Voice Of Azamgarh @ 90.8 Mhz

Contact Person: Ms. Seema  Bharti Srivastava

Broadcasting Language: Hindi, Urdu and Bhojpuri 

Genesis: The Voice of Azamgarh Community Radio Station was established in Anjaan Shaheed, Uttar-Pradesh, with the mission of promoting community development and enlightening the people about their cultural heritage. Despite Azamgarh’s rich cultural, historical, literary, and educational heritage, it has faced marginalisation. M.A.Beg Educational and Social Welfare Society set up the CRS to empower and identify marginalised communities. The station was formally dedicated to the local community on January 26, 2012, and has become a significant presence in the area, as there are no other commercial, private, community, or local stations of A.I.R. in the district. The station aims to empower marginalised communities and promote cultural heritage of Azamgarh.

Thematic Focus:  Voice of Azamgarh aims to inform, entertain, preserve cultural heritage, and empower people by focusing on women’s health, hygiene, and empowerment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the organisation focused on public health, COVID-related behaviour, safety, sanitization, mental health, and education. The CRS also promoted COVID vaccination and routine immunisation for children. The organisation also works on T.B.-Mukt Bharat-Abhiyaan.

Sustainable Development Goals: Voice Of Azamgarh Community Radio focuses on the following SDGs:

SDG 3: Good Health & Wellbeing

SDG 4: Quality Education

SDG 5: Gender Equality

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation  

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Primetime Programmes: Primetime programmes include Jansamwad, Maati ke Geet Tan-Tan Tandurusti, Jaan Hai Toh Jahan Hai, Jano Aur Samjho, Udaan, Aapke Beech, and Inse Miliye. Jansamwad is a programme that brings different social concerns to the general public’s attention. Maati ke Geet is a musical programme. Tan-Tan Tandurusti is a health-programme that features doctors and healthcare experts to discuss various health conditions, diseases, their prevention and treatment. Jaan Hai Toh Jahaan Hai is also another health programme. Jaano aur Samjho is an infotainment programme which aims to educate and enlighten the listeners about various subjects. Udaan is a career guidance programme that focuses on the youth in the community. Aapke Beech is a programme that discusses the latest developments and updates in the city of Azamgarh, and Inse Miliye is an interview programme with famous personalities, achievers, and local community members. 

Innovations in format or any other way: The CRS believes in promoting community participation and ensuring community involvement. Voice of Azamgarh intends to provide a platform to the community to showcase their talents and therefore organises different community events like community dramas, live programmes, and encouraging child anchors. The CRS is also an active proponent of the local culture, art and heritage, and designs programmes that highlight and appreciate them. 

Core Team: The core team at Voice of Azamgarh is constituted by ten members who each handle a unique responsibility which contributes to the smooth functioning of the CRS.

Major Projects Undertaken: Voice of Azamgarh was part of the SFW project with DST. It was partnered with organisations like SMART, CRA, UNICEF, and CEMCA for different projects and initiatives on various themes like Yoga, COVID-19 vaccination, and career guidance. The CRS has also worked on projects for the MOWCH, and the Election Commission. 

Sustainable Strategies: The CRS is supported by volunteers from the community who actively contribute in content creation and other activities. The CRS devises various strategies to generate funds and works in the direction of being a self-sustained entity. There are frequent fund shortages that affect the functioning of the CRS, and it is ably supported by the community during such times of crisis. 

Number of listeners and Potential Outreach: Voice of Azamgarh has an active listener base of nearly 45,000 listeners. 

Major Concerns in the Community: The community struggles from social and administrative issues. The community members are not aware of the policies and schemes that are in place for their welfare. Knowledge about these schemes can significantly improve their condition. Voice of Azamgarh tries to bridge this knowledge gap through its programmes.