report on finalization of radio listeners club guideline

7/31/2019 Report on Finalization of Radio Listeners Club Guideline

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ReportFinalization of

Radio Listeners Club

GuidelineSubmitted to:

UNICEF Bangladesh

Submitted by:

Bangladesh NGOs Network for

Radio and Communication

Jointly Prepared by:

Syed Kamrul HasanCoordinator- KM4D

&Mark Manash Saha

Program Coordinator- (Training )Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio &Communication

Edited by:

Dr. Khurshed Alam

Chief Executive

Bangladesh Institute of Social Research(BISR)


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Report

Jointly Prepared by

Syed Kamrul HasanCoordinator- KM4D

&

Mark Manosh Shaha

Program Coordinator-Training

Bangladesh NGOs Network for

Radio and Communication

Edited by

Dr. Khurshed Alam

Chief Executive

Bangladesh Institute of Social Research

Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication

House:13/1 Road:2 Shamoli, Dhaka 1207

[email protected]


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Table of Contents

Table of Contents

List of abbreviation

Executive summary

1. Background and Objectives2. Rationale and justifications of the finalization of the RLC guidelines3. Methodology of the study4. Focus Group Discussion (FGD):

a. Pregnant and lactating women including adolescent pregnant and lactatingwomen

b. Mix Group5. Interview with Radio Professionals6. Consultation Workshop7. Conclusions and Recommendations8. Annex


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List of abbreviation

BBC - British Broadcasting CenterBNNRC Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication

C4D Communication for DevelopmentFGD - Focus Group Discussion

CR - Community RadioCRI - China Radio InternationalCRS - Community Radio Stations

CSO - Civil Society OrganizationDRM - Digital Radio ManagementDW - Radio German

EPI - Expanded Programme on ImmunizationFIVDB - Friends in Villages Development Bangladesh

FM - FM Radio FrequencyGO - Government OrganizationGovt. - Government

GoB - Government of Bangladesh

HIV/AIDS - Human Immune Virus / Acquired immune Deficiency SyndromeICT - Information Communication TechnologyICT4D - Information Communication Technology for DevelopmentID - Identity

IRIB - International Research Institute of BangladeshKII - Key Informant Interview

MCH - Mother and Child HealthMDG - Millennium Development Goal

NGO - Non-Governmental OrganizationNHK - Radio JapanRLC - Radio Listeners Club

RSA - Radio Saudi Arabia

RTI - Right to InformationRVA - Radio VERITAS AsiaSMS - Short Message ServiceTBA - Traditional Birth Attendance

TT - Tetanus toxic (TT) vaccineTV - TelevisionVOA - Voice of AmericaVOR - Voice of RussiaWSIS - World Summit on Information Society

UNCRC - United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child is an Internationalagreement that protects the human rights of children under the age of 18.

UNICEF - United Nations Children's Fund

UN - United Nations


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1. Background

Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) is a national

networking body on alternative mass media working for building a democratic society

based on the principles of free flow of information, equitable and affordable access to

Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) and Right to

Communication of remote and marginalized population.

It strives to contribute to achieve 6th

five years plan, Millennium Development Goals

(MDGs), WSIS action plan and UNCRC. The organization focuses on Radio for

development, Right To information & ICT for development as an effective strategy for

social development. It is a pioneering organization that supports the community radio

movement in Bangladesh. The organization is promoting advocacy with the government to

use community radio for addressing critical social issues and behavioral norms at

community level.

BNNRC has a good number of publications and promotional materials (including

Community Radio Handbook, CR Code of Conduct, Children Club Guideline) and

organized more than 400 workshops, seminars, roundtables, consultations, meetings,

trainings (technical and general), dialogues, and national and South Asian conferences as

well as awareness development program activities. It is instrumental in developing the first

Community Radio Academy in Bangladesh and South Asia as well. BNNRC is also

providing various technical assistances to the community radio initiators through National

Help Desk.

BNNRC has strong linkage with the media organisations, UN Bodies, development

organizations, ICT journalists and ICT based organizations at the national and international

level. It has also good working relation with the concerned Ministries and departments of

the Government and media academicians of several universities of the country and abroad.

BNNRC is one of the members of the Community Radio Central Monitoring Committee of

Bangladesh Government and conducted the first National Baseline Survey with support

and approval of the Ministry of Information.

In 2010-2011, BNNRC has implemented a project titled Empowering Communities:

Strengthening and Building Capacity of the Community Radio in Bangladesh in

Partnership and financial assistance of UNICEF. It was a 15 months duration project for

strengthening the capacity and skills of the community radio staff.


