“Community Radio: A user’s guide to the technology,” is a new technical manual released by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). Aimed at potential community radio operators, the manual will support the Indian government's vision of establishing 4000 community radio stations by 2008. Find out how you can get a free copy.

In response to the government of India's intention of establishing 4000 community radio stations by 2008, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has recently released “Community Radio: A user’s guide to the technology.” This technical manual is intended for potential community radio operators as it accompanies them in explaining the function of each piece of equipment usually found in community radio stations and how to use them, while clarifying community radio’s role within wider social contexts.

The publication also offers answers to frequently asked questions such as: what equipment do you need to set up a community radio, and how much would it cost? “Community Radio: A user’s guide to the technology” is packed with illustrations, photographs, cross references, and a list of organisations that can assist in technical and social aspects of community radio.

Beginning November 16, 2006 in India, civil society organisations, NGOs, and other non-profit organisations were allowed to apply for community radio licenses. India is the first country in South Asia to have a separate policy for community radio.

“Community Radio: A user’s guide to the technology” is available online, for free, at <http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0015/001561/156197e.pdf>.

Related article:
“India: Community radio gets long-awaited legitimacy” in we! December 2006