What are some of the initiatives undertaken by your organisation to bridge the digital divide besides community radio?
Two recent initiatives carried out by VOICES in this regard include the legal awareness programme across four districts in Karnataka, and the Universal Birth Registration campaign in the state. Both initiatives have used a mixed media model (combining community-based radio, All India Radio (AIR), cable and local television and face-to-face mechanisms like Adalats (local judicial hearings) to disseminate information and community participation. VOICES also helped to set up a Disabilities information helpline in 2005. Do you think that the existing policy framework in India is inadequate? In terms of effectiveness, how do you rate the Indian community radio policy with that of other nations? The policy framework needs to provide greater clarity in terms of the following: • Distinctions between Campus and NGO community radio with a view to strengthening equity and inclusiveness • Remove the ban on News as far as community radio is concerned • Strengthening an enabling environment by encou
