Narayan Prasad Ghimire

A recent survey has revealed that 70 per cent of Nepalis listen to radio on their mobile phones.

This fact was presented by Chief of Sharecast Initiative Nepal, Madhu Acharya, during a program organized to mark the 20th anniversary of Radio Sagarmatha in the capital on Tuesday. He further said the number of radio listeners fluctuated as per the changes in the political activities.

According to him, only 30 to 40 percent people listen to radio for news in the country.

Focus on new contents to lure youth radio listeners
Speaking at the same program, senior journalists were univocal on enabled human resources and adoption of modern technology to keep the radio running in the digitally empowered time.

Nonagenarian and once program presenter at Radio Sagarmatha Bhairav Risal said the launch of Radio Sagarmatha was really a wonder. “It demolished the strong wall of the concept of centric and government-controlled media by reaching the public.” Radio Sagarmatha is the first community radio in Nepal.
Similarly, senior journalist Rajendra Dahal reminded the time he worked for the introduction of the National Broadcasting Act 2049 BS which, he argued, paved the way for the introduction of FM Radio in Nepal. The democratic leaders in the government after the introduction of the multi-party democracy were positive on permitting FM Radio to private organization. He said the news taste of the FM listeners has changed, so it is time to focus on changed content.

“In the flood of FM radios- some 400 in the country- some radios should be aware of preventing the loss caused by misdeeds of others. Grave incidents can been prevented with positive news,” argued journalist Kanak Mani Dixit.

Other speakers said although Nepal has witnessed the spurt of media, FM radio could maintain its distinct image by serving the news of diverse taste.

A video presentation was made to show how harsh the days were during the royal takeover for FM radio staff and journalists.
The history of community radio in Nepal begins with the launch of Radio Sagarmatha by Nepal Forum of Environmental Journalists 20 years back.

Since this, the frequency is distributed so much that it has badly hampered FM radio’s reach. Quality content is equally a worrying concern.

(Source: The National News Agency-RSS- 23 May 2017)