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2. Rationale and justifications of the finalization of the RLC guidelines

Radio is one of the most popular, cheaper (sets) and friendly media to create an easy

accessible environment for the community in line with the Right to Information (RTI) as

well as enter-educating the listeners. Indeed, the listeners are the main stakeholder of this

intervention. Without listeners, Radio programs and services are useless. In Bangladesh

there are few Radio listeners clubs but scattered all over the country. They do not have any

organogram or institutional structure even no regular internal organizational

communication in between them as having no platform.

On the other hand, they have no structural or vertical linkage or connection with the Radio

stations. As a result, Radio management could not know the real needs of the listeners

properly; likewise, radio programs are developed without reflection of expectation of the

larger numbers of listeners.

For the sake of achieving development goals of the country, listeners as well as the larger

community need to be connected with radios. To ensure this, it is considered essential to

structure country wide Radio Listeners Clubs within a short and set form. RLCs, thereby,

will take part in developing radio programs towards achieving the development goals.

UNICEF is implementing a number of development activities in Bangladesh giving special

focus on women and children related issues. The programs implementation process can be

strengthened if the people participations are ensured. For prompt dissemination of

information and building awareness among the communities, radio is the most prior and

friendly media to connect the extreme remote communities of the country.

In this connection UNICEF has taken initiative to develop and finalize a Radio Listeners

Club Guideline for the RLCs for forming, strengthening and bring them in common

understanding platform for contributing their support for designing, developing and

producing development-oriented appropriate radio programs.

UNICEF has offer this job and BNNRC, as pioneer networking non-governmentorganization took the opportunity for implementing the activities towards developing and

finalizing a Radio Listeners Club Guideline.


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Objectives of the study

To know the opinions of the listeners and community groups in finalization of the

Draft Radio Listening Club (RLC) guideline.

3. Methodology of the studyThe assessment was made basically following a blending of 3 methods which include

FGD, In-depth interviews and workshops. The following steps were followed:

a. Selection RLC members, community listeners (non-RLC), pregnant and lactatingmothers including adolescent pregnant and lactating mothers, and Interviewee

(Radio Professionals both public and community radios).

b. Drafting and Finalization of Checklist for FGD and in-depth interviewc. Selection of Facilitator for conducting FGDs and interview with Radio

Professionals

d. Selection of Consultants for developing draft Radio Listeners Club Guideline andProcess documentation.

e. Conducting FGDs and In-depth Interviewsf. Process Documentationg. Drafting of RLC Guidelineh. Conduct 02 workshops (one at Sylhet and one at Dhaka) for sharing and opinion

gathering on Draft guideline

i. Organized 01 experience sharing/consultation workshop with International Radioclubs in the country

j. Finalization of Guideline by incorporating inputs of workshop participantsk. Project Completion Report and RLC Guideline submission to UNICEF.

Starting and ending dates for implementation of the activities: 26 June - 31 July 2012.

Areas of operation: Bangladesh Betar (Dhaka and Sylhet region) and Community Radiolocations (Moulvi bazaar and Bikrampur) of Bangladesh.

Activities Implemented:

Conducted 4 FGDs in 2 selected regions (Dhaka & Sylhet), with pregnant andlactating mothers including adolescent pregnant and lactating mothers on their need

expectations for information and how mother can contribute in the content

development of the programme.

Conducted 5 Focus Group Discussions (FGD) with selected Radio Listeners (fromClub and community listeners) of Bangladesh Betar (Dhaka and Sylhet regions)

coverage areas and Community Radio locations at Moulvibazar and Munshiganjdistricts.

Conducted 8 in-depth interviews with professionals of Bangladesh Betar and 2community radio stations.

Conducted 02 workshops (1 at regional level - Sylhet and 1 at Dhaka) to share,consult and validate the guideline document.


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Conducted 01 experience sharing workshop with International Radio club membersin the country.

Finalize the Radio Listeners Club Guideline adapting the feedback, suggestions andcomments of the FGDs, Interviews and consultation workshops.

Deliverables:

ARadio Listening Club (RLC) guideline Final Draft A Completion Report (pictorial)-describing the whole process Submission of RLC Guideline and Completion Report to UNICEF: At the end,

BNNRC will submit the final guideline and completion report to UNICEF.

4. Process documentation and findings

4.1 Process and Findings from the FGD:

4.1.a. FGDs with pregnant and lactating mothers including adolescents

The study team has conducted 04 Focus Group Discussions (FGD) with the

pregnant and lactating mothers including adolescent pregnant and lactating mothers

in Tongibai Upazilla of Munshigonj district on July 14, 2012; in Bhaluka Upazilla

of Mymensingh district on July 20,2012 and in Moulvibazar sadar Upazilla and

Sreemongal Upazilla of

Moulvibazar district on

July 24-26, 2012.

Two mix groups and

one group of pregnant

and lactating mothers

including adolescent at

Bhaluka Upazilla of

Mymensingh district

were selected in

consultation with

UNICEF Bangladesh.

