The Voices of the Unheard: In age of social media, community radio stations are conversing with those living on the fringes - Part 1

Sometimes an alfaz (Urdu for word) is what is needed to make a presence felt in this clamorous universe, where voices of the haves are constantly drowning out those of the have-nots. The deprived lot of Mewat, a district in Haryana, has found such a voice of representation in Alfaz-e-Mewat FM 107.8 (Rural Voices of Mewat). The farming communities often turn to this virtual platform to seek suggestions on their daily, mundane chores — that for them often turn into herculean tusks — and share their life stories. Alfaz-e-Mewat FM 107.8 began its journey in 2012 with the help of S M Sehgal Foundation, an NGO based in Gurugram (Haryana) solely dedicated to rural development. The foundation’s community centre in Haryana’s Ghaghas village houses the radio station. In this isolated and lonesome area, the community radio provides “a window to the outside world” as well as a tool to engage with the disengaged. Alfaz-e-Mewat FM 107.8 broadcasts for 13 hours a day, seven days a week, to households in more than 225 villages.

The programmes are directed, scheduled and produced by a team of the community people trained in media communication by the foundation. The themes, and content of programmes are based on the needs identified in discussions with the local community. Most of the episodes involve active participation by local communities and focus on each segment. Alfaz-e-Mewat allows villagers to learn about and discuss best practices in water management and conservation, health and sanitation, education, agriculture, environmental awareness, and rural governance. It runs awareness campaigns and hosts talk shows to discuss social issues that affect citizens. Oral folklore, poetry, music, and storytelling constitute the entertainment basket, showcasing the cultural heritage, history, and aboriginals of the land.

The community radio’s broadcasters invite women to talk about disturbing social issues. The various educational programmes lined up for children include Galli Galli Sim Sim (the Indian adaptation of Sesame Street). Then there is Radio School to provide children academic assistance and share general knowledge with them. “It is an excellent programme, especially for dropouts or those who have never been to school, or those who cannot afford private tuitions,” says Pooja O Murada, director, communications at SM Sehgal Foundation & Alfaz-e-Mewat FM 107.8. She is also co-author of the book, Community Radio in India. Daily interviews are a special draw, which invite experts from various walks of life to share their experiences and achievements. Viewers’ suggestions and needs are taken into account and shared with state administrative officials. So, in a way, the locals are listeners and speakers as well. Programme coordinators also make the effort of holding live-chats with officials from the police department, judiciary, krishi vigyan kendras, health, education department and the likes.

“The source of entertainment in the area is limited, and there is good demand for programmes on folklore and folk music. Farmers often call up to share feedback on crop-related programmes. Sanitation and health programmes have a good number of listeners. People connect with the radio station during live shows or evening music shows to request for a local song of their choice,” says Murada. “Alfaz-e-Mewat has documented several stories of change, shared by listeners who either have benefited from a particular government scheme, details of which are shared during a show, or have felt a sense of empowerment to bring change in their lives and in their surroundings,” she adds.

Parent body SM Sehgal Foundation has been extending financial support to the radio. Besides, Alfaz-e-Mewat has collaborations with DAVP, so it receives government ad campaigns. It can also apply for projects through government departments and ministries, like the 365-episode series called Sehat ka Paigam supported by the department of science and technology, under the latter’s project on women’s health and nutrition. The radio station also applies for projects through multilateral organisations like UNICEF, and through government’s CSR initiatives.

“Technology and affordable internet have no doubt connected people with the world, but for our broadcast area, these technical advancements are still not inclusive. Access to mobile phones is still limited for women. A large chunk of the population are not on smartphones and, above all, the information from the community radio is local, in the local dialect and about local people’s issues, something which cannot be fulfiled by the new media,” says Murada.

However, Alfaz-e-Mewat has learnt to utilise technology to its benefit. Audiences who are on WhatsApp are connected closely through radio updates and audiences share their feedback on live programmes. It has also designed audio capsules, spanning two-three minutes that can be easily shared with listeners using mobile phones. Alfaz-e-Mewat collaborates with other community radios for areas with signal problems. It practises narrowcasting of programmes to collect feedback and facilitate community dialogue. People of Nuh, who speak Mewati language, can listen to the radio station from anywhere in the world through live streaming. The radio station also updates their programmes on podcasts.