Community radio in India - A case study of sarathi jhalak

Communication is the quintessence of empowerment. By providing voice to the voiceless, community media addresses the challenge of voice poverty which hinders the process of development. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the journey and the road ahead for Community Radio stations in India. This study is more reflective in nature and is an effort to understand the story behind one such Community Radio, Sarathi Jhalak. The stories of struggle for survival, success and failure, challenges, achievements, aspirations and motivation of the radio station have been explored. Sarathi Jhalak Community Radio, 90.4 FM, is located in Anugondanahallli, Hoskote Taluk, and Bangalore rural district in the state of Karntaka in India. The Study aims to understand the functioning of Sarathi Jhalak station in terms of structure and operations and the extent of community participation in the entire communication process, also the perception of members of the community towards the role of the community radio in empowering them, analyse challenges faced. The study has used mixed research methods. Case study method has been used along with in-depth interviews and focus group discussion with programme producers to understand the quality and level of community participation.