Community Radio Broadcasters Selected for Professional Fellowship on Community Radio from a Digital Foundation in Oklahoma University, US

Community Radio based English Language learning has a great potential that reduces the gap between urban and rural settings of their families lives. English Language through Community Radio has become one of the most popular programs of the community radios in Bangladesh. Listeners’ numbers are increasing day by day; more than 300 English language trained rural teachers are now working with the Community Radio station as a resource broadcasters.

Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) has Piloted the project in one Community Radio station in 2012, then the project was replicated in another 4 community radio stations and finally the project have been replicating in all 17 community radio stations since 2015 with support from The American Center, Dhaka through American English Radio Project (AERP). AERP is making it easy for teachers and listeners to incorporate activities and practices into their lessons using 17 Community Radio station in rural Bangladesh

Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication of University of Oklahoma in collaboration with United States Embassy in Dhaka and Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) is to host a five-week professional exchange on Community Radio from a Digital Foundation in the United States of America that includes a professional fellowship placement at an American small business organization.

Community Radio from a Digital Foundation is funded by the U. S. Embassy in Dhaka will inject Bangladesh Community Radio Broadcasters into working community radio stations in Oklahoma and associate them with one of the America’s leading universities. The program aims to provide professional experience and training that will nurture participants’ talent and prepare them for more responsible leadership positions in their organizations, communities, and society in general.

Five Community broadcasters from 3 Community radio stations along with Coordinator, American English Radio Project of BNNRC will avail the opportunity. The title of the program is “Community Radio from a Digital Foundation”. The program will be started on June 30, 2017 and concluded by August 04, 2017.

The American Center, Dhaka and Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) have invited applications for the fellowship from the 1st and 2nd piloted 5 community radio stations.

A total of 15 Community Radio Broadcasters have submitted their application and 5 participants from three radio stations were finally selected for the program through day long examination. Categorically 2 Station Managers, 2 producers and one local English Language teacher along with Coordinator, American English Radio Project (AERP) of BNNRC will participate in the Community Radio from a Digital Foundation program.

The participants are Ms. Shahana Parveen, Station Manager, and Ms. Ayesha Siddika Anu, Producer & Presenter, Community Radio Padma 99.2, Rajshahi, Mr. Mehedi Hasan, Station Manager, and Mr. Md. Kamruzzaman, Producer & Focal, Community Radio Pollikontho 99.2, Moulvibazar. Mr. Swapon Kumar Biswas, Facilitator, Community Radio Jhenuk 99.2, Jhenaidah and Mr. Mark Manash Saha, Coordinator, American English Radio Project (AERP) of Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC)

Six member Bangladeshi Community Broadcasters will be pleased in professional placements with the Oklahoman community radio stations and will spend three weeks with these organization.

The first week of the program will be spend at both the placements and on the Gaylord Collage of Journalism and Mass Communication of University of Oklahoma campus where Bangladeshi Community Broadcasters will participate in lecture, discussion and practical session focused on the role of community media, media in society, strategic communication, leadership and management principles, social media developments, the media/government interface and media ethics.

The final week of the program will be spent in Washington, D.C. where Bangladeshi Community Broadcasters will visit the Bangladesh Embassy, media organizations and tour some of the cultural activities the city has to offer.

The English Language program through Community Radio project has recognized as Champions in UN World Summit on the Information Society (UN WSIS) Prizes 2017. This is a great opportunity, honor and recognition for the community radio in Bangladesh and as well as around the world in line with voices for the voiceless and voices to be heard.

Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) actively works to improve the recognition of the community electronic media sector [Community Radio, Community TV, and Community Film] in Bangladesh with support from Free Press Unlimited.

www.bnnrc.net

Seven Community Radio Stations in the Coastal areas of Bangladesh Broadcast 176 Hours Radio Programs to address Cyclone storm MORA

Since May 29, 2017, Seven Community Radio Stations in coastal region of Bangladesh were broadcasted a total of 176 hour radio programs continuously to aware the community people to take preventive measures to address the Cyclone storm MORA.

The content of the radio programs were focused on the preparedness before, during and the post stages of the disaster for saving peoples’ life and assets. Besides, the public service announcements were also broadcasted in line with Standing Orders on Disaster (SOD) of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.

