Eight Community Radio Stations as a knowledge tool in responding to Climate change & disaster risk reduction at coastal areas in Bangladesh
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) is in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), accredited with World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) of the United Nations and UN WSIS prize winner 2016, Champion 2017 and 2019.
BNNRC’s approach to media development is both knowledge-driven and context-sensitive, and it takes into account the challenges and opportunities created by the rapidly changing media environment in Bangladesh including community radio development giving voices for the voiceless. BNNRC is actively working to improve recognition of the community electronic media sector (Community Radio & Community TV) & its work in and involvement with the communities. BNNRC represents the community electronic media sector to Government, Industry, Regulatory Bodies, Media, Academia and Development Partners from 2000.
The Community Radio stations are an integral part of the disaster risk management and climate change process in coastal areas of Bangladesh. Community Radio stations are the fastest channels for the broadcasting of knowledge and information across the coastal areas.
Program broadcasting of the community radio stations aims to reduce or avoid the potential losses and damages caused by hazards, or climate change assure prompt and appropriated assistance to communities achieve rapid and effective recovery in line with the Building Back Better.
BNNRC is playing the role of catalyst and contributed significantly in strengthening information service on disaster risk reduction and capacity building of community radio stations in addressing emergency situation during the time of disaster like Mahasen, Komen, Roanu, Mora and Fani.+—–
BNNRC have been e1qngaged in using eight community radio stations of coastal areas of Bangladesh as a knowledge tool, community radio offers benefits in the following ways: Speaking to communities in local languages using terms and phrases that are easily understood; Providing two-way interactive social learning through listeners’ clubs, call-in shows, and other forms of exchange; Enabling the communication and exchange of knowledge between people who need it, e.g. rural farmers, in a consumable, deployable and non-threatening way; Communicating local knowledge, needs and demands beyond the community to inform policy, research, and other communities; Providing the only media available to communities that have little or no access to other methods of conveying information and knowledge;
Now 18 Community Radio stations are broadcasting 160 hours program per day in Bangladesh aiming to ensure empowerment and right to information for the rural community. Around 100 youth women & youth are now working with those Stations throughout the country as rural broadcasters. In Bangladesh now community radio is not just about broadcast content; it is mostly about the process of community engagement.
Eight coastal community radio stations are broadcasting altogether 60 hours program per day on information, education, local entertainment and development motivation activities. Around 80 youth women & youth are now working with those stations throughout the coastal areas as coastal community broadcasters.
These programs are quite supportive to the intervention reflected in 7th 5 year plan of Government of Bangladesh, UN World Summit on the Information Society (UN WSIS) Action Plan, UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, Bangladesh on the march towards Prosperity 2018 & Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan.
The quality programs and the contents produced by rural youth and youth women of community broadcasters have already earned recognition by many institutions at home and abroad. Among others we can mention the UN World Summit on the Information Society (UN WSIS) winner Award 2016, champion awards 2017 & 2019, Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), UNICEF Meena Media & National Population Award etc.
Citizens representing different groups of the society and government acknowledged and appreciated community radio role in emergencies as only community radio broadcasting services was available due to failure of electricity in disaster period. (Community radio was on air by generator support during the disaster)
Eight radio stations are Community Radio Meghna 99.00 (Charfasion, Bhola Island) Community Radio Nalta 99.2 (Kaligonj, Satkhira), Community Radio Sundarban 98.8 ((Koyra, Khulna), Community Lokobetar 99.2 (Barguna sadar), Community Rural Radio Krishi Radio 98.8 (Amtoli, Barguna), Community Radio Naf 99.2 (Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar), Community Radio Sagargiri 99.2 (Sitakunda, Chittagong), and Community Radio Sagardwip 99.2 (Hatiya, Noakhali).
The Community Radios are becoming an active ground for organizing dialogues at rural level. These dialogues are helping the rural mass to find out their own voice and ensure leverage their free opinion in respect of social, economic, political, cultural and environmental issues.
