Facebook page to connect community radio stations and ministry

New Delhi, July 12 (IANS) The information and broadcasting ministry has launched a dedicated Facebook page for community radio stakeholders in the country to connect with them and answer their queries relating to government policies as well as provide them a platform to share information about their programmes.

The Facebook page 'Community Radio India' can be accessed at www.facebook.com/communityradioindia. It will help the 134 operating community radio stations and various stakeholders in the country to connect, a government release said Thursday.

The Facebook page aims to "disseminate community radio information to a wider public and engage with over 134 operating community radio stations of the country and other stakeholders".

It will update stakeholders on the status of licences, screening committee meetings, permission agreements, clearances for new community radio station, consultations and events. This platform would also enable community radio stations to share information about their radio programmes, upcoming events, success stories, photographs and their challenges, the statement said.

The move to get connected through the popular social networking site also aims to encourage new and aspiring stakeholders by regularly updating them on community radio policy, guidelines and answer their queries.

"The information shared through 'Wall' posts will not only be helpful for them but would also inform individuals interested in community radio," the statement said.

"The Facebook page on community radio not only portrays the vibrant history of community radio movement in the country using 'Timeline' feature but also hosts key documents related to policies. The page also carries frequently asked questions (FAQs), relevant documents and photo albums of key events."

The Wall page would facilitate discussions between the stakeholders "while enabling a participatory communication channel on issues pertaining to community radio stations".

The community radio scheme has been identified as one for "core intervention" during the 12th Five Year Plan. It is expected that the Plan period would see a quantum jump in the number of community radio stations set up in the country, the release said.