Radio Muskan @ 90.4 FM

Contact Person: Mr. Dhaneswar Sahoo

Broadcasting Language:  Odia and Kui 

Genesis: : Kandhamal is one of the most backward districts in Odisha.  Radio Muskan was started on 15th August 2012 and the aim of the CRS is to serve the community focusing on the most dire programmes, Knowledge of government schemes and policies, and governance messages need to reach the weaker section, especially the Dalit community.  The CRS encourages community peer groups, clubs, associations, societies and SHGs to be involved in the CR as well as community development activities.  

Thematic Focus:  Frequent natural disasters, migration of people for labour work, less involvement of women in livelihood and income generation activities, unemployment, rapid generation of waste etc. are some of the major issues that need to be addressed, The CRS focuses on developing programmes that specifically address these issues, and aims at the overall development of the society through its initiatives. 

Sustainable Development Goals: Radio Muskan focuses on these SDGs:

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being

SDG 4: Quality Education

SDG 5: Gender Equality

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Primetime Programmes: The primetime programmes that are broadcast on Radio Muskan include Phulbani Express, Ama Katha Ama Kahani, and Muskan Live. 

Phulbani Express is a programme that informs the listeners about the recent developments in the region, and also involves community members who voice their concerns and express their opinions about several issues. Ama Katha Ama Kahani is a story-based programme that also addresses social issues, regional concerns, while also focusing on a variety of other subjects. Muskan Live is a fun, entertainment programme that broadcasts the favourite songs of the listeners and engages with them through telephonic interactions. Apart from these programmes. Radio Muskan also shares information on weather forecasts, disaster management, and schemes for public welfare. 

Innovations in format or any other way: Radio Muskan organises events for the community members..The CRS organised Women’s Talent Competition and Child Talent Competition for women and children in the community. The aim of such programmes is to engage the community and build a strong relationship with them. The CRS also regularly organises health camps and other awareness initiatives for the welfare of the community. The CRS also promotes its programmes through different listener groups. 

Core Team: The core team of Radio Muskan is constituted by six members who each essay different responsibilities and ensure the seamless operation of the CRS, and are led by the Station Manager, The CRS also welcomes volunteers from the community to be a part of different activities and initiatives organised by the CRS.

Major Projects Undertaken: Radio Muskan is an active part of several regional and national projects and initiatives. These projects focus on different areas that include climate change, nutrition, skill development and capacity building, health awareness, yoga, science, digital literacy , and women empowerment among many others. The major collaborators and partners include Factshala, Department of Science and Technology, SMART, CRA, One World Foundation, NSDC, Ideosync, ATMA, Development Alternative. 

Sustainable Strategies: Radio Muskan generates its revenue through the different initiatives and projects that are externally funded. The CRS also works on its internal initiatives and pitches them to leading organisations and government departments. 

Number of listeners and Potential Outreach Radio Muskan has an active listener base of approximately 30,000 listeners within its broadcast range.

Major concerns in the Community: The target community still has a long way to go in many areas. Social problems and primitive practices affect the community adversely. Early marriage and lack of social inclusivity are concerns that need to be addressed without delay. The community needs to be educated and guided towards better living standards, and more initiatives in this direction are the need of the hour.