Radio Sagarmatha : A Community Public Radio in Nepal...
Radio Sagarmatha was the first independent radio in Nepal. It is a community based public radio station broadcasting on FM to the Kathmandu Valley since 1977, when the broadcasting day was two hours. The station's goal is to stimulate awareness and participation in public issues. Impact is apparent in strengthening media freedom, pluralism and public expression. After listening to Radio Sagarmatha, you will be able to distinguish between the ageless and that which is of passing interest.
So, turn on your radio at FM 102.4 MHz or log on to the live audio on the net and you will hear a sound of Radio Sagarmatha which is very peculiar in nature. A group of highly professional staffs, programs totally responsible to the general public and a modern approach to the traditional values are some of the qualities that put Radio Sagarmatha in a class above the rest.
In Radio Sagarmatha, traditional values thrive alongside modern hullabaloo and have never forgot its responsibility of representing the people on the streets. This is why Radio Sagarmatha has now become a synonym of a public FM station.
Current Situation
Radio Sagarmatha had been broadcasting for twelve hours a day with full day of programming on Saturday and now has moved to 14-hours daily transmission from November 1, 2000 (Kartik 16). The daily transmission includes ten daily news and sports bulletins, two news magazines, a current affairs' morning show, editorials, Newari language programs and 75 minutes of BBC Nepali service. There is a regular programming on good governance, gender, women's issues, environment and other public matters. Music and cultural programming include folk music, weekly live classic recitals, contemporary music as well as regular programs on the visual and oral arts.
Profile is very high. Listenership and popularity have increased significantly. The morning block of programming is rumored to be the most popular in Kathmandu. The station has an independent listener's fan club as well as a growing registry of listeners and supporters.
Background
Established in May 1997, Radio Sagarmatha is the first independent community broadcasting station in South Asia. After the successful launch of this first private FM station in Nepal, more and more private stations have been established with a commercial purpose. But Radio Sagarmatha has always remained as the pioneer public interest radio station in Nepal. With Nepal Forum of Environment Journalists (NEFEJ) at the helm of the affair (as the parent organization), Radio Sagarmatha concentrates more on news, views and brainstorming sessions. But entertainment too is given an equal importance.
As an organization working closely with the public and community, Radio Sagarmatha increases people's participation in the debate of important day-to-day issues that affect their lives. It also serves as a forum to examine the merits and demerits of ongoing development efforts and approaches.
Though based in Kathmandu, Radio Sagarmatha works as the bridge between people throughout the country and the decision-makers at the center.
Objectives
With the general public on top of the mind, Radio Sagarmatha primarily focuses on issues that directly affects them and serving the public interest, undoubtedly, is the main objective of the station.
Hence, Radio Sagarmatha aims to,
Set standards for public interest broadcasting in the country by programming to address the information needs of all sections of the audience.
Produce a cadre of journalists sensitized in community and public interest broadcasting and provide them with a forum to sharpen their skills.
Establish Radio Sagarmatha as Nepal's leading organization in development media by working to build an institution through in-house capacity for training, programming and management.
Contribute to development efforts by assisting community radio stations in various parts of the country.
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