Radio Utkal @ 91.2 FM

Contact Person: Er. Anwoya Avinab, Station Director  

Broadcasting Language: Hindi, English, and Odia 

Genesis: Radio Utkal was set-up in 2021 by Utkal Sevak Samaj. The CRS was established with a vision to bring a positive transformation in people’s life by sensitising them on social issues and sharing correct & authentic information related to health, hygiene, sanitation, education, govt. schemes and programs, cultural values, spirituality, agriculture, disaster management, yoga, ayurveda etc. 

Thematic Focus: The major thematic focus areas of Radio Utkal are Health, Nutrition, Education, Water and Sanitation, Climate Change and Agriculture. The CRS also focuses on Gender Equality, Skill Development and Livelihood Promotion, and Cultural Development; the CRS also encourages local talents and traditional practices. 

Sustainable Development Goals: Radio Utkal broadly focuses its work on the following SDGs:

SDG 3: Good Health and Well Being

SDG 4: Quality Education

SDG 5: Gender Equality

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

SDG 11:Sustainable cities and Communities

SDG 13: Climate Action 

Primetime Programmes: The primetime show of Radio Utkal is Ama Cuttack where eminent personalities from Cuttack are interviewed. They share their experiences and memories about the city of Cuttack, how it has evolved, the needs in the current changing environment, and other suggestions for development of the area. 

Another show is Chirantani where traditional, mythological and spiritual values are discussed, referring to Veda and Upanishads. The agricultural programme Gramina Krushi Vikash and the health programme Swasthya Sampad (Health is Wealth) are two extremely popular shows among the audience. 

Innovations in format or any other way:  As an ancillary of a 33-year old NGO that has made many valuable contributions in its target community, Radio Utkal is often a part of various activities on health, agriculture, nutrition, prevention of child marriage and child labor. The CRS spread awareness and is a strong voice against social evils. Narrowcasting is an integral part of Radio Utkal’s outreach strategy. 

The CRS also organises local talent hunts which have become popular among the youth in the community. 

Core Team: The core team at Radio Utkal is constituted by the Station Director, Station Manager, recordist cum editor, and radio jockeys. They are ably supported by a dedicated group of nice field staff and volunteers. The NGO Head and a team of experts act as an advisory panel to the CRS. 

Major Projects Undertaken: Radio Utkal has been a key partner in many regional and national projects. Some of them are listed below: 

The CRS partnered with UNICEF for a programme called Swasthya Sankalpa- Health Pledge for understanding post-COVID resumption of several activities, and addressing the health needs of children and elderly. This included supporting school reopening activities, vaccination drives and health-awareness campaigns.  

Another project ‘Accelerating IYCF including complementary foods and feeding practices at scale to improve child nutrition across the state of Odisha’. The project was executed in collaboration with Cini and UNICEF.  

The CRS was also a part of the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign by the  Ministry of Culture, and ‘International Yoga Day 2022’ campaign in association with the The Ministry of Ayush, supported by CEMCA.

Sustainable Strategies: Since the CRS is located in Cuttack, which is called the commercial hub of Odisha and houses many industries, business hubs, commercial establishments, the prospects for collaborating for projects are good. The CRS is a regular collaborator with government agencies and private organisations. In addition to this, the CRS has also devised plans to mobilise resources from individuals and cultural institutions. 

Number of listeners and Potential Outreach: Being placed in a heavily populated area with more than seven lakh people, Radio Utkal has a strong outreach potential. The CRS currently has an active listener base of more than 25,000 listeners. 

Major concerns in the Community: Several studies pertaining to different areas like child labour, child marriage, migration, poverty, healthcare etc. are already underway in the community. 

Major community concerns include sanitation issues, waterborne diseases, vector-borne diseases, lack of guidance for youth, employment and livelihood for slum dwellers, substance abuse, road safety issues, consumer awareness, environmental issues, elder care, animal care, and nutrition needs and infant care.