Radio Hirakhand @ 90.8 FM

Contact Person: Bikash Mohapatra, Director

Broadcasting Language: Odia and Sambalpuri                       

Genesis: Radio Hirakhand, founded in 2018 by SUPRATIVA, broadcasts in Sambalpuri and Odia languages. With a team of volunteers, including local women and students, it promotes local traditions and addresses issues related to women’s empowerment, health education, and environmental conservation. Radio Hirakhand showcases the power of community radio in empowering marginalised communities and promoting local development.

Thematic Focus: The community radio is addressing local issues and providing information and entertainment relevant to its audience. Some common thematic areas include education, culture, environment, health, agriculture, women’s empowerment, road safety, etc.

Sustainable Development Goals: The station plays a significant role in promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. Some of the SDGs addressed by the CRS are as follows:

SDG 4: Quality Education

SDG 5: Gender Equality

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Primetime Programmes: The primetime programmes broadcast by the CRS include Jagruti, Chasa Basa, Echir Michir, Hirakhandra Hira, Jete Rasta Sete Katha, and Sarakari Yogana. These programmes address the social concerns and problems prevalent in the local community, while being a source of information and entertainment for the community. They are designed in formats like interviews, discussions, talks, and phone-in conversations.

Innovations in format or any other way: The station is adopting a variety of innovative techniques to reach out to the audience.

During the pandemic, the community radio started a helpline service for people trapped in the city, unable to arrange for food or return to their homes. It also distributed dry ration kits among the poor families residing within its catchment area.

The community radio organised public events and functions to promote its programmes and raise awareness about important social issues. The outreach programmes have helped significantly in enhancing the listenership.

The CRS also offers an internship programme for community members and students.

Core Team: In addition to the Station Director and Station Manager, the core team of Radio Hirakhand includes technical staff, administrative staff, and volunteers who contribute to the station’s operations and programming.

Major Projects Undertaken: A list of the major projects undertaken by the CRS is as follows:

• Engaging Communities for Prevention of COVID-19 and Promotion of COVID Vaccination by addressing Hesitancy and encouraging Eagerness
• Road Safety Awareness Campaign through Community Radio Station (Radio Hirakhand 90.8 MHz)
• Engaging Community Radios to Empower Adolescents and Youth for COVID 19 Response as #YoungWarrios
• COVID-19 Specific and sensitive Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) through Community Radio Stations (CRS) during COVID19 Outbreak
• Sehat Aaj Bhi Kal Bhi – Ideosync and Horlicks Swasthya Abhiyan
• Mitigating Learning Poverty through Community Radio Pedagogy
• Empowering Most Vulnerable Weaving Communities and Strengthening their Livelihood Opportunities through Community Radio

Sustainable Strategies: The CRS has adopted several sustainable strategies to ensure long-term success and impact on the community. It depends on the parent organisation, and they also seek support from various other organisations such as local governments, NGOs, private sector, corporate agencies and the community.

Number of listeners and Potential Outreach: Radio Hirakhand broadcasts its programmes in the highly populated urban areas of Sambalpur, reaching a population of more than 1.5 lakhs.

Major concerns in the Community: Radio Hirakhand addresses various areas of concern within the community, amplifying the voices of its members and providing a platform for discussion and action on important issues. Overall, it plays an important role in promoting social, economic, and environmental sustainability within the community.