ON THE Radio

by MALIN GURUNG

FROM ISSUE # 165 (September 2009) | IN THIS ISSUE
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Radio has come a long way since Radio Nepal used to broadcast in its crackly shortwave. There are now 172 FM radio stations in Nepal and as many are waiting for their licenses. Radio is for information, entertainment and education and Nepal is far ahead of its neighbours in the spread of community radio. But what do Nepal's young urban listeners want on FM? WAVE hosted an interaction between young radio listeners and the professionals about their preferences. Excerpts from the discussion:

Participants
1. Rabindra Gurung, Radio Producer and Presenter, Equal Access Nepal
2. Kala Subba, RJ, Hits FM
3. Alok Thapa, RJ, Hits FM
4. Akanchha Karki, Producer, Antenna Foundation
5. Ashraya Dixit, Student
6. Arogya Koirala, Student
7. Barsha Rani Gurung, Student

ALL IMAGES: ANUP PRAKASH Kala

Can radio bring change?
Rabindra: Research shows that radio is the primary source of information for 64.1 per cent of all Nepalis. I believe that radio has changed the way our entire generation thinks.Kala: It sure does hold that power. It may not necessarily be on a huge scale but radio does bring change in people's daily lives.
Arogya: I used to host a children show for Sapatakoshi FM in Biratnagar. The program had a huge listenership, especially among the rural children. I believe we did make a difference even if it may have been small.
Ashraya: It is a very powerful medium and also something even the poorest can get hold of. So yes, it can and does bring change.
Akanchha: Yes it can.

Alok

Do you have any gripes about how the radio shows are being presented these days?
Ashraya: I think radio nowadays has way too many light-hearted, even superficial shows. It seriously lacks programs that are relevant and worthwhile, and can inspire or even motivate the youth.
Akanchha: Besides the shows, I think lack of professionalism is the problem. Most of the radio presenters themselves are not well-trained. It may be because there are just so many stations now.
Barsha: I like most of the shows on radio these days. I don't have any gripes as such.

Rabindra

So does that mean radio stations here are underestimating the intelligence of the young listeners?
Ashraya: In fact, they are. Here, programs for youth almost always means only music and call-in shows.
Arogya: Yes, they are underestimating the intelligence of the listeners, especially the city kids.

Ashraya

So what do you want to listen to besides light-hearted entertainment shows?
Akanchha: There are literally thousands of ideas ready for being explored. Why just stick to music? As for me, I'd produce a radio drama.
Ashraya: Like I said earlier, something that can inspire and motivate young people like us.
Barsha: Like music, these shows are subjective to one's taste so I think a balance should be maintained between entertainment shows and other shows.

Barsha

How can one strike the balance?
Alok: 'Motivation' is a very broad term to define. Something 'motivational' to you might just be some big talks for others. I think a well conducted research is the only way to strike the right balance.
Kala: It is difficult because we also have to understand that, besides community radio stations, radio is a commercial entity. But yes, we have certain social responsibilities, which, I think every stations must fulfil.
Rabindra: Time and money should be invested in research so that we can know what exactly the listeners want and how they want it.
Arogya: Bring variety on the content and bring in hosts that are knowledgeable and well-informed.

Arogya

What do you have to say to the young people that are interested in making radio-jockeying a career?
Rabindra: I hosted Saathi Sanga Manka Kura for many years. During that period, I realised that listeners treat us like gods, ready to share even their innermost feelings with us. It was an amazing experience to know that you had made a difference to their lives. What else could make me feel that way?
Kala: I can't speak for others but for me radio has been a wonderful experience, a magical journey. I encourage everyone to be involved in radio.
Alok: If you have the passion, the voice and the knack for radio, go on. It will only do you good. It builds up your communications skills and your public relations and can open up new avenues for you.

Akanchha

Do any of you have a particular experience with radio you want to share?
Ashraya: We have other options like the internet, magazines and newspapers. But I am sure that people, especially on the rural areas can relate a lot more to it.
Barsha: Funnily, I learnt a lot form people who share their problems and experiences on  radio during the load-shedding hours and I am happy about it.
Akanchha: I have made a lot of friends from all over the nation which wouldn't have been possible if it wasn't for radio.