Radio Nongin @ 90.8 FM

Contact Person: Mr. Y. Ibungochouba Singh

Broadcasting Language: Meiteilon

Genesis: Radio Nongin was launched on 14th March, 2020 when the country was reeling under COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. The CRS assumed its operations to spread awareness regarding the pandemic as it became important to establish contact with people without coming into physical contact. The radio station took the help of expert doctors and sought their advice through phone-ins during live broadcasts. 

Radio Nongin became the sole functioning radio station during that time period and the only source of entertainment and awareness for the local community of the area. The programmes brought much-needed respite to the listeners. 

The Radio was finally officially inaugurated on 4th April 2021 when the pandemic restrictions had eased out. The CRS, licensed by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, is rendering its services to the people with equal participation from all the communities in its vicinity. 

Thematic Focus: Thematic focus of the radio station has been predominantly on education and healthcare. The station has been broadcasting for rural development, covering science and agriculture, art and culture, legal awareness and women’s education. In terms of healthcare, it has covered topics like yoga and psychological awareness.

Sustainable Development Goals: The CRS focuses on these goals mainly:

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being

SDG 4: Quality Education

SDG 5: Gender Equality

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Primetime Programmes: The radio has a large pool of diverse programmes designed to both educate and entertain its listeners. The programmes are aired in the local language and curated to serve their needs. Some of the shows are Nongin Gi Atiya Live Phone in Programme and Nongin Gi Tomthin Live. The former is entertainment-based while the latter specifically focuses on spreading awareness. Apart from this, the station also broadcasts the Serial Mahabharat right before its closing time.

Innovations in format or any other way: The station has adopted several innovative techniques to reach out to the audience like telephonic conversation, live transmission broadcasting. It has also leveraged social media platforms like Youtube and Manipur Online Radio App to reach a wider and a more diverse audience. In terms of programmes, the station has organised talent hunts, and collected feedback to play choice-based songs.

Core Team: The core team of the CRS consists of 19 members. There are four members in the Advisory Committee and seven members in the Programme Committee. These members are supported by a dedicated staff of eight to run the station efficiently.

Major Projects Undertaken: The CRS has undertaken the following main projects:

Yoga Day Celebration in collaboration with CEMCA in association with Ministry of Ayush

Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign of CRA supported by the Ministry of Culture

COVID-19 awareness and vaccination with CRA supported by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

TB Awareness (TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan) with SMART supported by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

Sustainable Strategies: The CRS gathers most of its funding from local business advertisements and through various collaborations with governance agencies. The station is further exploring options to sustain its funding.

Number of listeners and Potential Outreach: The Radio’s broadcasts cover Imphal West District, Imphal East and some parts of Bishnupur, Thoubal and Kakching District. The estimated number of active listeners is about 5,00,000.

Major concerns in the Community: The major area of concern is the finding of a sustainable way of serving the community with more advanced technology in near future and create better opportunities through the same.