Asia Pacific Telecentre Network

Bangladesh Consultation

Time for the Third-Tier Broadcasting:

Progress and Challenges of Community Radio installation and operation in Bangladesh

Working Report

Not to be quoted; for comments only

S M Shameem Reza

Associate professor

Mass Communication and Journalism  

University of Dhaka

Organized by

Bangladesh NGO’s Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC)

Supported by

UNICEF Bangladesh

October 2010

Dhaka

Time for the Third-Tier Broadcasting:

Progress and Challenges of Community Radio installation and operation in Bangladesh

Introduction

The Government of Bangladesh (GoB) is aware of its responsibility to administer the allocation of radio frequency, so that it equitably distributed and targeted towards the wellbeing of people, particularly the poor and marginalized. The government has already permitted 14 community radio stations (CRS) to operate in selected geographical locations of the country as part of the ongoing liberalization process in the broadcasting and telecommunications sector.

Most of the CR initiators are now preparing to go on air from February 2011, which among other issues, include community mobilization, capacity building for production and content development and installation and overall operations of the stations. In Bangladesh, CR will have the potential to address critical social issues at community level, such poverty and social exclusion, empowerment of the marginalized and lagging behind rural communities, strengthening democratic practices and achieving development goals. One of the principal objectives of CR is to inform and interpret information relating to livelihoods of the people in rural Bangladesh, particularly focusing on agriculture, health, education, disaster management, children and women issues, and state of the market.           

Bangladesh Betar, sate-run and the first-tier (radio) broadcasting of Bangladesh has been contributing the country’s development initiatives, socio-cultural, political and economic growth and national integration over the last four decades. This national radio network is capable of playing key role in family planning campaign, disaster preparedness and promotion of democratic values. There are however limitations in the operation of the mainstream (state-run and commercially operated) radios to cater for the needs of various segments of population, particularly community people.

Key movements for community radio in Bangladesh were carried out by Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs) and civil society groups, which advocated for a model of community-based broadcasting.  Advocates, activists and friends for CR expected that the third-tier radio broadcasting would help reduce poverty, eliminate social exclusion, empower the marginalized rural groups and encourage active participation of disadvantaged sections of population in implementing the development agenda. GoB responded to the plea by approving the “Community Radio Installation, Broadcast and Operation Policy 2008” (Bangladesh Gazette, 12 March 2008), which is one of the most comprehensively written community radio policies in Asia.

Anticipating three-tier Media System  

It is imperative that GoB takes necessary policy steps for creating an enabling media environment where the equitable growth of public service, commercial sector and community broadcasting are ensured. Our experience suggests that a greater consensus and political commitment are vital for the formulation of a national broadcast policy and to address the challenges of operations and impacts of a three-tier media system.         

GoB as the state party realizes its crucial responsibility to administer the limited resources of the spectrum, so that radio frequencies are distributed to the various sections of the society equitably. The distributions and management of such resources are materialized through the adoption of appropriate policies and effective implementation of the strategies. As CR initiators are preparing for the installation of stations and subsequently broadcasting, Ministry of Information (MoI) is in the process of finalizing a strategy for effective implementation of CR. At the same time, Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has informed that it is ready to allocate frequencies to 14 CRs as soon as the initiators have installed the equipments and announced dates for broadcasting.        

Agenda for Change

In order to achieve the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) in Bangladesh, CR can play not only the supportive roles in achieving the targets, but also capable to help create new opportunities for development. CRS can broadcast programs on issues which will have impact on activities relating to the eradication of extreme poverty, achieving universal primary education, promoting gender equality, reducing child mortality, combating HIV/AIDS, ensuring environmental sustainability and developing international partnership for development.         

The Election Manifesto of Bangladesh Awami League (AL), which is widely known as “A Charter for Change” recognizes the freedom of media and information. The charter states that freedom of all types of mass media and flow of information will be ensured. Regarding CR, it clearly says, “Initiatives will be taken for community radio services, besides national radio network” (Article 19.1; Election Manifesto 2008, p. 17).