Community Climate Airwaves through Community Radio in BangladeshCommunity radio case studies:
Community Radio Nalta
Broadcasting program with the emphasis on youth development and disaster risk reduction
Recording program on Disaster Risk Reduction
Radio Nalta is playing significant role for dissemination of early warning messages, local weather messages, coping mechanism to disasters, information recovery and rehabilitation and also information on first aid, evacuation, cyclone shelters and standing orders on disaster after cautionary signal no. 4 and other GoB instructions on emergency basis.
Radio Nalta has become a friend to the people of Satkhira’s coastal belt in disaster and distress. The most striking fact is that about 80 thousand fishing labors of the area regularly listen to the radio.
Local residents are planting trees which can adjust with climate change and are getting directions on how to take preparations for natural disasters through Radio Nalta’s programs. Radio Nalta has been broadcasting a large variety of programs, since it was established in Satkhira’s Kaliganj upazila.
Radio Nalta has given emphasis on several other programs on youth development, entrepreneurship development, rural community development, agriculture, adult and children education, health care of coastal people, mother and child’s health care, disaster like thunderstorm.
Nalta Radio broadcasted cautionary forecast relentlessly on preparedness of disaster, during the time of disaster and post disaster like Mahasen, Komen, Roanu, Mora and Fani. Moreover, programs on environment and climate change as per Bangladesh Climate change strategy and action plan are also broadcasted.
It creates space for community people through organizing discussion meetings and round table for raising their voice about their rights, influence government high officials for playing proactive role for development of the community.
Community Radio Sundarban
Broadcasting for conservation of nature and promoting rights of marginalized people
Community people demand for ensuring pure drinking water
Radio Sundarban is situated at Koyra upazila of Khulna near World’s biggest mangrove forest Sundarban. Radio Sundarban is working to raise awareness among the deprived marginal people for technical education. It is working to uphold the rights of ethnic minority community living in the areas and surroundings of Sundarban through community magazine program and aware policy makers through these programs.
The community people demand to the government to take initiative for protection from thunderstorm and providing technical support for prevention of thunderstorm, river erosion and ensure pure drinking water by installing deep tube-well and supply saline tolerant crops for Khulna area.
Radio Sundarban is playing significant role for dissemination of early warning messages, local weather messages, coping mechanism to disasters, information recovery and rehabilitation and also information on first aid, evacuation, cyclone shelters and standing orders on disaster after cautionary signal no. 4 and other GoB instructions on emergency basis.
It has given emphasis on several other programs on conservation of Mangrove forest Sundarban, community development, agriculture, adult and children education, health care of coastal people, mother and child’s healthcare. Marginal people are getting chance to raise their issues through Radio Sundarban and respective authority are taking various steps for promoting rights of marginalized people.
Sundarban broadcasted cautionary forecast relentlessly on preparedness of disaster, during the time of disaster and post disaster like Mahasen, Komen, Roanu, Mora and Fani. Moreover, programs on environment and climate change as per Bangladesh Climate change strategy and action plan are also broadcasted.
Appreciable programs in the radio’s current programs list are on awareness raising during disasters, necessary preparations for cyclone and climate changes. Moreover, agriculture-based programs have already become popular with local farmers making queries of important information on agriculture.
Community Rural Radio
Krishi Radio broadcasting for the farmers empowerment
Interview of the representative of Civil Society
Rural Community Radio Krishi is the only government community radio, which was established by Agricultural Information Service. The programs of the radio are so popular that the listeners have formed many listener groups by their own initiatives.
Radio Krishi is supporting farmers adaptive capacity in Bangladesh through a daily evening program designated to address climate related problems that farmers and fisherman commonly face broadcasting expert advice and hosting call in discussion on potential response options. The broadcasting is offered alongside support by the local agricultural department for more information.
Krishi Radio is playing significant role for dissemination of early warning messages, local weather messages, coping mechanism to disasters, information recovery and rehabilitation and also information on first aid, evacuation, cyclone shelters and standing orders on disaster after cautionary signal no. 4 and other GoB instructions on emergency basis.
