Sarathi Jhalak @ 90.4 FM

Contact Person: Mr. G Sunil, Ms. Shamantha D.S.

Broadcasting Language: Kannada

Genesis: Sarathi Jhalak is a community radio station based in Rural Bangalore, Karnataka and was launched on 23rd August 2012. The tagline of Sarathi Jhalak is ‘Kelrappo Keliieee’. The CRS aims to improve various aspects of the target community through its programmes and ensure the well-being of the community. The CRS serves as a source of information and entertainment for the listeners, while also empowering them to become better individuals and responsible citizens. Through its programmes and intervention, Sarathi Jhalak has been able to drive a positive change in its target community, and is an open platform for the local community to voice its concerns. 

Thematic Focus: The primary focus area of Sarathi Jhalak is social inclusivity and empowerment through women’s education, better healthcare, and bridging social gaps created by several demarcation like social and economic background. The CRS also focuses on the preservation and celebration of the local culture and literature. 

Sustainable Development Goals: Sarathi Jhalak touches upon all the goals but primarily focuses on:

SDG 4: Quality Education

SDG 5: Gender Equality

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Primetime Programmes: Sarathi Jhalak CRS draws from a large pool of programmes for its primetime slots. These programmes are often a mix of entertainment and information. The programmes are designed to meet and address the specific needs and concerns of the local community. The programmes feature the community members, who use the platform to discuss several issues, address the prevalent, share their experience and knowledge, and showcase their talents. Therefore, the CRS is a space for knowledge dissemination and exchange in the community. The programmes also feature distinguished personalities and experts from different fields.

Innovations in format or any other way: Most of the staff at Sarathi Jhalak CRS are neo-literates and belong to the local community. The CRS gives on-job training to its staff and upskills to become capable in handling different responsibilities. The CRS organises skill enhancement and capacity-building workshops for them. 

The CRS aims to socially and financially empower the community, and programmes on financial literacy have been developed for the same. The CRS has established peer groups among students to enhance their interest in studies.

Core Team: The team at Sarathi Jhalak is led by a development media professional with experience in broadcasting,writing and editing, as well hands-on development experience. The team mostly consists of youth from the local community. The team also includes the Station Manager, two content producers, and a group of programmers.  

Major Projects Undertaken: The CRS collaborates with different government agencies, civil society organisations, and NGOs to develop initiatives for the welfare of the community. Anubhav is a project that was designed for the welfare of senior citizens. The CRS also focuses on developing its own internal initiatives to impact changes in the target community.

Sustainable Strategies: Sarathi Jhalak CRS has several strategies in its pipeline to attract potential sponsors and collaborators. The CRS is one of the most popular ones in the region and hopes to leverage its popularity in creating revenue streams for its sustenance. 

Number of listeners and Potential Outreach: The exact outreach potential and listener base is yet to be ascertained. The CRS conducted a survey in its local community and the results show nearly eighty percent of the local population tune in to its programmes.

Major concerns in the Community:  Lack of adequate healthcare and educational infrastructure often hurt the prospects of the youth in the community. Various environmental concerns such as different types of pollution and lack of effective waste management strategies will prove to be fatal if neglected.