[nukkad] Fw: INTERVIEW: Our political class fears the role free radio could play

[Harshal Chhaya <>]

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Via the CR-India mailing list (list details at the end):



OUR POLITICAL CLASS FEARS THE ROLE FREE RADIO COULD ACTUALLY PLAY...

Prof J.P.Singh of the Indian Institute of Management in Ahmedabad is 
a long-time supporter of the idea of opening up community-radio in 
India. In a recent interview with FREDERICK NORONHA, Prof
Singh gives his insights into the issue:

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Why, in your view, has community radio taken so long to come to India?
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The basic reason is an apprehension in the political class that it will let
loose a force which makes creating committed vote banks difficult. That a
state owned radio also provided additional power to bureaucracy is an added
factor. 

By not allowing Community Radio, we have been able to limit democracy in the
country, despite the Constitutional Right of Freedom of Expression.

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Do you feel there could be reason for the apparent official fear that a
medium like radio could be misused by secessionists, militants or subversive
elements?
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Prima facie, yes. But it is an unfounded fear. 

The Nation has not regretted allowing Communism to operate freely despite
such fears. Political opposition and a demand for change in the form of
government are both a part of the democratic rights. 

Historically, all forms of government have become operessive, even
tyrennical, at some stage. Let us not forget, we have had governments and
Cabinets whose members have been considered terrorists at some time.

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How could the government ensure against such possible misuse?
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All freedoms operate under some degree of regulation. Such a radio actually
makes monitoring and scanning of the popular pulse easy for a re-evaluation of
the political system.

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Could you cite examples where misuse of such radio outlets has been
minimised, without muzzling the channel?
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Give me an example of Free Radio misuse as portrayed by our political /
bureaucratic bosses.

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What do you foresee as unfolding over the community radio front in India
over the next few years -- a gradual opening up, blocking of community radio,
the petering out of this debate, or some other scenario?
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Some experimental opening up is perhaps the maximum that can be expected from
the present set of politcal players. 

Advent of new players on the political scene may quicken the process.

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What, in your view, would be the most suitable strategy for campaigners
wanting to legalise community radio broadcasting in India?
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Enlarge the debate to make it a major issue. Television and a simultaneous
Print media campaign in different parts of the country can play a very
leading role in this process.

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Why, if at all, should radio has a special relevance to a country like
India?
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It is and will continue to be, the only medium that has an almost universal
reach in India.

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With TV, cable TV and the Internet appearing to have a headstart in the
consumer's mind today, does continuing to focus on radio make sense? 
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Radio has advantage of freedom of movement while being tuned in. It needs to
become more relevant to the local area issues.

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Can universities play a role in promoting non-commercial,
development-oriented radio broadcasting in India at this stage?
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Yes. Even the present government will find it difficult to refuse such a
radio. (ENDS) 

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