Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel today said the government would take a policy of encouraging and promoting community radio. He made this statement at a time when complains about the government not prioritising community radio with time are pouring in lately.

“Although types of communications medium are adding, neither utility of radio has come to an end nor does it in the future,” he said at an event organised here today. The event was co-organised by the UNESCO (The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation), the AMARC Asia-Pacific and the Indigenous Media Network on the occasion of the World Radio Day.

No such practice should be in place wherein laws relating to community radio are contradictory to the federal rights, he said. Similarly, Vice Chairperson of the National Assembly Urmila Aryal has pointed out the effectiveness of community radio that is serving as a media to cover issues in the community.

Chairperson of the Association of Community Radio Broadcasters Nepal, Arjun Giri stressed the need for the state to play a role of a guardian to protect community radio that is being taken as a friend of people in happiness and sorrow. He referred to complaints by radio journalists that community radio is taking a back seat politically and socially.

Also, Director General of the Department of Information and Broadcasting, Shankar Nepal pointed out contribution of community radio in enhancing human development index of Nepal. The provision for the federal to issue a licence to run a radio station, and getting it renewed through a post office is cumbersome, he said, adding that they were ready for a discussion to resolve such problems.

The 12th edition of the World Radio Day is being observed today across the globe including in Nepal. The theme for the Day is ‘Radio and Peace’.