It was ensured that in

the groups there are

adolescent mothers.

As per the activity plan a guiding questionnaire was developed including questions

for the target listeners on their need, expectation, preference, access, availability and

utilization of information, the listeners choice, frequency and habit of radio

listening, the scopes and potentials of Radio Listeners Clubs etc. and finalized in


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consultation with UNICEF team. After that Facilitators for conducting FGDs were

selected in a walk-in interview and oriented thereby.

A total of 42 pregnant and lactating mothers including adolescent pregnant and

lactating mothers from different professions have participated in the FGD sessions.

Information on FGD with Pregnant and lactating mothers at GlanceSl. Category No. of participants Remarks

1. Female 36 Some adolescent participantswere observed in this group

2. Adolescent 06

Total 42

(** Find the detail in Annex A)

Findings from the exercise:

Accessibility/engagement in media

- Electricity supply isavailable. The people

usually enjoyed

Television, Radio,

Satellite TV & mobile

phone and read

newspapers. A few of

them have radio sets.

They share their radio

sets with others. They

have mobile sets and

listens radio programs

using mobile sets.

- The participants use tolisten radio programs

individually. They use

to do sewing

collectively and listen

radio programs and in the leisure periods.

- They listen radio programs with their neighbours, sometimes with family members and ingroup. Listening radio programs in group is more effective to them. The programs arehelpful for their daily life.

- Community Radio Polly Kantha is well known to them. Polly Kantha broadcastsprograms in local languages and on local community issues. This is really Community

radio.

- The participants usually discuss immediate after listening radio programs with the issueand contents broadcasted in the community radio like- animal husbandry, poultry rearing

and on the care of pregnant mothers, breast feeding, vegetable gardening, games and

sports, drama, EPI, TT, fish cultivation, Mother and Child Health care, education,

employment.


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- After enjoying radio programs they have had some query and shared those with the localexperts, older members of the family, teachers, and local elites.

- Radio programs inspire them for homestead gardening, poultry rearing and animalhusbandry.

- Participants do not know about community radio where there is no communityradio exists.

Information from radio:- The participants know about community radio Polly Kantha. During the Holy

Ramadan participants wants to listen program related to Islamic issues. They want

to listen program related to cooking, Mother and Child Health care, songs,

agriculture etc.

- Community Radio is for getting information. It is reliable and essential media tothem.

- Radio and Television both media is easy accessible. Radio programs usuallyaddress the present situation, listeners need and the daily needs of the community.

Radio listening habit:

- The participants usually listen programs broadcasted by FM radios, BangladeshBetar, BBC, Commercial radios, Akash Bani and Community radio Polly Kantha.

They use mobile sets for listening radio programs. They listen radio programs twice

or thrice in a day and in the afternoon and night. Women related programs are

favourate to them, they expect more participations of the women, local young girls

and boys in presenting the program. Health, entertaining songs, film songs, songs

of local singers, child programs and folk songs are most popular to them.

Radio program:- The participants want to listen radio programs on the contents like local news, local

problems, women issues, pregnant mothers care, nutrition, EPI, TT, dowry,

employment, education, health care, antenatal and post natal care. They expect

more women participation and representation in the women related programs.

- Children related programs should broadcast in the holidays covering the contentlike- quiz, education, songs and suggested to allocate more time for child programs.

- They get information from the government and NGOs health workers, Union andUpazilla health complexes and through radio programs.

- They visit government and private hospitals for safe delivery/child birth.- There is no trained Traditional Birth Attendances (TBA) in their villages.

Child Health related radio programs:

- Adolescents want programs on recipe, cooking, health, topical diseases, cancer, 6diseases and EPI, breast feeding, Vitamin A, De-warming, first breast feeding,

childrens feeding, nutrition, how to prepare balance food for children, Mother and

Child Health care, etc.

- They want more radio programs on child based issues and ensuring theirparticipation.


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-Health Program

- The participants like community radio programs in their local languages, the accentlike them, need to produce programs on local problems and issues with solutions,

safe drinking water, sanitary latrine, hand washing, how to protect them from

HIV/AIDS, and income generation.

- A few of them have participated in the radio program.- Still they did not send any letter to the newly broadcasting community radio

station.

- They want to ask questions through phone calls and on health issues.- They want to participate in radio programs related to children, recipe, cooking and

other issues.

- They desire all radio programs will be produce in local languages except programsfor children.

- They want to listen programs regularly on these issues.Community Radio management

Participants are eager for participating in the community radio programs. If they getchance, they will participate in producing drama, songs and education related programs.

They will send SMS and make phone call to the CR stations which have been starting

airing newly. They want programs in their language and want a community radio in theirarea (where no Community Radio exists).

