Expanding Reach through Radio on the Web
Expanding Reach through Radio on the Web
New Delhi, 08/05/2013: CEMCA in collaboration with Gram Vaani Community Media, a start-up at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi known for developing innovative systems for community radio operations like GRINS, IVRS and Mobile telephony based applications has come-out with a do-it-yourself manual for setting up Web Radio using free and open source software. The draft version of the manual was tested in a workshop over three days at Hotel Star Rocks, New Delhi from 1-3 May 2013 with participants from ten institutions including Community Radio stations -- Alfas-e-Mewat; Radio JUCR; Radio Luit (Gauhati University); Radio Gyan Taranga (K. K. Handique State Open University); Kisan Vani ( INDIAN Society of Agribusiness Professionals); Delhi University Community Radio (DUCR) and ODL institutions like Karnataka State Open University; Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University; Vardhaman Mahaveer Open University and Uttarakhand Open University. Two participants from each of the institutions learned the step-by-step process of setting-up Web Radio right from installing open source operating systems to streaming using the draft manual. Participants provided valuable feedback based on which the manual will be revised and a version 1.0 shall be published by June 2013. The JUCR based on the experiences in the workshop has already launched a test version of streaming, indicating the high level of enthusiasm and motivation among participants. Web radio provides a viable alternative especially in urban areas where good bandwidth is available and there is scarcity of frequency for allocation to CR. Besides expanding scope for existing CRS, setting up a web radio will also help current applicants to begin the process of content development and community engagement while waiting for their licences. Register your request by sending email to us for a copy of the Web Radio Manual, and we will send the same to you on publication.