The Community Radio Program were the updated weather bulletins forecasted by BANGLADESH METEOROLOGICAL DEPARTMENT in every 15 minutes interval, Public Service Announcements, drama, prior preparatory activities for facing the cyclone, news, interviews, magazine program etc.

Interviews of Disaster expert in line with national and local , Deputy Commissioner(DC), Upazilla Nirbahi Officer(UNO), In charge of Upazilla Disaster Control Room, Deferent Government line Officials, CPP Officer, Field workers & volunteer of Red Crescent Society, responsible NGO workers, Victims, listener club leaders, youth and youth women etc. were conducted and broadcasted with a local dialect.

Through these interviews, information was shared with the communities related to the preparedness for saving lives and assets. 91 community radio broadcasters and volunteers were broadcast the programs and community peoples were tuned the radio programs to get the updates related to cyclone storm “MORA”.

Radio stations have been maintaining liaison with the disaster monitoring cells at district and upazila level. Besides, they continued contact with the representatives Red Crescent, Scouts and other disaster volunteers at local levels. The members of Radio Listener Clubs have also been initiating awareness raising campaign on the preparedness activities within the community, neighbors and relatives. CRS representatives have participated in the coordination meetings related to of Upazilla and district level Disaster preparedness and Control committee.

All seven Community Radio Stations in the coastal zone namely Community Radio Naf 99.2 of Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar; Sagor Giri 99.2 of Sitakund, Chittagong, Sagor Dwip 99.2 of Hatia, Noakhali; Meghna 99.0 of Charfasion, Bhola Island, Community Rural Radio: Krishi Radio 98.2 of Amtali, Barguna, Lokobetar 99.2, Barguna Sadar and Nalta 99.2 of Kaliganj, Satkhira have been operating the special radio programs continuously.

Radio programs targeted to draw the attention of the coastal communities for equipping them properly in advance for facing cyclone “MORA” and reduce the possible damage of lives and assets. Addressing the need of the communities, the stations kept their stations on-air mode for 24 hours by managing alternative power supply generators, sufficient fuel and operators standby.

Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) has opened a help desk centrally to contact and coordinate with the CRSs and shared the updates, relevant documents on Cyclone preparedness, available PSA and weather bulletins forecasted from Bangladesh Metrological Department. Radio station level contact points were:

Mr. Siddiqur Hossain, Station Manager In-charge, Community Radio Naf, (Tekhnaf Upazila, Cox’s Bazar) Phone: +88 01716 53 00 58, E-Mail: siddiktk.77@gmail.com

Mr. Sha Sultan Shamim, Station Manager, Community Radio Sagar Giri, Sitakunda Upazila, Chittagong, Phone: +88 01712 02 10 97 E-Mail: shamim_ypsa@yahoo.com

Mr. Faisal Uddin, Station In-charge, Community Radio Sagor Dwip, Hatia, Upazila Noakhali
Phone: +88 01700604141 E-Mail: faisalhatiya@hotmail.com

Ms. Ankhi Rani, Assistant Station Manager, Community Radio Meghna, Charfasion Upazila,
Bhola Island, Phone: +8801719848282 E-Mail: aki.radiomeghna@gmail.com

Mr. Shamim Mridha, Radio Focal person, Community Rural Radio Krishi Radio, Amtali Upazila Barguna, Phone: +8801713 68 88 89 E-Mail: shamim.crr@gmail.com

Mr. Monir Hossain Kamal, Station Manager, Community Radio Lokobetar , Barguna Sadar
Phone: +88 01716 32 71 51 E-Mail: monirkamal@gmail.com

Mr. Selim Sharier, Station Manager, Community Radio Radio Nalta, Kaliganj, Satkhira
Phone: +88 01713902783 E-Mail: selimsharier@gmail.com

Mr. Kamaruzzaman, Disaster Control Room In-charge of Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC), Dhaka Phone: 8801711131211 E-Mail: pc@bnnrc.net

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Bazlu
________________________
AHM. Bazlur Rahman-S21BR | Chief Executive Officer |
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC)
[Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations]

