📻 Community Radio and Grassroots Media in Odisha: The Voice of the Voiceless
In the remote corners of Odisha — from the hills of Koraput to the coastal belts of Kendrapara — where mainstream media coverage is rare, community radio and grassroots journalism have become the lifeline of local communication. They empower people, preserve culture, and bridge the gap between the government and the governed.
🎙️ What is Community Radio?
Community radio is non-commercial, locally operated, and community-driven broadcasting. It speaks in local dialects, addresses hyper-local issues, and invites ordinary people to become storytellers, reporters, and changemakers.
🏞️ Why Community Radio is Crucial for Odisha
Odisha is home to diverse tribal communities, forest-dwelling populations, farmers, and fisherfolk, many of whom live in media-dark zones. For them:
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Mainstream TV and newspapers are inaccessible (due to language, electricity, or literacy issues).
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Community radio is a trusted medium – it speaks their language, understands their struggles, and reflects their voices.
🔊 Leading Community Radio Stations in Odisha
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Radio Dhimsa (Koraput)
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Run by tribal youth.
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Broadcasts in Kui, Desia, and Odia.
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Focuses on land rights, women’s health, forest conservation, and local festivals.
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Radio Namaskar (Konark, Puri district)
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First community radio in Odisha.
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Covers topics like disaster preparedness, coastal climate issues, education, and hygiene.
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Became a lifesaver during cyclones like Fani and Amphan by providing real-time warnings in the local language.
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Radio Kalinga (Bhubaneswar)
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Operated by journalism students and local volunteers.
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Uses youth power to talk about employment, social media awareness, drug abuse, and road safety.
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Radio Pragati (Bargarh)
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Focuses on farmers, irrigation, pest control, and the challenges of migration in western Odisha.
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🌾 Grassroots Journalism: Beyond the Microphone
Grassroots journalism in Odisha isn’t limited to radio. It includes:
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Village-level correspondents who report through WhatsApp videos or Facebook pages.
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Local language blogs and YouTube channels that document unreported stories — like water shortages, tribal rights, forest encroachment, and caste-based injustices.
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Women-led collectives that produce content on domestic violence, menstrual hygiene, and financial literacy.
🎯 Impact on Society
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Awareness Creation
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Radio Dhimsa’s broadcast on child trafficking prevention led to community vigilance groups in several villages.
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Crisis Communication
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During floods and cyclones, stations like Radio Namaskar became the only source of information for fishermen and farmers.
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Cultural Revival
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Community radios preserve tribal folklore, music, dance, and oral history — protecting Odisha’s rich heritage.
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Democratic Participation
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Local people question panchayat members, track scheme implementation, and hold leaders accountable using radio.
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⚠️ Challenges They Face
Despite their impact, community radios in Odisha face:
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Limited funding and high equipment costs.
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Lack of recognition by mainstream media bodies.
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Restricted reach due to low-power transmitters.
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Difficulty in acquiring licenses and training.
🛡️ BMA’s Role in Supporting Community Media
The Bharat Media Association (BMA) aims to:
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Provide training programs for rural journalists and radio volunteers.
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Offer legal and administrative support to register and sustain community stations.
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Facilitate funding, mentorship, and recognition for grassroots media creators.
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Build a pan-India network of grassroots media voices, starting with tribal and rural belts like Odisha.
🧭 Conclusion: Let the People Speak
Community radio and grassroots journalism in Odisha are not just media platforms — they are instruments of empowerment, education, and equity. They bring the unheard stories to light, challenge top-down narratives, and ensure that no village, voice, or issue is left behind.
It’s time to protect, promote, and amplify these voices — because real change starts where the people speak for themselves.
