RADIO EMPOWERING THE COMMUNITY

Involving and empowering the community:

When community members join the radio, they are usually trained by the Media Sciences students before they conduct programmes independently, says Malliga, recounting her training period. “I was taught how to talk to audience and interview experts, how to avoid background noises, and many more techniques,” she elaborates. 

“If not for Anna Community Radio, women like me would have never gone out of our neighbourhoods. I joined the radio station without the knowledge of my family in 2007. I used to enter and exit Anna University, afraid that someone will recognise me,” says S Selvakumari, an administrative employee from Velachery.

After three months, her family came on board, thanks to the Media Sciences students of Anna University. “They came to neighbourhoods like mine to convince families to encourage the women to get involved with the community radio,” she adds.

A few others did not face as many hurdles. “My family was happy, and encouraged me to work at Anna FM. However, I was sceptical about talking on the radio, initially. But when my husband appreciated me after hearing me on air, my confidence was restored,” shares Malliga.

“Nowadays, it is a matter of surprise if the community women do not come forth to be involved with the radio,” said Selvakumari, reflecting on changing times.

Radio presentation techniques are not the only skills these women grasp while working. “I have developed great self-confidence, apart from other basic skills that I can pass on to my family,” says Selvakumari.

For example, during an expert talk, a nutritionist spoke about how one should not pressure-cook greens as it will remove all the nutrients. Selvakumari says that she has unlearned the cooking method of greens, among other things. 

Not just people who are on the production side of the radio, the listeners are also happy with Anna FM. “Many listeners give positive feedback via phone and e-mail,” says another administrative employee. When Citizen Matters contacted S Dhilip Kumar, a listener from West Mambalam, he said that every broadcast from the community radio contains information that is useful to everyone. He has been listening to Anna FM since 2012. 

Source:

https://citizenmatters.in/anna-community-radio-chennai-women-empowerment-anna-university-90-4/