The present democratically elected government has already taken measures to materialize the promises it made in relation to freedom of information and providing citizens the benefits of information and communication technologies. As part its policy to enable disseminate information on rural life and living the government  permitted installation and broadcasting of 14 CRS and some more are in the process of review. Earlier, “Right to Information Act (RTIA) 2009” came into effect with the gazette notification published by the government on the 6^th of April 2009. This information law overrides inconsistent provisions in other laws which obstruct peoples’ right and access to public information. With a view to building an information and knowledge-based society, the government also passed the National ICT Policy 2009 in July 2009.  

Progress of CR in Brief

CR in Bangladesh is about to go on air. Installation and operation of the stations are depending on how the quickly the initiators have completed the technological arrangements, which is to install the broadcasting equipments and applied to MoI/BTRC for frequency allocation. While a few initiators informed that they were ready to go on air by December 2010, rest of them would be able to start broadcasting from January/February 2011 at the latest.

Major Challenges

Despite government permissions to set up and broadcast, beginning of CRS operations still remains a challenge. Most of the initiators are yet to settle the technological issues, particularly selecting most suitable and cost-effective equipments for individual stations. As the deadline (March 2011) to start operations is approaching Initiators should consider it as an outstanding challenge. They should act immediately, so that the technological issues, which may affect the initiation of CR is mitigated.

In order to make a socio-economic assessment of the areas where the proposed CRS will be established and to know about the readiness and community engagement, BNNRC with the help of Free Voice completed a baseline study (2009), which suggests the following:

a)      Initially, most of the organizations (initiators) will require technical support or assistance from expert organizations; and

b)      It will take some time for the organizations to mobilize and make people interested in CR as they are not yet fully aware of the benefits of community broadcasting.

In the light of the concept notes of AMARC 10 World Conference on Community Radio Broadcasters (to be held in La Plata, Argentina 8-12 November 2010), following challenges can be identified, which are pertinent to CR operations in Bangladesh during and post piloting phases of broadcasting and sustainability of the stations:    

a)      Appropriate recognition of CR by key policy actors in the government, civil society, broadcast industry, academia and research;

b)      Capacity building and knowledge sharing;

c)      Developing models of training, research and monitoring;

d)     Developing assessment tools for measuring social impact of CR;

e)      Meaningful inclusion of women, children and young people;

f)       Networking development and building alliances.     

There are some limitations in the CR policy itself, such as the provisions of advertisements, composition and responsibilities of Administrative Committee and Management Committee. There is also a need of developing a Monitoring and Evaluation Framework. Sustainability of CRS after phasing out of NGO or donor support may remain a challenge (Reza 2008). However, once CR will go on air, needs will be reassessed and lapses both in the policy and management will be identified for remedy.  

Preparedness of Key Actors  

As part of readiness initiators of CR has already taken up steps for community mobilization, which will be an ongoing process. Among other preparedness, they have formed management committee and continuing with staff mobilization. Capacity building of staff has been a central activity of preparedness. Most of the initiators have appointed station managers and some of them have already made progress in infrastructural arrangement. At the same time, we should also take into account the fact that the arrangement relating to installing equipments, such as finalizing decision about the most suitable transformer is still an outstanding issue.   

Technical support from the development partners does not seem to be encouraging enough. There are however exceptions, such as UNICEF and USAID-PROGATI are supporting or have planned to support a number of projects for capacity building in specific sectors. UNICEF has already supported MoI for preparing an implementation strategy on CR. Recently BNNRC has entered the project “Empowering Communities: Strengthening and building Capacity of Community Radio in Bangladesh”. This UNICEF supported project is targeted towards capacity building, skill enhancement and mitigating certain challenges of CR in Bangladesh. Activities of the project include a need assessment survey, developing training modules, establishing child radio clubs etc. For a list of other specific preparedness, please see the previous section “Progress of CR in Brief” (

Civil society initiatives have been crucial over the last one decade or more in carrying out advocacy movements as well as building awareness of the benefits of CRS. Some of them conducted primary needs assessments with limited scopes, while others have been active in preparing an operational framework of CRS. In 2009, an NGO network of community radio initiators conducted a baseline survey. It also established a Community Radio Academy (CRA) for maintaining standard of CR. CRA is contributing to the capacity building, research and development and technical cooperation of CR initiators.  

