“The Indian government must give up its tight control of community licences and simplify the process before community radio can really thrive in India,” said Archana Kapoor, a community broadcaster from Radio Mewat Delhi.

Speaking in the Radio Stream of the Asia Media Summit, Kapoor urged the Indian Government to speed up the process of applying for licences and to simplify it, so that more communities can be empowered by hearing their own voices on the radio.

“The success of Community Radio has been limited by the policies of the government… the government has to give up the idea of having tight control on community radios and lift some of the restrictions on what we can talk about…

“In a country like India, we are not allowed to talk about cricket on our community radio stations, this is ridiculous in a country where cricket is so popular.

“Radio is less expensive to produce and consume, it is a friend who can give you information and education and can overcome marginalisation… it is very important for a country like India,” she said.

In contrast, Nepal is a success story for community radio, with 315 community stations covering 7 states and 95% of the population.

Redeep Maharajn, from the ACORAB association of community broadcasters in Nepal talked about the important role community radio plays in times of disaster and emergency.

Community radio is inclusive and transformational for the people involved in it, and for the listeners according to Maharajn. It also expands the capacity and skills of all of those involved in the stations.