While I sympathize with Ram's indignation at the blithe misuse of the phrase 'community radio', especially by people who should know better, I am not sure we should object to our fauji bhais running their own radio stations. Armed Forces radio stations have a long and fairly honourable history. The US has its Armed Forces Network<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armed_Forces_Radio>, Britain has its British Forces Broadcasting Service<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Forces_Broadcasting_Service> and Garrison Radio, Canada has a Canadian Forces Radio & TV<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Forces_Radio_and_Television> and Israel's Galei Zahal <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel_Army_Radio> is, if anything, more popular than IBA's mainstream stations. But then, they don't go around calling them 'community radio stations'... It's very probable that Israeli Army Radio (Galei Zahal) is the model for the BSF radio station. It was reported in May 2006<http://blogs.rnw.nl/medianetwork/india-plans-to-set-up-army-radio-station-like-israels-galei-zahal> that "The Indian military attache arrived at the Israeli Army radio station "Galei Zahal" ... to learn about the station, with the intention of setting up a similar station in India."
As long as the Border Security Force runs its radio station as an entertainment and command information centre for its forces, we could even salute this initiative. However, they want to disseminate information to the 'common people in a way different from the All India Radio', which, as Ram says, sounds suspiciously like propaganda. I'd be very interested to know if this license is being given under the ever-widening umbrella of the CR policy, or whether such a license is being given at all. The whole story could be wishful thinking on the part of the BSF DIG or a figment of some journo's imagination. Sajan On Sat, Oct 18, 2008 at 12:52 AM, Ram Bhat <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Dear All, > > After all the confusion about what constitutes a community radio station, > > I think we can with some certainty say that this nonsense has reached its > zenith with the following news: > > A community radio license being given to the Border Security Force!!! > > http://www.e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=4..171008.oct08 (Source: Sangal Express) > > As if we haven't been nauseated enough by the antics of the armed forces in > the North East > > We now have a propaganda channel funded by our very own government! 25 > lakhs no less. > > I would strongly urge our CRF to come out with a protest letter against > such permissions and licenses being given, in clear violation of the policy > (in spirit, and I certainly hope, in letter) > > At this rate, all available frequencies will be eaten up, and at the same > time, the entire purpose of freeing the airwaves will be completely > defeated. > > best > > Ram > > maraa.in > >
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