4.1.b. Conducting FGDs with Mix group (RLC and Non- RLC)

FGD Team has conducted 05 Focus Group Discussions (FGD) with the mix group of RLC

members and non-RLC members in Tongibari of Munshigonj districts on July 14, 2012, in

Bhaluka of Mymensingh district on July 20, 2012 and in Moulvibazar sadar and

Sreemongal upazilla of Moulvibazar district from July 24-26, 2012. The groups were

selected in consultation with UNICEF Bangladesh, Bangladesh Betar, Dhaka and Sylhet,

and Community Radio stations Bikrampur, Munshigonj and Polly Kantha, Moulvibazar.

As per the activity plan a guiding questionnaire was developed for those listeners (not

included in RLC) to get their opinion on formation of RLC, their activities, what role they

can play etc.and finalized in consultation with UNICEF team. After that Facilitators for

conducting FGDs were selected in a walk-in interview and oriented them thereby.

A total of 51 male, female and adolescent mothers from different professions have

participated in the FGD sessions.

Information on FGD with mix group at Glance

Sl. Category of participants No. of participants Remarks

1. Male 28

2. Female 21 *There were some adolescentsobserved in this category.


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3. Adolescent 02

Total 51

(** Find the detail in Annex B)

Findings of the exercise:

Accessibility in media

- Electricity supply is available in the area. The people usually enjoyed Television,Radio, Satellite TV and use mobile phones. A few of them have radio sets. They

have mobile sets and an average numbers of participants have listen radio programsin their mobile sets.

- They use to listen radio at home and with their family members. Some of themlisten radio programs in the tea stalls, neighbours house and shops. They love

listening radio programs. Sometimes they listen radio programs individually,

sometimes with friends and sometimes in groups. Most of them like radio news.

- They enjoyed listening radio in their leisure. In group they usually discuss with thekey issues like animal husbandry, poultry rearing, goat rearing and care of pregnant

mothers, etc.

- After enjoying radio programs they have had some query and shared those with thelocal experts, older members of the family, teachers, and local elites.

- Radio programs inspire them for homestead gardening, poultry rearing and animalhusbandry. They can start the small scale income generation projects if they

manage loan from the NGOs. They usually sit together and share their views to

start social activities jointly.

- The activities like vegetable gardening; goat rearing, adult education, fish culture,road side tree plantation, how to start income generating activities with small

capital, planned family, EPI for the children and TT for the pregnant mothers are

implemented in the area with collective initiatives.

- They get information about the date for EPI & TT and antenatal care through Radioprograms.

- CR Polly Kantha is well known to the community and newly established CRBikrampur yet not known to all.

Information receives from radio:

- Still they do not know about community radio (where no CR stations exists). Radioprograms are reliable and helpful to them.

- They are interested to listen contents like religious discussions, cultivation, sports,news, breast feeding, drama, songs, entertainment, health care, family planning in

radio. They prefer FM radio services.- Radio is the easy accessible media to them, during load shading radio can be

played/used with battery.

- Information that broadcasts through radio is need based, reliable and essential tothem.

Radio listening habit:

- Participants usually listen Bangladesh Betar, BBC and FM radio programs twice orthrice in a day and enjoyed radio programs in the afternoon and night. Sometimes


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they listen in group. They like Bangladesh Betar and FM radio programs very

much. Their favourate programs are Islamic songs, jokes, discussion on religion,

corruption issues, terrorism, reciting poems, protecting eve teasing, employment,

songs, drama and agriculture related issues.

- Most of them listen community radio where there is a CR station.About broadcasting programs:

- They want to listen radio programs at early night on the contents like health,pregnant mothers care and their menu, violence against women, self-help, kids

nursing, immunization, child diarrhea, antenatal and postnatal care, friendly health

service centers, early marriage, dowry, and child related issues.

Type of programs that listeners prefers from community radio

- They expect that male members should to listen these programs for their selfmotivation.

- Childrens program should be broadcasted in the afternoon. They want moreparticipation of children in Child related programs.

- Children participation will raise children listeners and expect more time for childrelated programs, local news, quality seed, impact of drug addiction, about their

Upazilla and district.

- Community radio should include some programs covering local heritages, culture,ritual, social norms etc.

- They want program without political influences.Management of community radio

- Participants are eager for participating in the community radio programs. Theyexpressed that if they get chance they will participate in producing drama, songs

and education related programs. They will send SMS and make phone call to the

CR stations for asking questions as their station starts airing newly. They want

programs in their local language. They also want a community radio in their area

(where no CR stations existes).

4.2. Interview with radio professionalsThe study team has carried out

08 in-depth interviews with 8

Radio Professionals of

Bangladesh Betar andcommunity radio stations

including Director General,

Deputy Director General,

Director (Programs), Regional

Director of Bangladesh Betar,

Dhaka and Sylhet and Station

Managers of Community Radio

Bikrampur, Munshigonj and


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Polly Kantha, Moulvibazar. The interviewees were selected in cooperation in consultation

with UNICEF team, Bangladesh Betar and initiators of community radios in Dhaka,

Munshigonj, Sylhet and Moulvibazar.

