New models for using radio with other media for
development communication: learning from current research

The workshop is intended to provide a forum in which to discuss and explore ways of using radio, particularly in conjunction with other media of communication, to introduce change and innovation. Radio is currently a focus for a good deal of interest in terms of its ability to reach a broad audience both in urban and in rural areas. Its importance is growing with the mushrooming of FM radio stations around the world, which have close relationships with their audiences but are usually poorly funded and have few facilities. In this context, decisions are being made and will need to be made by policy-makers and funders about the best ways to provide funding and support for the development of radio so that its potential for impact for good is enhanced. It is hoped that this panel will assist in highlighting some key issues to be taken into account in making these decisions.

Speakers:

Monica Janowski, Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich
Linking FM radio ‘spots’ with local level training for group marketing in Uganda

Francesca Silvani, PANOS London
Inter-World Radio: current approaches

Dylan Winder, DFID
DFID’s communication strategy and the role of radio

Other panel members:

Michael Pickstock, WrenMedia

Willy Odwongo, Ugandan Government's Plan for the Modernisation of Agriculture (PMA) Secretariat

Topics to be considered by the panel discussion:

a) Practical and institutional issues related to the use of local radio

b) Existing experience, successes and challenges in using different models for combining radio with other media to achieve development goals - such as face-to-face training, print media, ICT, video, TV.

c) Which topics are most effectively covered through local radio/local radio + other media, and using which models.

d) Understanding the impact of FM radio in different contexts: what kind of research needs to be done, and how should this be linked to the piloting of models for using it with other media.

e) Feeding findings coming out of piloting of new models for using FM radio in conjunction with other media into policy at different levels, including donor level; national government level; NGO level.

Convenor: Monica Janowski, Natural Resources Institute (janowskis@ntlworld.com)

A copy of Monica Janowski's powerpoint presentation can be downloaded here

Page last updated: 20 November, 2004