CEMCA in collaboration with UNESCO New Delhi, developed a handbook on 'Best Practices of Community Radio and Sustainable Development Goals'

CEMCA in collaboration with UNESCO New Delhi, developed a handbook on 'Best Practices of Community Radio and Sustainable Development Goals' which has been launched on the occasion of World Radio Day i.e. 13th February 2021. The programme was organised by UNESCO and SMART at India International Centre, New Delhi.

Ms Neerja Shekhar Additional Secretary, MIB, Mr Shashi Shekhar Vempati CEO - Prasar Bharati, Mr Eric Falt, Director – UNESCO New Delhi, Prof. Madhu Parhar Director- CEMCA and Ms Archana Kapoor Founder TRF/ SMART graced the occasion and launched the Handbook.

During the launch Ms. Neerja Shekar informed that National Policy of Community Radio has been finalised and will be available for all soon. The draft policy aims to ramping up the local and regional language and promote the content that preserves cultural diversity and Indian value system. She said that we have experienced the positive impact of the radio as a medium.

On the occasion, Chief Executive Officer of Prasar Bharati Mr. Shashi Shekhar Vempati said that radio has a unique role and place in people's life. He said, as a public service broadcaster of India, Radio has immense responsibility to sustain and develop radio as a medium of public broadcasting. He also highlighted the various initiatives taken to increase the popularity of All India Radio.

Mr. Eric Falt, Director, UNESCO said that in response to the COVID crisis, we have seen that radio programming goes far beyond the needs of students alone and they also include health and psychological well-being. Most importantly radios play in debunking “misinformation” is crucial, especially in these times when accurate information can help save lives.