Krishi Radio invite different government and non-government organizations to participate in their live talk show and radio programs. Moreover, the station also get requests to air different government and non-government notices.
Krishi Radio broadcasted cautionary forecast relentlessly on preparedness of disaster, during the time of disaster and post disaster like Mahasen, Komen, Roanu, Mora and Fani. Moreover, programs on environment and climate change as per Bangladesh Climate change strategy and action plan are also broadcasted.
https://bnnrc.net/community-rural-radio-krishi-radio-broadcasting-for-the-farmers-empowerment
Community Radio Lokobetar
Broadcasting for coastal people
Coastal fishing community is raising their voice through community radio
Community radio Lokobetar is playing significant role for dissemination of early warning messages, local weather messages, coping mechanism to disasters, information recovery and rehabilitation and also information on first aid, evacuation, cyclone shelters and standing orders on disaster after cautionary signal no. 4 and other GoB instructions on emergency basis.
Community radio Lokobetar, established in coastal district Barguna has rapidly created a stir among local residents. The radio has emerged as a blessing for the destitute people, who are living outside the coverage of modern cable network.
“Without Community Radio Lokobetar, we don’t know what would have been happened to us. We flee the disaster, along with our children at evening and reached cyclone center after hearing new on the radio. And we returned when we again heard Lokobetar’s announcement on mobile phone. Without Lokobetar we could not even sleep at night.” Bilkis Begum from Sidr affected Barguna’s Majher Chor, was telling her experience, as she had lost her near and dear ones in cyclone in the 2007. On April 11, 2012 when people of Borguna were remaining deeply worried over the possibility of a Tsunami, community radio Lokobetar was their only friend.
Appreciable programs in the radio’s current programs list are on awareness raising during disasters, necessary preparations for cyclone and climate changes. Moreover, agriculture-based programs have already become popular with local farmers making queries of important information on agriculture.
Lokobetar broadcasted cautionary forecast relentlessly on preparedness of disaster, during the time of disaster and post disaster like Mahasen, Komen, Roanu, Mora and Fani. Moreover, programs on environment and climate change as per Bangladesh Climate change strategy and action plan are also broadcasted.
https://bnnrc.net/community-radio-lokobetar-broadcasting-for-coastal-people
Community Radio Meghna
Broadcasting for empowering women in the area
Marginalized people is raising their problems through community radio
Community Radio Meghna is working in Charfession upazila of Bhola district; a largest island in Bangladesh. It is playing significant role for dissemination of early warning messages, local weather messages, coping mechanism to disasters, information recovery and rehabilitation and also information on first aid, evacuation, cyclone shelters and standing orders on disaster after cautionary signal no. 4 and other GoB instructions on emergency basis.
The radio has drawn the attention of the community people. They are now getting the development messages through community radio. The Radio is being run by all female staff.
Community Radio Meghna is trying to empower the women specially the adolescents in the community. The dropped out adolescent girls of 12-18 years of age are the future mothers so if they are given proper education and awareness on reproductive health and hygiene along with skill training then they will be a productive force in the family.
Other programs are on awareness raising during disasters, necessary preparations for cyclone and climate changes. Moreover, agriculture-based programs have already become popular with local farmers making queries of important information on agriculture.
Meghna broadcasted cautionary forecast relentlessly on preparedness of disaster, during the time of disaster and post disaster like Mahasen, Komen, Roanu, Mora and Fani. Moreover, programs on environment and climate change as per Bangladesh climate change strategy and action plan are also broadcasted.
https://bnnrc.net/community-radio-meghna-broadcasting-for-empowering-women-in-the-area
Community Radio Sagordwip
Voice of the Hatiya Island
Emergency weather forecast through community radio Sagordwip
Community Radio Sagor Dwip situated in Hatiya upazila under Noakhali district has drawn the attention of local residents through broadcasting news and programs on natural disasters and disaster hazards.