A guiding questionnaire/Checklist was developed and finalized in consultation with

UNICEF team. A skilled senior reporter of a commercial radio was selected in a walk-in

interview and oriented her the on the process and the guiding checklist.

Interview with Radio Professionals at a glance

Name of the Radio Stations : Bangladesh Betar, Head Quarter, Shahbag, Dhaka;

Bangladesh

Betar, Agargaon, Dhaka;Bangladesh Betar, Sylhet;

Community Radio Bikrampur, Munshigonj and

Community Radio Polly Kantho (BRAC), Moulvibazar

No. of Radio Stations : 05

No. of Interviewers : 08

Interview conducted by : Shahnaz Sharmeen, Sr. Reporter, ABC Radi, Dhaka

Date : July 12-20, 2012: Interview following approved guiding questionnaire

and audio recording.

((** Find the detail in Annex C)

Findings from the exercise:

Bangladesh Betar is broadcasting countrywide programs 277 hours and 30 minutes daily through

medium and short waves and in abroad 6 hours daily.

Community Radio is a new intervention and just started broadcasting. They have been broadcasting

programs 4-6 hours daily, 28-42 hours weekly and 120-180 hours monthly.

Types of Program broadcasts at present:

1. News (National and local).2. Entertainment3. Development4. Education5. Health6. Agriculture Seasonal cultivation7. Magazine programs on different issues and national events8. Mother and Child care, women right9. Program on child issues10.Program on listeners request11.Some programs are developed and broadcasted addressing the need of the audiences.

(There is a SMS booth in each Bangladesh Betar stations covering areas).


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12.Bangladesh Betar has been broadcasting programs on local languages through Dhaka,Khulna, Chittagong, Sylhet, Bandarbans, Rangamati, Rangpur and Rajshahi.

13.Agriculture related programs are always developed and broadcasted in local languages.14.Bangladesh Betar has been broadcasting programs for abroad in Bengali, Nepalese, Urdu,

Arabic, Hindi and in English too.

Community Radio (additional)

I. Community radios have been broadcasting only development oriented radio programs.II. Beside this, CR broadcasted and celebrated special programs on national and international

issues like World Radio Day, World Press Freedom Day, Science Fair including all

national days and events.

III. They are broadcasting all programs using local languages.IV. Women listeners reaction are major in community radios.

- Bangladesh Betar has broadcast programs the ethnic groups weekly.- Highest audiences reaction through SMS and letters come from males listeners. Listeners

requests are mainly for entertaining programs, magazine program and phone in, Mother

and Child Health care, women, agriculture, etc. Bangladesh Betar address the requests of

the listeners by broadcasting their favorite programs, disseminate information and continue

some serials and episodes.

- Bangladesh Betar has been broadcasting programs focusing on household needs, upgradingmother and child importance at family level, how to make family happy, daily life,

revisiting life, disaster and health.

- They have broadcasted program on right to information too following the governmentpolicy so that people can be aware about their right. The programs are: vehicle and traffic

situations, updating voter ID, Digital Bangladesh, Vision-21, Union information center,

etc.

- Bangladesh Betar has broadcasted programs on RTI (right to information) and have a planto extend the duration and its contents in the future.

- During disaster Bangladesh Betar broadcasts programs round the days.

Program contents:

a. Bangladesh Betar has a separate cell for population, health and nutrition. The cell has beenbroadcasting programs in the prime air time on the above issues daily. Newly married

couples, mothers and physicians have been participating in this radio programs. Mothers

are participating through using mobile phones, sending SMS, interview and writing letters

too. Their queries are mainly about on solving family level problems, divorce, dowry, child


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marriage, legal right, women rights, mothers health and on social inclusions issues. At

present community radios are broadcasting 30 minutes programs on the same.

b. The contents are mother and child, antenatal and postnatal care, care for new born babies,mothers health care, care for pregnant mothers, child health, birth control and family

planning, happy family, homestead affair, new vision and farmers wife and adolescent

issues.

c. Bangladesh Betar has broadcasts a total of 7 hours program on adolescent issues in a day.d. Mothers, physicians, university teachers, Govt. officials for women affairs, lawyers,

athletes, journalists and women entrepreneurs have participated in the women related

programs.

e. The listeners have scope to share their opinions and ask questions directly, they usuallywant to know the solutions of their problems and about the service providers and posts.

f. Bangladesh Betar has been broadcasting regular programs on child issues daily andweekly. The contents are like Kolokakoli, learners forum, time for youth, adolescent

health, child health care, childrens forum, debate, quiz, drama on child and adolescents

issues where Community radios have been broadcasting 1 hour and 30 minutes program on

child issues daily. Sometimes guardians are coming with their children for participating in

the child related programs.

g. Children, guardians, teachers, experts, physicians, psychologists, actors and icons areusually taken part in the child related radio programs.

h. Children have participated in the programs directly, in group, as moderator, representingschools and or children clubs. They have access to share their opinions, asking questions

and they do it. The broadcasting authorities are trying to upgrade children related radio

programs addressing their query.

