Radio can be used in governance, to highlight social issues: GOACAN

MAPUSA:

The above lyrics of the hugely popular classic rock number “Radio ga ga” immortalized the significance of radio in the ’80s.

Unfortunately, in the age of rapid technological advances, radio’s status has been reduced to that of a poor cousin of internet, mobile and TV which bombards its viewers with rapid info and entertainment.

For the votaries of the air waves in Goa, however, radio remains as one of the primary mediums of communication and entertainment particularly in the rural areas.

“Radio is still the most dynamic, reactive and engaging medium adapting to 21st Century changes and offering new ways to interact and participate,” asserts Roland Martins, the coordinator of GOACAN.

As a precursor to the World Radio Day (February 13), GOACAN had organized a fortnightly discussion on the importance of radio in the lives of people in Goa during its Friday Balcao programme in Mapusa.

All India Radio (AIR) announcer, Saish Deshpande, senior journalist and an exponent of Community Radio in Goa, Fredrick Noronha and others also took part in the discussion.

According to Martins, radio as a medium of communication was uniquely positioned to bring communities together and foster positive dialogue for change.

“By listening to its audiences and responding to their needs, radio provides the diversity of views and voices needed to address the challenges we all face,” he averred emphasizing that radio can transform people's lives through entertainment, information and audience participation.

Encapsulating AIR’s performance over the years, the popular AIR announcer, Saish Deshpande said AIR’s prime responsibility was information.

“The kind of information that the primary channel has to give is vast,” he said admitting that AIR does spice up information with entertainment in some of its selective programmes.

Deshpande admitted that in the age of information bombardment, speed was the key and many times AIR lagged behind due to its strict norms to authenticate information before it is aired.

“We have to confirm a piece of news from different sources and only then can we make an announcement. To a certain extent it has led to our downfall, as we have to check and double check until the information is authenticated,” he said.

In mid-1990s, private radio stations (commercial and community-based radio) began to appear on the scene. Community radio helps in broadcasting content that is popular and relevant to a local and specific audience.

“The concept of community radio is an excellent idea to share information and hold discussions among a select group and community. But getting a licence to start a radio station is quite complex unlike the print media due to strict government restrictions,” said Frederick Noronha, a senior journalist who is involved in community radio.

He said contrary to common perception audio was not a poor cousin of video.

“Don’t underestimate the power of radio. They have a long way to go,” Noronha said.

The GOACAN coordinator discussed ways of how radio can be used to make governance more transparent and accountable in Goa by involving the village panchayats, municipal councils and legislative assembly.

To start with, he said the schedule of gram sabhas and council meetings could be announced on radio.

“Educational institutions and NGOs can also use radio to highlight social issues,” he said.

He also raised the issue of how to make radio available to listeners at bus stands, markets, parks and beaches of Goa.

Mario Fernandes, an event organiser from Divar, Animesh Nerurkar, a businessman from Panaji and others also participated in the discussion.