Scopes for Action

Taking into account the challenges mentioned in previous section and capitalizing on the readiness of the initiators, government, civil society organization (CRS) and community people, the space for actions can be divided into the following broader categories:

1. Capacity Building

   
   

2. Technical Cooperation

   
   

3. Research and Development

   
   

4. Policy and Enabling Environment

   
   

5. Cross-cutting issues

   
   

6. Campaign and Advocacy

   
   

Way forward 

Broadcasting of CR is going to bring about a qualitative change in the broadcast policies of the country. Introducing community broadcasting will be a significant step towards decentralizing our media system. CR will not be able to get into the competitions of media market immediately, but it will no doubt, add values to the plurality and diversity in a democratic media environment. CR is not going to be a substitute for our mainstream and national broadcasting system, rather the next logical extension of traditional broadcast media based on the concept of community participation in governance and development.      

After more than a decade since the public discourses emerged in 1998, key policy actors in the government are now convinced that CR would be one of the most useful tools in supporting national, local and community-based development initiatives. Community broadcasting would encourage the participation of women and marginalized, for example. CRS would work as a people-oriented media to promote indigenous knowledge and local culture, explain development services and economic opportunities, and contribute to consensus building on environmental sustainability.  

CRS’s contribution will be pivotal in bringing about changes in power relations between the community people and the government. It would help bring together the components of culture, communication and development at local level. Roles of CR would be instrumental in enabling local people to participate and raise their voices on issues affecting their lives. Among other issues, CR can bridge the gap between the local supply and demand sides of public information. In fact, CR has the most potential in making the demand side aware of the use and benefits of using RTIA, which will, in turn, put pressure on supply side to act more efficiently. Transmission of CRS will be FM-based, which is cost effective and user-friendly. This will make CR a cheaper medium of technology. It can again promote the National ICT Policy at local level to inform community people for utilizing the infrastructures and facilities of new media and ICTs.           

As the third sector broadcasting medium CR has all potential to contribute significantly to the extension of broadcast media ecology in Bangladesh. Unlike the state-run or privately operated radios, which have either financial grantee or means to manage revenue through advertisements, a community based broadcast media requires support for reaching maturity. Establishing a CR trust fund would be most useful for the continuing and uninterrupted growth of this people-oriented media institution. At the same time, we expect from the international community that they will do the needful for enabling regular knowledge and information sharing between North and South as well as within and between different regions. Development partners may focus more on providing multi-sector and multi-content based technical assistance to CR projects in Bangladesh. And once the CR programs are on air, our collective concentrations should be to support and encourage research and technological development for a better responsive community radio system.    

 [For comments on this article: shameemreza@univdhaka.edu]

References

1. Awami League (2008) Election Manifesto 2008, Dhaka: Bangladesh Awami League.

2. Bangladesh Gazette (2008, March 18) Community Radio installation, Operation and Broadcasting Policy 2008, Dhaka: Bangladesh Government Press. 

3.  BNNRC (2007). Bangladesh on the way to open up Community Radio: Draft Concept Paper, Policy and Application Form, Dhaka: BNNRC.

4.  ---------- (2009) Community Radio Preparedness in Bangladesh: dissemination of baseline study findings for a way forward, Dhaka: BNNRC.

5. Ministry of Information (MoI) Bangladesh, Citizen Charter.

[www.moi.gov.bd/CC/Citizen_Charter_MOI.doc]

6. Reza, S. (2008) Mobilizing Communities for Community Radio in Bangladesh: Prospects and Challenges, Paper presented at the Regional Conference “Peoples’ Voices, Peoples’ Participation and Community Radio, organized by AMIC, UNB & BNNRC, Dhaka, 4^th May 2008.

7. --------- (2010) Community Radio Preparedness in Bangladesh: Progress and Scopes for Action, key note paper presented at the Bangladesh Pre-consultation for the 2^nd AMARC-AP Regional Conference (in Bangalore, India), organized by BNNRC & supported by UNICEF, held in Dhaka in February 2010.    

