Community radio is a radio service offering a third model of radio broadcasting in addition to commercial and public broadcasting.
In many parts of the world, community radio acts as a vehicle for the community and voluntary sector, civil society, agencies, NGOs and citizens to work in partnership to further community development aims, in addition to broadcasting.
They are generally non-profit and provide a mechanism for enabling individuals. These stations typically are low budget and involve broad participation by community members—often on a volunteer basis
There are stations financed by donations from listeners, by international development agencies, by advertising and by governments.
They are located in isolated rural villages and in the heart of the largest cities in the world.
What are the advantages of community radio?
Smaller scale media
Encourages communication and connects the people of the community and varying cultures
Easier to obtain free or inexpensive air time
Offers an opportunity for input by people whose voice is not prominently heard on national radio (such as “ordinary” women and youth). Hearing locals on the radio is often viewed as empowering to its listeners.
Community radio reaches a large section of the locality it covers; listeners were observed to be interested in local issues.
Community radio range.
Community radio is typically between 10W ERP and 250W ERP with a transmission range of between 1Km and 30Km. The 250W ERP system from Aareff is typically used for a community radio.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, CIMA , Amarc and Aareff System Limited.