Radio JU @ 90.8 FM

Contact Person: Dr. Imankalyan Lahiri 

Broadcasting Language: Bengali, Hindi and English 

Genesis: On April 14th, 2008, Jadavpur University launched its own Community Radio Station, Radio JU. It is the first of its kind in Eastern India. This Community Radio Station is set up as part of the ongoing JU Project TEQIP in collaboration with the School of Media Communication and Culture, JU to promote community interactions and dissemination of all kinds of knowledge. 

Thematic Focus: The community radio provides a new platform for students, teachers, and local people to showcase their creativity. The main objectives of Radio JU are empowerment, information, and entertainment, with its main focus on areas like health, education, women, nutrition, etc.  

Sustainable Development Goals: Radio JU is focussed on achieving these goals:

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being

SDG 4: Quality Education

SDG 5: Gender Equality

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institution

Primetime Programmes: The primetime programmes broadcast by Radio JU are listed below:

• Bisesh Onusthan – Programme focussing on the special events of the day
• Eso Bhalo Thaki – Programme on health and nutrition
• Sisthu Tarang and Sohoj Path – Programmes on child education
• Haath Baralei Bondhu – Programme that focuses on different social concerns and their solutions
• Manush Hoe Pashay Darao – Programme based on the challenges by members of the differently-abled community
• Ain Kotha – Programme that provides legal guidance to the community
• Barir Parsay Arshi Nagar – A musical programme
• Ful Futuk na Futuk – Programme for the community members to showcase their creativity like poetry, recitations etc. 

Innovations in format or any other way: The team members of the Radio JU reach out to the community and narrowcast the programmes, especially in the slum areas. The CRS also promotes educational and informative campaigns in these areas. 

Core Team: The core team of Radio JU is headed by the convenor. There are two full-time internal staff, two part-time staff, and two interns who support the CRS in its different activities. 

Major Projects Undertaken:  Radio JU has been a part of several major initiatives. The CRS has collaborated with UNICEF for different projects like SBCC, Ganapratidhwani, Aatmadeep etc. The CRS collaborated with DataLeads and SMART for the FactShala project on Media Literacy. Other key partners include Vikramshila, Swaya and other NGOs.

 Sustainable Strategies:  Jadavpur University provides all the technical and financial support required by the CRS. Radio JU also generates revenue through the means of different paid collaborative ventures with different organisations. 

Number of listeners and Potential Outreach:  Radio JU has an outreach potential of nearly ten lakh people within its broadcast range.  

 Major Concerns in the Community:  

Lack of opportunities, lack of resources, lack of correct information and ways to achieve the objectives, poverty, educational drop-outs, and unemployment are a few of the areas of concern in the community. Initiatives by government and organisations from the social and development sector can be significant in addressing these concerns.