House: 9/4 Road: 2, Shaymoli, Dhaka-1207| Bangladesh|
Phone: +88-02-9130750| 9101479 | Cell: +88 01711881647
Fax: 88-02-9138501 | E-mail: ceo@bnnrc.net | bnnrcbd@gmail.com |
www.bnnrc.net

Role of Community Radio in Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs)

Community Media Map in Bangladesh

Community Radio Stations Map in Bangladesh

UNICEF Meena Media Award 2016 5 Community Radio Stations take a bow for Championing Child Right

Community Radio received 7 out of 12 prizes in Radio Category of UNICEF Meena Media Award 2016. Five Community radio stations in rural Bangladesh received 7 awards in radio category in Meena Media Award-2016 for their outstanding contribution in innovation in media and protection of child rights in the year 2015.

As in every year, UNICEF Bangladesh has organized this competition to encourage the journalists and broadcasters to highlight the child rights issues in media. A total of 48 media professionals have been honored for their outstanding contribution in championing the rights of the children. 

This year, the 12^th Meena Media Award has been announced on 09 October 2016 at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel. Hon’ble Minister for Ministry of Information H E Mr. Hasanul Haq Inu, MP and Mr. Dzidula Masiku on behalf of UNICEF Bangladesh handed over the crest, award money and certificate to the winners.

Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) actively works to improve recognition of the community electronic media sector [Community Radio | Community TV | Community Film] & its work in and involvement with the communities it seeks to serve from 2000 with support from Free Press Unlimited(FPU).

The first, second and third award recipients of each category and age-groups received BDT 50,000(US $ 600), BDT 25,000(US$300) and BDT 15,000 (US$190) in cash prizes respectively in addition to a crest. The five community radio stations received BDT 1,60,000 (US$ 1952 ) in cash altogether.

The winning stations are:  Community Radio Pollikontha 99.2, Community Radio Borendra 99.2, Community Radio Bikrampur 99.2, and Community Radio Jhenuk 99.2 FM and Community Radio Chilmari.

Responding to the call of UNICEF-Bangladesh earlier Community radio stations of the country participated and submitted their radio programs in the competition under two categories –below and above 18 years of age. These programs reflected important issues like child education, present situation of female child and the children from horijon/dalites community, child marriage/early marriage, evolution of  children organizations, child marriage in Dalit community, suicide of children, negligence of girl child in the community, life-threatening livelihood of child labors, drug addiction and its effects on family and society.

Out of these submissions, 07 have received the final award.

Dividing into “Creative” and “Reporting” categories within 02 age groups below and above 18 years, entries have been sought from print, online, television and radio under specific age groups.

The final awardees are as follows:

Innovation and creative category (below 18 years): 1^st prize: Md. Kamaruzzaman, Community Radio Pollikontha 99.2. Second Prize: Sharan Majumda, Community Radio Borendra 99.2,Third Prize: Sumi Akter, Community Radio Bikrampur 99.2.They received all three top awards by contesting government, private and international broadcasters. 

Innovation and creative category (above 18 years): 3rd prize: Sutapa Rani Pal, Community Radio Pollikontha 99.2 fm. The contestants from Government broadcasting- Bangladesh Betar and Private FM ABC Radio received the 1^st and 2^nd prize respectively in this category.

News Report/Investigative Reporting category (below 18 years): 1^st and 2^nd prize: Shajedul Islam and Tajmin Rashid Taj from Community Radio Jhenuk 99.2. The third winner was one contestant from private FM Asian Radio.

News Report/Investigative Reporting category (above 18 years) : 3rd prize: Polash Mahmud from Community Radio Chilmari 99.2 fm. The 1^st and second prize were won by the participants from Radio Today and International broadcaster BBC Bangla.   

The award nominees were selected by a panel of judges through a competitive process from print, on-line and broadcast media. Broadly divided into “Creative” and “Journalistic” categories, entries have been sought from print, online, television and radio under specific age groups.

An eleven member expert panel of judges comprising of creative writers, veteran media professionals, and academics assessed each entry which included – Selina Hossain, Shahnoor Wahid, Robaet Ferdous, Fahmidul Haque, Zakir Hossain Raju, Qadir Kollol, Ratan Paul, Mithila Farzana, Rafiqur Rahman, Jannatul Mawa and Abu Naser Siddique.

