.

The event brought together over 40 participants from community-based organisations and educational institutions across various states of Northeastern India to enhance their understanding of community radio (CR), its benefits, and the steps to establish a CR station. It equipped them with the tools and knowledge to use radio broadcasting for social development and community engagement. CR stations can, among other things, help contribute to a sense of community among students engaged in open and distance learning studies.

Delivering the welcome address, Dr B. Shadrach, Director of CEMCA, underscored the pivotal role of CR, calling it “an effective medium for two-way communication.” He stressed its dual function – disseminating pertinent information to the community and amplifying their voices – thereby aiding them in articulating concerns and reaching out to relevant authorities. CR stations can serve as catalysts for positive community change.

The workshop explored diverse facets of community radio and familiarised the participants with the essence of CR, policy directives, and the supportive schemes of the Government of India. It included the intricacies of completing online applications for different types of CR licenses and facilitated peer-to-peer knowledge exchange through insights shared by operators of community radio stations. Key topics, such as sustainability and station management were covered and Community Radio Policy and Guidelines distributed for future reference.

Additionally, participants had the opportunity to visit Radio Luit Community Radio Service at Gauhati University for a hands-on experience that offered invaluable insights into the day-to-day operations and management of a community radio station. This provided practical training and facilitated a deeper understanding of the medium.