It is ironic that since Gaston Zongo sent in his message about
sustaunability, I found out that the Internet part of the community
radio in Kothmale, Sri Lanka has been shut down. I understand it is
because the government owned Telecommunications operator has cut off the
free Internet service it was providing to the station. The cost of
operating the link has been roughly estimated to be in the order of
US$100 to $300 per month which seems to be very little for the sevice it
enabled the station to provide to perhaps some 100,000 to 200,000
listeners. But then, those of us in the developed world may not
appreciate harsh, cold economic realities that exist in developing
countries.
I understand the radio station is able to sustain up to about 75% of its
broadcasting costs through advertising on its morning programming. If it
stepped up its marketing efforts to commercializing its afternoon
programs too, perhaps then, it could afford the Internet connection.
Another possibility comes to mind. Can we of the more developed world,
perhaps an NGO, organise a campaign for mobilising funds to support what
may be missing to keep the Internet link operating at least until
sustainability is assured either by advertising or by the government
realizing the great value for money this service is providing in basic
health, nutrition, language skills and cultural education to rural
people. The value of developing a cadre of keen, young IT practitioners
is not to be minimized either. These skills can bring great value to the
country in years to come.
Comments, suggestions??
Gerard Kenney ([EMAIL PROTECTED])
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