Listeners Club

a. Bangladesh Betar haveapproximately 300 listed

Radio Listener Clubs

(RLC) in Bangladesh

Betar, Dhaka. A radio

station without listeners is

meaningless, invalid and

worthless. Listeners are

must. Listeners opinion


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is the most important factor for running radio stations as well as programs. Hence group

opinions are the most important and there RLCs opinion can focus an effective area. They

can build awareness of the community properly. They believe that RLC can play a vital

role for developing and upgrading radio programs. RLC are always a support to a radio

station. So the radio programs must address the need of the audience.

b. Community radio Polly Kantha has 769 RLCs in their catchment area and out of all 769RLCs there were 12 clubs formed only for the children. Community Radio Bikrampur is

the process to form RLC. Listeners can only justify the standard, quality and reliability of

the radio programs.

c. Radio listeners clubs are the main stakeholder of radio programs; they can assess theirneeds and broadcasting time and situation.

d. Now radio listeners club has no guideline at present; so its difficult to form RLC without aRLC guideline. On the other hand, RLCs have no permanent space/office to sit or to share

their views and opinions in group. They have very limited radio sets; so they share their

sets with others. The main problem is absence of mechanism to bring them under one

umbrella.

e. During organizing a Radio Listeners Club, age, sex/gender, class, profession, language ofthe listeners should be considered with priority including acceptance in the society,

religious and emotive issues, political situation of the area, and local ritual and norms. But

RLCs should have their own choice to run their forum by their own.

f. The listeners are the main key to make the radio program popular and upgrading its qualityup to the mark. Hence radio listener clubs is the only platform of the listeners.

g. Priority is given to listeners feedback while developing radio programs. Radiobroadcasting authority should ensure the right of the RLCs, their freedom of expression,

opinions to make the RLCs more active.

h. RLCs can play a vital role to reduce social problems, early marriage, dowry, trafficking,drug addictions, road accident, and population problem and can make the society aware.

i. RLCs can also solve local level problem with their own initiatives. They can arrange andorganize exhibition on different social and climate issues like ecological situation, culture,

life style, etc.

j. Government has high priority for organizing RLCs countrywide. In this connection, aguideline is developing in-consultation with the listeners and with the support of UNICEF

Bangladesh. This initiative is a milestone for radio intervention. Radio programs should

include the reflection of listeners opinion through producing and broadcasting programs on

listeners request. Bangladesh Betar have special programs for the listeners namely Setu

Bondo.

k. Bangladesh Betar considers listeners opinions, suggestions and feedback while designing,developing and producing radio programs.


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l. Radio stations have shortage of manpower, continuous power supply, limited budget,vehicles and skilled staff on these activities at present.

m. Need to develop own Policy of the radios, citizen charter lists, bi-laws, skill developmenttraining for staff on different issues for community radio stations.

n. The main target is to reach the program at the remotest rural areas as well as the urbanpeople of the country. In this connection, need to extend FM broadcasting and Internet

radio service, give more focus on listeners need, change the style and trend of presentation

of radio news, authenticity of information and investigative reporting, etc.

o. RLCs can be tagged with the social developments activities.Bangladesh Betar/ community radio management and operation

Bangladesh Betar is following the policy and of Bangladesh government.

Listeners are the main key factor for Community Radio. Community people are fully involved in

planning, designing, developing and program production of community radios. The listeners have

every right to participate in all activities of the CR stations and they are doing it. It is difficult to

response and reply listeners regularly at present but CR station management takes immediate action

in phone calls queries.

Other comments and remarks of the radio professionals

As Radio professional, radio Listeners Club is their utmost dream. Its their cherish desire, hope

that in future RLCs will be formed in each villages of Bangladesh and they will come to a common

platform. Radio programs will be successful and become more popular with the support of RLCs.

Thus the radio

programs will be

developed for the

gearter interest of the

nation and the

communities will be

more benefitted.

Bangladesh

government has the

policy to stengthen

RLCs in the up

coming days.

Community radio has

a plan to arrange

competition, publish


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a wall-magazine and sit with the listeners regularly.

4.3 Process and Findings from the consultation workshopBNNRC has organized 02 workshops one at Sylhet on July 16, 2012 and one at Dhaka on

July 22,

2012 for consulting and gather opinions of the participants on the draft guideline.

