Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio
and Communication (BNNRC) is a national networking body working for building a
democratic society based on the principles of free flow of information,
equitable and affordable access to Information and Communication Technology for
Development (ICT4D) of remote and marginalized population. This is the outcome
of a long-term advocacy effort by BNNRC and other civil society organizations
that govt.has finally approved Community Radio Installation, Operation and
Broadcasting Policy in the year 2008 and approved licenses to 14 CR initiators on
22nd April 2010. If they succeed, they are going to be the pioneers
in this sector. Apart from advocacy for community radio BNNRC is concerned and
working for promoting Right to Information and reducing digital divide by
adopting different strategies.
So far we know, the CR initiators
have progressed well towards set up and initial kick-off. Until today, 08 organizations
have got spectrum and the rest 06 are on the waiting list. We hope BTRC will
soon allocate frequency to the rest of the Initiators. Thanks to BTRC for their
untiring efforts throughout the process. At the moment, BNNRC is working for
capacity development of the initiators, although it includes challenges, but also
all of us agreed that community radio has much to do in rural community
development. With this belief, BNNRC has been implementing different
development activities in partnership with different development partners.USAID
–DAI has extended its support to BNNRC through its USAID-PRAGATI for
implementing the project-“Strengthening Community Radio” since
August 2010.This project has aimed to strengthen the capacity and skill of the
CR Initiators so that they will acquire efficiency to operate the CR stations effectively.
To achieve the objectives the project was designed and included activities like
training, workshop, interactive dialogues etc.
Until today (March 15, 2011)
through the support of USAID-PRAGATI, BNNRC has developed 05 training modules on
Basic Journalism, Production skill, Content Development, Governance and
corruption issues. As for Radio contents, BNNRC has organized and consulted the
initiators and prepared an outline for the proposed contents of the Community
Radio. The dates and schedules have been fixed for
dialogues at divisional levels in Rangpur, Khulna, Barisal, Sylhet and Chittagong.
This training –the training on
Station Management –is an important area in which station staffs need to have
true skill and knowledge. I think, this is going to be an in-time event for the
CR staffs; this training is being conducted in such a moment when the CR effort
is to take off the runway! The trainers of this training will include the
skilled and efficient resource persons; among those you will find the best mix
of reputed radio experts, academics, radio journalists, engineers and
development practitioners.
I personally share my gratitude
and thanks to Mr. Hugh C. Orozco, the Chief of Party USAID-PROGATI for his
gracious presence in this event .I am very much aware Mr.Orozco has a feeling
and sublime motivation to promote community radio in rural areas. He has got
extensive working experience in this regard. Our thanks also go to his
colleague Mr.Zahid and other team members in USAID-PRAGATI.
I must congratulate and welcome
my fellow partners coming from different selected CR areas. I expect your safe
stay and effective return out of this training.
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