For selection in Radio category, the judges were Qadir Kallol (BBC), Ratan Paul(Dhani Chitra Media Ltd.) and Mithila Farzana (Ekattar TV).

It can be mentioned that four community radio stations in the country received 13 awards in radio category in Meena Media Award -2015 for their contribution to innovation in media and protection of child rights in the year 2014.

BNNRC has been encouraging and mobilize the stations and facilitating them for submission of their programs in the Meena Media Award. Now 17 Community Radio Stations are on-air in the country, aiming to ensure empowerment and right to information for the rural community. They are broadcasting altogether 135 hours program per day on information, education, local entertainment and development motivation activities. Around 1000 Youth Women & Youth are now working with those stations throughout the country as rural broadcasters within 6.18 million rural people in 115 upazillas under 29 districts.

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Bazlu

________________________

AHM. Bazlur Rahman-S21BR | Chief Executive Officer |
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC)
[Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations]
 
House: 9/4 Road: 2, Shaymoli, Dhaka-1207|  Bangladesh|
Phone: +88-02-9130750| 9101479 | Cell: +88 01711881647 
Fax: 88-02-9138501 | E-mail: ceo@bnnrc.net | bnnrcbd@gmail.com | 

www.bnnrc.net

AHM Bazlur Rahman-S21BR, Chief Executive Officer of Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) has been selected as a fellow at the IGF Academy

AHM Bazlur Rahman-S21BR, Chief Executive Officer of Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) has been selected as a fellow at the IGF Academy.

BNNRC Leads Supports and Advocates for the Initiators to actively provide independent community media development (Community Radio, TV & Film) in Bangladesh since 2000 with support from Free Press Unlimited.

IGF Academy was initiated by iRights in March 2016. It aims to foster freedom of expression on the Internet and inclusive and transparent national Internet governance and policy processes. Fellows from four African and four Asian countries will be supported in the creation and/or consolidation of multi-stakeholder, national Internet governance structures.

The UN Internet Governance Forum (UN IGF) serves to bring people together from various stakeholder groups as equals, in discussions on public policy issues relating to the Internet. While there is no negotiated outcome, the IGF informs and inspires those with policy-making power in both the public and private sectors. At their annual meeting delegates discuss, exchange information and share good practices with each other. The IGF facilitates a common understanding of how to maximize Internet opportunities and address risks and challenges that arise.

The UN IGF is also a space that gives developing countries the same opportunity as wealthier nations to engage in the debate on Internet governance and to facilitate their participation in existing institutions and arrangements. Ultimately, the involvement of all stakeholders, from developed as well as developing countries, is necessary for the future development of the Internet.

The academy offers its fellows mentoring from internationally renowned experts in the Internet governance process and a platform for peer-learning and networking among experts locally, regionally and at a global level. Fellows will also take part in regional workshops with peers from other countries, as well as in the global Internet Governance Forum (IGF). The IGF Academy thus contributes to a (cross) regional and UN global dialogue on freedom of expression and information preparing for the UN Internet Governance Forum (IGF).

The IGF Academy is run by iRights in cooperation with Association of Progressive Communication (APC) and LIRNEasia and funded by the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development.

The fellowship will provide experienced individuals with the opportunity to receive mentoring from internationally renowned Internet governance practitioners, deepen their understanding of Internet governance issues and processes, expand their networks nationally, regionally and globally, develop a strategic roadmap to strengthen existing or initiate inclusive national Internet Governance processes in their countries, peer learning with experts from their country, their region and cross-regionally, participate in a regional training event, participate in a training event at the global IGF, participate in the global UN IGF 2016 in Guadalajara, be part of a (cross)regional and UN global dialogue on freedom of expression and information preparing for the UN Internet Governance Forum (IGF)

Presently AHM Bazlur is one of the founder member of Bangladesh Working Group on UN World Summit on the Information Society (UN WSIS), Community Radio Monitoring Committee, and National Broadcasting Act Drafting Committee 2016 of Ministry of Information, People’s Republic of Bangladesh, founder member of Bangladesh UN Internet Governance Forum (UN IGF), and Multi-stakeholder Steering Group Members of Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum. More information about IGF Academy:   http://igf.academy/#about-igf-academy