Community media
Community media are a key ingredient of any pluralistic media ecology.
As an alternative medium to public and commercial media, they occupy an
important space in citizen participation. That they are enlivening civic participation
globally is evident in the case studies compiled in this publication
There is no doubt that community media have a social impact. The case
studies are replete with anecdotes of how various initiatives have contributed
towards community development and empowerment. Fiji’s femLINK is a testament of
women’s empowerment.
Indonesia’s Aceh Nias Reconstruction Radio Network (ARRNet) is a clear
testimony of community-based rehabilitation and reconstruction in the aftermath
of
the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, rebuilding shattered communities.
Senegal’s Radio Ndef Leng is an example of how localized communication
can inspire minority groups through active on-air dialogue and discussion,
giving them a sense of local and national belonging.
These isolated examples of the social impact of community media, when
interwoven with similar illustrations from other parts of the world, reinforce
their significance as an alternative form of communication.
But, as the
case studies indicate, such an impactful medium requires two important conditions
in order to thrive: an enabling policy environment and a model of
sustainability that guarantees its continued independence and effectiveness.
Again, this publication helps us to draw useful lessons in this regard
An important
conclusion is that the policy, legal and regulatory framework remains the
single most persistent obstacle to sustaining community media, despite the fact
that there is worldwide experience of good practice in this regard.
The value
of this publication thus lies in the fact that it highlights problems while at
the same time offering possible solutions. It presents a useful empirical basis
for replicating time-tested decisions about how community media can become an
even more effective element of a free, independent and pluralistic media system
of any democratic society.
Against
this background, we believe that this book will be a useful reference to
community media practitioners, policy-makers, researchers, community
organizers, and other media development stakeholders.
Mayte Naranjo- "Ayudo"
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