8. --------- (2008). Community Radio Sthapon, Somprochar o Porichalona Neetimala – 2008: Ekti Mullayan o Prashongik Alochona (Community Radio Installation, Broadcast and Operation Policy 2008) in ‘Muktoprokash’, Year 1, No. 2, March 2008, Dhaka. 

Briefing about the conference

e-learning is considered as a major component of an integrated education system in modern societies. It represents an advanced stage in the development of a knowledge-based society. Today, the global trend towards e-learning associated with rapid and successive developments in the field of technology. These offer the prospect of achieving the goals of education, and especially the requirements of the various disciplines in the world of digital science, in new and exciting ways. The Second International Conference of E-learning and Distance Education (eLi 2011) is supported by the Ministry of Higher Education and the National Centre for E-Learning and Distance Education, and follows the success of the First international conference in the enrichment of scientific dialogue. In this context, (eLi 2011) will focus on the examination of new visions and successful international experience. The aim is to authenticate e-learning in our educational institutions and to support the wider goals for development. This is entirely compatible with the vision of the Ministry of Higher Education and its attempt to advance national plans for development.

Vision

Unique learning for next generation: the development of e-learning in the pursuit of the authentic goals of a knowledge-based society

Mission

Presenting scientific views, global experiences, and modern technologies in the field of e-learning and distance education.

Objectives

1) Demonstrating the latest scientific research and studies in the field of e-learning and distance education.

2) Exchanging experiences among professionals and interested individuals on e-learning.

3) Anticipating the future of e-learning and distance education in the world of science.

4) Exploring new applications for e-learning environments.

5) Promoting cooperation and coordination within the educational community in the field of e-learning and training.

6) Benefiting from the global initiatives and recent trends in implementing e-learning systems in Saudi Arabia.

7) Participating in the effort of spreading e-learning and distance education in the wider community.

8) Highlighting and showcasing the role of e-learning and distance education in improving education and assuring its quality.

9) Enhancing the application of e-learning and distance education in higher education institutions in KSA.

Major themes and topics of the conference:

First: E-learning between theory and practice – International views:

1. Futuristic research in e-learning

2. Virtual universities and distance education

3. Issues related to the full implementation of e-learning

4. Best practices of e-learning and distance education

5. Intellectual property issues related to e-learning

6. E-learning and community institutions

7. Social networks and second generation applications of e-learning

Second: Design and development issues:

1. Interactions in e-learning

2. Curriculum development for e-learning

3. Instructional design for e-learning

4. Emerging trends in the design of e-learning environments

5. Teaching strategies for e-learning

6. Resource development for learners with special needs

7. Development of electronic curriculum

8. Content and learning management systems

Third: New software and technologies:

1. Infrastructure requirements for distance and e-learning

2. Virtual classrooms and laboratories

3. Smart systems for e-learning and distance learning

4. Interactive e-learning systems

5. New technologies for learners with special needs

6. Publishing tools for e-learning

Fourth: Management and delivery of e-learning:

1. Planning for e-learning

2. Successful policies for e-learning

3. Knowledge management in e-learning systems

4. E-learning resource management

5. Operation Management for distance education

6. Marketing and dissemination of e-learning programs

7. Developing organizational approaches to e-learning

8. Distance education universities and their management systems

Fifth: Quality assurance in e-learning and distance education:

1. Principles of moral and professional behavior in e-learning

2. Quality management and evaluation in e-learning systems

3. Social and cultural issues related to e-learning

4. Training of individuals participating in e-learning

5. Models of exemplary application of e-learning concepts

6. Standards and benchmarks for e-learning

7. Promoting readiness for e-learning and distance learning

Sixth: Evaluation and assessment issues:

1. Evaluation in e-learning

2. Strategies for evaluation in e-learning

3. Best practices in e-learning

4. The nature and attributes of effective electronic evaluation and assessment

5. New trends in evaluation and assessment in e-learning

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) is organizing a training workshop on “Inclusive e-Services & e-Applications for Communities”, to be held in Chiang Rai, Thailand from 22-26 November 2010. This training is being provided in cooperation with the ITU ASP CoE Rural ICT Development Node (UUM) with the support from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) of Thailand, Mae Fah Luang University, Thailand and the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy (DBCDE), Australian Government.

