Radio broadcasting in Nepal

Basically there are three types of radio broadcasting.

1. Public Radio: Generally government owned, Nation Wide coverage (Short and Medium wave), National issues, culture, system etc., non-profit making. Radio Nepal, BBC, CRI etc.

2. Community Radio: Community Owned (Local body, NGO, Cooperative), Local Coverage (Frequency Modulation- FM), Local voice- for the welfare of the community, local issues, non-profit making. Radio Sagarmatha, Radio Madan Pokhara, Metro FM, etc.

3. Commercial Radio: Private ownership, Profit making, Local Coverage (FM), Popular Program (by selling they earn). Kantipur Fm, Image FM, HBC, Hits etc.

Beyond this pirated radio is also there. But it is conducted by rebel group. It is not for the public welfare.

Radio Nepal

Radio Nepal was established on 2nd April 1951. Initially, the transmission covered duration of 4 hours and 30 minutes through a 250 Watt SW transmitter. Over the years, Radio Nepal has strengthened its institutional capacity considerably and diversified itself in terms of programme format, technical efficiency and coverage. Radio Nepal airs programmes on Short Wave, Medium Wave and FM frequencies. Regular broadcasts cover duration of 16 hours everyday which includes 2 hours of regional broadcasts 09:30 hrs. to 11:00 hrs. in the morning and 18:05 hrs 18:30 hrs in the evening. However on public holidays, there is an additional 2 hours, extending the total duration to 19 hours. FM Kathmandu, the first FM-Channel covering Kathmandu valley and adjoining areas was started in 1995 from its premises at Singh Durbar, Kathmandu.

ROLE OF RADIO BROADCASTING IN NEPAL

Radio broadcasting is the cheapest and quickest means of mass communications in Nepal. In a mountainous country like Nepal, radio broadcasting has proved to be a very effective medium for disseminating information, educating people and entertaining the masses. Radio Nepal recognizes that its primary obligation is to serve its listeners. It has been providing various programs aimed at creating mass awareness in its attempt to reflect the views of all sections of the society. The people in the hilly areas and many of the remote villages have little or no access to motorable roads nor to any communication and entertainment facilities. Illiteracy being a common feature among the people, little use is made of the newspapers, which have very limited and delayed circulation. Therefore, Radio has been the most suitable means of disseminating information and providing entertainment to masses in Nepal.

Radio Nepal, the main media in a country with a predominantly rural population, came into being in democratic period of 1951 (2007 B.S.). However, apart from its entertainment programmes, Radio Nepal was not allowed in its 50-odd years to develop its network of news gathering staff or even to develop the news and current affairs programmes to the desired extent. This is a pity as in a country that faces formidable topographical challenges, radio is the only medium that can reach the largest number of people.

TRANSMISSION COVERAGE

*The short Wave transmission of Radio Nepal is estimated to reach listeners throughout the kingdom.

*Medium Wave transmission covers 70% to 80% of the population.

PROGRAMMING
(a) Regional Programmes:
Two hours of programmes for audience in different regions broadcast from regional stations simultaneously from 09:30 hrs to 11:00 hrs and 17:30 hrs to 18:30 hrs every day.
(b) National Programmes:
Broadcast for a duration of 16 hours everyday (05:00-11:00 and 13:00-23:00 hrs.) and 18 hours on public holidays from 05:00 hrs to 23:00 hrs.

Radio Nepal uses a wide range of formats including features, documentaries, docu-dramas, dramas, talk shows, interviews, music shows, live commentaries etc. Recognizing the citizen's right to be informed under a multi-party democracy, Radio Nepal attempts to provide informative, educational as well as entertainment programmes.

The major programme highlights include:

Educational:
Programmes on religion, literature, science and technology, agriculture, distance learning, women , health and sanitation, public health, children and youth.

Entertainment:
Music: Nepali songs, Hindi songs and Gazals and Western music.

Songs in the different national languages.

Programmes on information and education constitute 42% of the total programming and entertainment covers the remaining 58% which also include commercials.

RADIO NEPAL: FM - KATHMANDU
In consonance with the policy of forging ahead in tune with the changing broadcasting scenario, Radio Nepal launched the first FM Channel in Nepal on the 30th of Kartik 2052 B.S.(16th Nov.1995). The FM Channel airs programmes on 100 MHz on the FM band through a 1 KW stereo transmitter installed at Khumaltar, Lalitpur. Radio Nepal has a policy of leasing out its air time to private parties to broadcast programmes on its FM channel by permitting private operators to use their own staff.