A total of 109 participants from different govt. departments and organizations like

Bangladesh Betar, Community radios, development experts, media practitioners,

Representatives from national and international RLCs, civil society members, local elites,

cultural activists, university teachers of journalism, media experts and GO-NGO officials

were participated in the consultation workshops and gave their opinions, feedback and

suggestions on the draft RLC guideline.

BNNRC has organized another experience sharing workshop at Dhaka with selected

participants from International radio clubs like BBC, VOA, DW (Radio German), NHK

(Radio Japan), CRI (China Radio International) Radio Clubs etc.

A total of 41 representatives from different international RLCs have participated in the

consultation. The workshop was held on July 21, 2012.

(Details is in Annex - D)

Information on consultation workshops at a glance:

Sl

.

Participant Represents

from

Participants in Consultation Workshop Total Remarks

Sylhet

(mix group)

Dhaka

(mix group)

Dhaka

(Int. RLC)

0

1.

Bangladesh Betar 06 07 01 14

0

2.

Commercial Radio 0 03 01 04

0

3.

Community Radio 0 05 0 05

0

4.

Radio Listeners Club 18 08 27 53

0

5.

INGO 01 01 02 04

0 NGO 08 10 08 26


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6.

0

7.

CSO 12 0 0 12

0

8.

University Teacher 02 02 0 04

0

9.

Media Practitioners 05 04 0 09

1

0.

Media Experts 0 05 02 07

1

1.

Satellite Television 04 01 0 05

1

2.

Government Officials 02 04 0 06

1

3.

Researcher 0 01 0 01

Total 58 51 41 150

The findings are as follows:

p. Identified as acommendable initiative

to develop a Guideline

for the listeners. This

guideline would help to

draw all the listeners

clubs scattered

throughout the country

into one platform,

develop their capacity

and make easier to

engage them in mainstreaming development process.

q. Suggest for continuous listeners' survey and an impact assessment on the overall impact ofradio listening on social life.

r. Expect to take the initiative from Bangladesh Betar to organize Annual Radio Summit-where all types of Radio representatives and listeners' group representatives would join and

discuss on development issues and prepare a plan for the future.


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12.Monitoring Mechanism: create focal person at upazilla, district and divisional levels.13.Monitoring mechanism need to be clear, responsibility to be specified and Bangladesh

Betar may take a leading role to promote the process.

14.Each of the Radio Listeners Clubs should have their own bi-laws. The clubs should beformed and function in a democratic way (through election).There can be tier like District-

level Listeners club and under this Upazila-based listeners club, etc. An area-based apex

body may also be formed taking leaders from the clubs of different tiers.

15.An operational mechanism, organogram, election/selection process of the club leadershipshould be specified. Facilitate to grow as institution.

16.Provision should be included in the guideline to link the clubs with the local administrationand some dialogues/opinion sharing meetings need to be taken place at different tiers of

administration on importance and role of radio listeners clubs.

17.Other existing groups in the community like -women groups (organized by women affairsdept. of GOB), Rovers Scouts Groups (50 current rover scout groups in Sylhet) and

Community Learning Groups (organized by NGOs) can take role of Radio Listeners group

to contribute in local community development.

18.More engagement of the local administration needed for club activities.19.An area-based list of Radio Listeners Club may be prepared. These clubs may set area-

based plan and target of development work and use Bangladesh Betar and community

radio in this process.

20.Need to prepare a Central Database on RLCs. For preparing such a plan, all the radiolisteners club can meet once in a year and organize an Annual Planning Conference on own

contribution. As outputs, there can be produced 12 Action Plans for 12 months!

21.Analysis and Review of RLCs activities and programs support centres should beestablished at divisional level.

22.Bangladesh Betar can take a leading role in coordination, networking of the listeners clubsand facilitate to grow them on institutional basis. There should be a clear mechanism for

networking and linkage within the clubs.

23.Bangladesh Betar can develop a Terms of Reference in consultation with the listeners.24. Include mechanism of coordination among all the clubs-create a common platform for all

the clubs, Share the list of clubs. Create Face book group.

25.Sustainability mechanisms of RLCs need to be incorporated in the guideline. Funding maydisrupt the voluntary spirit of club activities! Encouragement of organizations like

UNICEF, BNNRC may be encouraged for the growth and free functioning of the clubs.

26.Social Mobilization campaign in radio listening habits should be introduced by thelisteners clubs. This will increase the numbers of listeners and make scopes to grow/form

new listeners clubs in and around the broadcasting area. Bangladesh Betar, Regional office

may take leading role in facilitating and nursing the process.


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27.Listeners Club should have a role in popularizing the radio listening by different programs-organize knowledge sharing workshop on regular basis among the clubs.

28.Arrange publication and broadcasting of club activities in local newspapers, bulletin andmedia.