While ICT infrastructure is essential for access to ICTs, the effective deployment of applications, services and contents is equally important for inclusive and sustainable ICT development particularly in rural and/or remote areas. These applications, services and contents can be designed and developed taking into account local circumstances and the particular need of the communities served.

This training aims to build necessary skills and to provide an opportunity to share and learn practices in different locations, conditions and circumstances. To meet the aims, this workshop will largely cover the areas: e.g.;

• Cost-effective options for ICT services and applications: e.g. e-education, e-health, e-agriculture, and e-commerce;
• Mainstreaming ICT accessibility for Persons with Disabilities (e.g. DAISY and digital talking book production); and,
• Community-based bottom up approach for safe and security of most vulnerable people (i.e. disaster communications); and others

The workshop is addressed to Policy Makers, Regulators, Corporate Executives and Managers, administrators and officials dealing with telecentre and/or rural ICT development related activities. This training will be conductd in English. Interested participants are kindly requested to complete the attached registration. Hotel reservation with your chosen hotel using the hotel reservation form should be sent together to the e-mail addresses indicated in the form no later than 31 October 2010.

Please note that there is no training fee applicable to this course. However the participants should cover their own travel and accommodation expenses and arrangements.

For practical reasons, there are a limited number of seats for this training and hence confirmation of the seats will be provided on a first come first serve basis. Information concerning hotel reservations, visa requests, as well as practical information can be downloaded from this website. Those participants requiring an entry visa to Thailand are requested to contact their local Embassy for information well in advance. For any further information, please contact Mr. Wisit Atipayakoon (wisit.atipayakoon@itu.int) or Mr. Ashish Narayan (ashish.narayan@itu.int).

For further details please follow the link below:

http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/asp/CMS/ASP-CoE/2010/eApplications/index.asp

Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) is in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations. BNNRC promoting the advocacy with the government in relations to community radio with other organizations since its emergence. The objective of the Community Radio intervention is to address crucial social issues at community level, such as poverty and social exclusion, empower marginalized rural groups and catalyze democratic processes and ongoing development efforts.

Bangladesh Consultation on World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (AMARC) 10th World Conference of Community Radio Broadcasters will be held at LGED Meeting Room, Level – 4, Sher- e - Bangla Nagor, Dhaka 1207 on 23 October 2010 at 11: 00 AM -1:00 PM.

Dr. Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury, Honorable Secretary, Ministry of Information, Government of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh has kindly consented to be present as Chief Guest in the Bangladesh Consultation on 10th World Conference of Community Radio Broadcasters.

Dr. Akram H. Chowdhury, Honorable MP and Chairperson, Center for e-Parliament Research will moderate the consultation. Mr. S.M. Shameem Reza, Associate Professor of Mass Communication and Journalism Department, University of Dhaka will present a paper based on Community Radio so far in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Consultation will organize by Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) with support from UNICEF - Bangladesh through Empowering Communities: Strengthening and Building Capacity of the Community Radio in Bangladesh project.

The focus of the consultation is Recovering Memory Building the Future: Community Radio and Poverty Reduction, Social Inclusion, Good Governance and Sustainable Human Development.

More than 400 community broadcasters and stakeholders from over 110 countries and all regions of the global community radio movement will gather at the AMARC 10 Global Conference from 8-13 November La Plata, Argentina  2010, among other issues, improve good practice in community media; explore strategies to facilitate the establishment of enabling legal environments for community media development, to define knowledge sharing and capacity building models for action-research and mentoring; to reinforce content development leading to social change; to facilitate the inclusion of women and; to encourage the empowerment of communities through appropriation of community radio for social justice and sustainable, democratic and participatory human development.

The Global Conference will be under the sign of recovering memories and sharing knowledge and accumulated experiences of the Latin American community radio movement with Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe and North America and, at the same time to define how can AMARC and the community radio global movement present in more than 120 countries increase the effectiveness of its interventions.

