Diamond Radio @ 91.2 FM

Contact Person: M. Hemanta Singh

Broadcasting Language: Manipuri, English and Regional Languages.

Genesis: Diamond Radio is the first community radio station in Manipur. It was set up to serve the people as a change agent of the economic cultural barriers within the community.  Diamond Radio was established in 2017 by Khongjom War Memorial Trust  (KWMT). The CRS was established with the vision for creating equal opportunities for  different communities of the society to participate in different developmental programmes. It aims to  create strong bonds of local culture, values, ethos, good beliefs and tradition among the community  members by broadcasting informative and educational programmes. 

Thematic Focus: The primary focus areas of Radio Diamond are health, education, industries, environment, agriculture, human rights, human  trafficking, HIV/AIDS awareness, legal awareness, child protection,  anti-corruption campaigns, government schemes, and other issues related to the local community.  

Sustainable Development Goals: Radio Diamond aspires to achieve the given SDGs:

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being

SDG 4: Quality Education

SDG 15: Life on Land

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institution

Primetime Programmes: The primetime programmes broadcast by Radio Diamond are Pukningee Warol and Khongchatsigee Wari. The CRS also broadcasts programmes that include songs, drama, Sumang Leela, Epom, Kabi Samilon, and short stories. Such programmes preserve the unique cultural heritage of the local community.

The programmes also provide a platform for the community members to come together, interact, and voice their concerns.  

Innovations in format or any other way: Diamond Radio effectively uses narrowcasting along with conventional broadcasting. The CRScollaborates with  local educational institutions like Manipur Nursing Institute (MNI), Tentha, Kha Manipur  Development Organisation, Kakching etc. for mass awareness campaigns and intervention programmes in the community.

Core Team: There are seven CRMC members on the board of Radio Diamond. The core team has ten members who work together to ensure the seamless operation of the CRS.   

Major Projects Undertaken: Radio Diamond was a part of the TB Challenge in association with SMART, New Delhi. The CRS produced twelve episodes related to COVID-19 awareness and vaccination which were both broadcast and narrowcast in the local communities: the initiative was sponsored by CRA. The CRS was also a part of CRA’s #Young Warriors COVID-19 campaign involving youth. 

 Sustainable Strategies:  Radio Diamond is supported by its parent organisation, Khongjom War Memorial Trust  (KWMT). The CRS generates additional revenue through paid projects with external organisations and government agencies. 

Potential Outreach and Listener Base: The CRS’ broadcast limits include the villages of Khongjom, Sapam, Tentha, Sambram, Tekcham, Wangjing, Kairembikhok, Langathel, Phundrei, Sora, Kakching, Chingthem,  Heirok, Kakching Moirang, Thanga, Lilong, and Wabagai. These villages have a total population  of around one lakh people.. From this outreach potential, the CRS has an active listener base of around  seventy-five thousand listeners.  

Major concerns in the Community: There is an urgent need to improve socio-economic conditions in the community.  Awareness campaigns and workshops must be organised on areas of critical concern. The community needs better educational and healthcare infrastructure. Training workshops related to agriculture and allied sectors will help improve the income of local farmers.