The growth of community radio has long been retarded in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, states that inherited centralised systems of state control over electronic media. The experiences of Nepal and Sri Lanka suggest that innovations are possible and that lessons can be learned all around.
After years of resistance to community radio in many parts of Asia, national governments are beginning to see its value. Thailand and Mongolia recently established their first community radio stations and Indonesia has moved forward with enabling legislation. In January, the government of Pakistan issued an ordinance liberalising airwaves and opening the door for community radio. India's Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Sushma Swaraj, has been discussing the possibility of allowing All India Radio (AIR) transmitters to be used for 'narrowcasting' by educational institutions, which is a small but encouraging step for the many Indian NGOs working to make community radio a reality.
For the champions of community radio, whether they work in development, culture or communication, the arguments for it are self-evident. It is now widely recognised that top-down economic development does not work. Development has to come from a two-way process where the community is not just at the receiving end but an active participant, something that community radio is uniquely suited to accomplish. It is a potent and affordable instrument of self-help, education and development, as well as a means of entertainment.
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