It is playing significant role for dissemination of early warning messages, local weather messages, coping mechanism to disasters, information recovery and rehabilitation and also information on first aid, evacuation, cyclone shelters and standing orders on disaster after cautionary signal no. 4 and other GoB instructions on emergency basis.
Radio Sagor Dwip has focused on the issues of disaster including thunderstorm to provide relevant quality information and to gain confidence from the villagers with the aim of saving lives in disasters. The station is also providing news and information on agriculture, Health, Education and social safety net issues.
Above all different programs featuring songs, plays, literature, education and entertainment remain in the radio’s regular program schedule.
Most of the people of Hatiya are fishermen; they depend on fishing in deep sea for their livelihoods. The community radio Sagordwip is serving these people through regular weather forecasts.
Sagordwip broadcasted cautionary forecast relentlessly on preparedness of disaster, during the time of disaster and post disaster like Mahasen, Komen, Roanu, Mora and Fani. Moreover, programs on environment and climate change as per Bangladesh Climate change strategy and action plan are also broadcasted.
https://bnnrc.net/community-radio-sagordwip-voice-of-the-hatiya-island
Community Radio Sagar Giri
Helps to aware people about disaster
Recording Interviews of a Fisherman about weather forecast of Sagor Giri
The community radio Sagor Giri is situated in Chittagong’s Sitakunda upazila has drawn attention of local residents through broadcasting news and programs on natural disasters and disaster risk reduction and preparedness during the time of disaster including landslide. Radio Sagar Giri aiming to provide rural people with their life and livelihood related information.
It is playing significant role for dissemination of early warning messages, local weather messages, coping mechanism to disasters, information recovery and rehabilitation and also information on first aid, evacuation, cyclone shelters and standing orders on disaster after cautionary signal no. 4 and other GoB instructions on emergency basis.
Remarkable programs are climatic disasters forecast including thunderstorm, region-based report on disaster preparedness and educational programs. Although it does not air news, important items from local newspapers are read out. In addition, the radio sometimes airs spot reports on different issues. Moreover, musical programs, featuring local singers are also aired, while some local cultural programs are recorded from outdoor.
Sagor Giri broadcasted cautionary forecast relentlessly on preparedness of disaster, during the time of disaster and post disaster like Mahasen, Komen, Roanu, Mora and Fani. Moreover, programs on environment and climate change as per Bangladesh Climate change strategy and action plan are also broadcasted.
There are also several programs, aiming at raising awareness regarding agriculture, health, education and other issues. Apart from these–talk shows, plays and interviews on various subjects are also aired along with different programs on special occasions.
https://bnnrc.net/community-radio-sagar-giri-helps-to-aware-people-about-disaster
Community Radio Naf
works to aware people about Rohingya Influx
Interview of Refugee people at Teknaf
Radio Naf is playing an important role to aware host community about Rohingya issue. People of the country’s southern district Cox’s Bazar’s Teknaf upazila did not have a chance to listen to radio, as even the Bangladesh Betar cannot be heard from this very distant part. However, Community Radio Naf was started journey in lagged behind and natural disaster-prone upazila Teknaf.
It is playing significant role for dissemination of early warning messages, local weather messages, coping mechanism to disasters, information recovery and rehabilitation and also information on first aid, evacuation, cyclone shelters and standing orders on disaster after cautionary signal no. 4 and other GoB instructions on emergency basis.
Among the current program list of this radio–weather forecast including thunderstorm, awareness raising on thunderstorm and biodiversity, life and profession related news and programs on safe drinking water are most important.
Local administration, cultural activists, small merchants, fishermen and farmers are gradually being interested in Radio Naf. They are giving their own opinions about making new programs. The local people started treating Radio Naf as their own, because they don’t have any opportunity to participate in other broadcasting media.
Naf broadcasted cautionary forecast relentlessly on preparedness of disaster, during the time of disaster and post disaster like Mahasen, Komen, Roanu, Mora and Fani. Moreover, programs on environment and climate change as per Bangladesh Climate change strategy and action plan are also broadcasted.
https://bnnrc.net/radio-naf-works-to-aware-people-about-rohingya-influx