29.Take integrated step to regularly publish the Bulletin on Listeners Club.30.Encourage formation of clubs by school based students.31.Encourage increase of women listeners.32.Radio Program and News should be more attractive, audience choice needs to be regularly

monitored-Listeners club can help in this process.

33.The Listeners should be involved in program production and broadcasting. Some radioshave broadcasted programs based on listeners' participation, which needs to be reviewed

and revised.

34.The capacity of the Listeners club members in program production may be improved byproviding training to them. The listeners should get orientation in a way that they will be

sensitized and explore innovative issues and contents to produce development-oriented

programs. (For example: laws related to Overseas/Immigration issues).

35.Capacity building on leadership development, communication skill, radio programproduction need to be introduced for the club members.

36.List the clubs, acknowledge the clubs by radio authority.37.Mention provision of updating of the guideline.38.Modify in a way that this guideline should not be applicable to only community radios,

should be general guideline for all radio listeners.

39.The overall guideline should be more generalized (with common principles applicable forall types of radios)

40.Proposed that the guideline should be kept on Face book for mass users opinion.Few other points

1. Listeners Club can be the effective soldiers of community development. Listeners musthave their responsibility to their society.

2. They can take it as a movement and plan for how effectively they can use radio in socialtransformation, in fulfilling the Vision-2021 of the govt.

3. Focus more on disadvantaged/un-served community-how to ensure services!4. Radio Listeners Clubs can be the powerful forum in disseminating information. More

young people can be involved in clubs. Efforts should be made to activate the grassroots

community in radio listening practice.

5. Community Television may be another option; the call for a community television may bestarted from Sylhet. Internet radio and campus radio could be other options as useful and

potential communication media.


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6. Some of the FM Radios are using distorted language in the name of Bangla-there shouldbe caution in language use.

7. Need to upgrade radio programs and need to give more focus on community motivation,education, MCH care, population control, etc.

8. Need to extend time of FM broadcasting so that listeners can enjoy radio programs usingmobile set.

9. Need to ensure freedom of expression and free flow of information to make thebroadcasting of radio news and programs of Bangladesh Betar more attractive and useful.

10.To boost up thelistening habits in

disadvantaged area,

new radio sets can

be distributed.

11. Include ExchangeProgram among the

RLCs home and

abroad.

12. Include contentslike-Primary Health

Care, MCH Care, Family Planning, HIV/AIDS.

13.Form new listeners clubs by new listeners following the RLCs guideline.14.Broadcast regional and international news with equal importance on entertaining programs.15.Provide information on historical important place.16.Allocate more space and time on children related programs.17.Broadcast programs on poets and writers of the locality.18.Produce and broadcast programs on adaptation measures by the community against

Climate Change.

19.Bangladesh Betar may introduce awarding to the best club.20.Exchange and sharing mechanism should be developed within the RLCs.21.Monitoring support from International Radio Stations should be ensured.22.Specify regional/community initiative, encourage listeners creative initiatives for

strengthening RLCs capacity.

23.Potentials/development scopes should be highlighted/encouraged


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The findings have been incorporated in the guideline as considered useful and pertinent to

the draft guidelines. Since the guideline is a living document and the technology is

flourishing day by day it needs to adapt all those in coming days and therefore, the

guidelines has to be kept open to all kinds of modifications.

5. Recommendations and conclusions

Recommendations

The recommendations have been worked out based on the key findings of the

workshops, FGDs and KIIs carried out for the present exercise. The followings are

the main recommendations:

1. RLC guideline is necessary for the clubs.2. It should be a living document where it needs to be revised from time to time based

on the development in the technical and broadcasting sector

3. The guideline should be in simple and lucid langue and it should be users friendlyand language should be the Bangla

4. RLCs should be organized and networked at the national level and a database ofRLCs should be there.

5. Members of RLCs should be replaced from time to time as some will leave the clubfor obvious reasons

6. A monitoring system should be in place and a constant communication supportfrom the concerned organizations including Bangladesh Betar and UNICEF need to

be there

7. A code of conduct and bi-laws need to be there for the clubs which wouldformalize the operational system of the clubs.

Conclusions

To recapitulate the main findings, the following may be mentioned:

1.

The study has revealed a needs for having a guidelines for RLCs2. It has also revealed a genuine enthusiasm among the listeners, listeners clubs,

women and children, adolescents and all other professionals.

3. Stakeholders involvement with the broadcasting is necessary from theparticipatory principle of development of the radio broadcasting system and to

make it a need-based communication media.


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4. The guideline has potential to help the formation of RLCs and that too as perpeoples needs.

5. With the use of this guideline, the listeners will be organized countrywide andthey would be able to sit together to critically assess the strength and weakness

of the present broadcasting.

report on finalization of radio listeners club guideline

Documents