Community Radio in South Asia: Mapping the Alternative Mediascape in Nepal, India, and Bangladesh

This monograph, based on the author’s successful PhD dissertation, examines the community radio (CR) landscape in Nepal, India, and Bangladesh. It introduces an inclusionary South Asia-specific framework for analyzing CR, grounded in global alternative media theories.

Using a mapping methodology, the monograph presents both primary and secondary data. Secondary data, gathered through desk reviews, is organized into a Community Media Database (CMD) for South Asia, while primary data from interviews and case studies is analyzed across four thematic areas: policy environment, ownership, community, and programming.

The book offers detailed country profiles, case studies profiles, and a comprehensive analysis of the thematic areas in each country. It concludes with 24 guiding principles aimed at addressing challenges and opportunities for CR in South Asia.

Taijrani Rampersaud-Skorka is an experienced professional with a demonstrated history of working in the education, research, and audio-visual production industries in Media and Communication Studies - both theoretical and practical aspects. Coming from a Behaviour and Social Change Communication background, her interests are in works that encourage positive societal transformations. Her doctoral thesis which has resulted in this volume of work was completed under the guidance of the UNESCO Chair on Community Media at the University of Hyderabad in 2020.