>. The issue contains reviews of two campus radio stations, interviews with senior officials of CEMCA /COL (the Oct '08 issue was published with logistical and >content support from CEMCA),
The above looked like a problematic fact to me, especially on a CR forum list, which is supposed to be most concerned about issues of media ethics. But I let it pass, because I did not want to look like my comments are directed against any particular media group or any organization(s). However, I now read a discussion on DAVP supporting a good part of CR costs in many places and the issue came back to my mind with a renewed relevance. I think it is an accepted, and hallowed, media ethical practice that editorial content cannot be seen to have a close and direct connection with the finances of the media. Wonder why we are becoming less and less sensitive to such issues! I am inclined to think that the above mentioned fact could even draw adverse comments for the Press Council if the matter is brought to its notice. The particular issue of the magazine contains a cover article on CEMCA's activities, and carries two interviews with senior CEMCA officials, and about half of the editorial is devoted to CEMCA; and the issue is stated to be financially supported by CEMCA. Let me make it absolutely clear that I very much appreciate CEMCA's work, and don't think that the write-up would have been any different in any other magazine. In fact, till very recently the community radio program of my own organization, IT for Change, was financially and otherwise supported by CEMCA and this radio initiative is also mentioned in the current issue being discussed. When I initially planned to write in response to this posting I wanted to take the example of how would we see it if we were to find the current issue of India Today or Outlook carrying cover stories, press interviews, and editorial about any one organization, and we also find that the specific issue is specially financially supported by that organization. Would we find something wrong with it ?? But now I can take an example very relevant to CR movement, and thus possibly more easily engage the interest of members of this forum. I must also make it very clear that I support DAVP advertisements for CR. And I know what an important role DAVP advertisements have played over the decades to support vernacular press. However, how would the forum react to a CR program that is 'especially' and specifically funded and supported by a government department, and we find that the editorial programs and news (if there be news on CR one day) in that particular program are largely devoted to activities of that particular government department??? In pushing community radio, we are all in the business of progressive social change. And such change cannot come if we short charge basic values and ethics of social and civil life. I tried to avoid what may look like 'moral posturing' but then found the underlying issue too important not to comment. My apologies if the mail still looks like moralizing. But I wonder if civil society will not speak about issues of media ethics and accountability, who will! Parminder _____ From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of sajan venniyoor Sent: Friday, October 31, 2008 8:21 PM To: CR India Subject: [cr-india] I4D magazine issue on community radio The latest issue of I4D magazine is on Community Radio - Empowering <http://i4donline.net/October08/content.asp> the Community. The issue contains reviews of two campus radio stations, interviews with senior officials of CEMCA /COL (the Oct '08 issue was published with logistical and content support from CEMCA), articles on the CR movement in Bangladesh and Pakistan, a report on AIR's role in the Bihar floods and an <http://www.i4donline.net/articles/current-article.asp?Title=PANOS-South-Asi a&articleid=2171&typ=Features> excellent piece by Danny Geeverghese of Panos on "the incongruities and difficulties" inherent in India's CR licensing regime. Of the Community Radio Forum's somewhat ill-fated attempt to set up three Emergency Radio Stations in Bihar, Danny writes: "Recently the Community Radio Forum (CRF) attempted to set up 'emergency radio stations' in Supaul, Araria and Saharsa - three flood affected districts in Bihar. There was tremendous support from bureaucrats, politicians and academicians for what would have been a first for Indian broadcasting. The initial bonhomie quickly faded and acquired colours of the walls of Shastri Bhawan which houses the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in Delhi - a dull grey. The modus operandi and primary purpose was to set up and run the three stations temporarily to help reunite families separated by the floods, assist in aid distribution and help with the dissemination of evacuation/rehabilitation plans. After three months, the stations would have been dismantled. This was not to be. The government file has disappeared, blending into the grey of the walls of Shastri Bhawan. The question is not about policy as it is about reaching out to those who are suffering. When over three million people are affected by the breach of the Kosi River, a solution may come in the form of radio, food or emergency supplies. Recognising this and rising to the occasion is what one would expect from a Central Government that announced aid to the tune of INR 10 billion instead of throwing rule after rule from the book. Should programme makers and community broadcasters not have gone ahead with the initiative?" Sajan
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