The overall theme of the Bangladesh Consultation will be the progress of community radio in Bangladesh. There are both challenges and opportunities to establish community radio in Bangladesh. Lots of initiatives are under processing and hopes there are 14 Community Radio Station will go on air very soon.

Distinguished Member of Parliament (MP), Policy–Makers and Representatives from Government, Media, Academia, CSOs, and Corporate Sector are expected to join the Bangladesh Consultation on 10th World Conference of Community Radio Broadcasters.

Outputs of Bangladesh Consultation will share with global communities in AMARC10: World Conference of Community Radio Broadcasters 8-13 November La Plata, Argentina 2010.

We invite you to join our Struggle for Strengthening and Building Capacity of the Community Radio Sector in Bangladesh.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bazlu
_________________________
AHM. Bazlur Rahman-S21BR
Chief Executive Officer
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC)
[NGO in Special Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council]
&
Head, Community Radio Academy
 
House: 13/1, Road: 2, Shaymoli, Dhaka-1207
Post Box: 5095, Dhaka 1205 Bangladesh
 
Phone: 88-02-9130750, 88-02-9138501
Cell: 01711881647 Fax: 88-02-9138501-105
E-mail: ceo@bnnrc.net www.bnnrc.net

IOR-ARC Regional Center for Science and Technology Transfer in Iran is calling for applications from the interested participants to attend a regional programme on " ICT and Community e-Centers Development for Poverty Reduction and Business Services Promotion among the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) Countries and IOR-ARC Region". The respective workshop is scheduled to be kick off from December 20-22, 2010 at the Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST) located in Teheran, Iran.

The event consist with a three-day programme and it is supported by several agencies including Islamic Development Bank (IDB), IOR- ARC Regional Centre for Science and Technology Transfer (RCSTT), Ministry of Information and Communication Technology  in Iran, Telecommunication Company of Iran & UN ESCAP Information and Communications Technology and Disaster Risk Reduction Division.

PROGRAMME FOCUS AND CONTENTS are as follows:

•    ICTs  application for national development and importance of CeCs
•    Asian Prospective (by  Expert)
•    Community e-Centers (CeCs) Development
•    Expert Community e-Centers development, their services and current status in Asia (by  participants including Malaysia)
•    Community e-Centers development, their services and current status in in Africa (by UNDP Official/Resource person and participants including Central Asia)
•    Selected Case studies on CeCs Sound Practices from countries participants
•    Presenting a model for regional networking among the OIC countries and IOR-ARC and UN-ESCAP Region
•    Groups Discussion for identifying best practices
•    Conclusion and recommendations
•    Field visits


APPLICATION PROCEDURE AND REQUIREMENTS:
The completed nomination forms to be submitted not later than 30 November 2010.
The participants are required to present a country report/paper outlining their country experience about ICT and Community e-Centres opportunities and required cooperation. The presentation should be through power point and the participants should send the electronic version of their presentation via email one week before the training program. They should also bring their paper on a compact disc on MS Word for publication.

NOMINATION AND SELECTION:
Nominations should be submitted on the application form annexed. Nominating authority is requested to nominate candidates preferably from among the senior policy makers, specialists, researchers and technical staff involved in global changes issues. Moreover, the nominees should have sufficient knowledge of English Language. Selection of candidates would be at the discretion of the Selection Committee; a basic criterion for selection would be the level and work experience of candidates in order that a cohesive and homogeneous group could be gathered for the programme.
The participants would be provided an economy class return air ticket, lodging and boarding during 19-25 December 2010.
Selected candidates would be informed of their acceptance and travel arrangements at least two weeks prior to the commencement of the programme.

CLOSING DATE FOR NOMINATIONS:
30 November 2010

THE APPLICATION FORMS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO:
Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST)
IOR- ARC Regional Centre for Science and Technology (RCSTT)
 No 27, Sh. Mosavi St., Enghelab Ave.,
Tehran 15819,
Iran

For more Information Please contact:
Dr. M. Molanejad                                                  
Director, IOR- ARC Regional Centre for Science and Technology Transfer (RCSTT)
Tel/ Fax: (+98 21) 88 31097098- 9
E-mail: mmolanezhad@ior-rcstt.org
                 mmolanejad@yahoo.com