By Karma Rinji Sherpa, Station Manager, Radio Kairan 96.4 FM, Ramechhap, Nepal
Radio Kairan, a beacon of community radio in a remote village of Ramechhap district, Nepal, has successfully addressed a major challenge: updating outdated equipment that was hindering quality broadcasting. With support from the Cultural Survival Indigenous Community Media Fund, the station has been revitalized, allowing it to effectively serve listeners in their mother tongues of Sunuwar, Tamang, Sherpa, as well as Nepali.
"Our old recorders, mixers, software, microphones, and computers were failing us. Producing and airing programs in local Indigenous languages became increasingly difficult," said Niruta Sunuwar, a Radio Kairan representative. The station aimed to rectify this situation by acquiring new equipment to ensure its sustainability and ability to deliver high quality programs. The local government has also expressed commitment by providing yearly public welfare advertisements.
The project exceeded expectations. Not only does Radio Kairan now boast a well equipped studio, but the support has also facilitated smooth operations for a year, including stipends for volunteers, which were previously hampered by a lack of local advertising revenue. "The new equipment will serve the community for years to come. This support has been instrumental in keeping the radio running smoothly," Sunuwar said.
Local Voices Back on Air
The program’s impact extends beyond equipment upgrades. Radio Kairan has resumed production in Sunuwar, Sherpa, and Tamang languages, bringing back a vital source of information and entertainment to the Indigenous communities.
"People are thrilled to hear programs in their languages again," a station representative said. "This program has reminded us of the importance of language-based programs in keeping Indigenous communities informed and connected."
The success of Radio Kairan underscores the value of local language programming. However, challenges remain. The district is prone to lightning strikes, which poses a constant threat to equipment, and attracting and retaining volunteers requires budget allocation for training and stipends. "We are committed to serving our community. However, regular training and income generation are crucial for long-term sustainability,” a station representative said.
The program's impact has resonated deeply with the listeners. "I am overjoyed to hear Sunuwar programs again, especially the songs and conversations," shared Mohan Kumar Sunuwar. "Our children were forgetting the language, but Radio Kairan is helping us preserve it."
Kala Moktan, a Tamang listener, expressed similar sentiments. "Radio Kairan is our family; it connects us through our language. We call to share messages and feel a sense of belonging. This radio, with its local language programs, is vital for our community,” she said.
Radio Kairan's story is a testament to the power of community radio in preserving cultural heritage and fostering social connection. As the station looks toward the future, continued support will ensure that the voices of Ramechhap's Indigenous communities continue to be heard loud and clear.
In 2023, Radio Kairan received a grant from Cultural Survival’s Indigenous Community Fund, which provides opportunities for international Indigenous radio stations to strengthen their infrastructure and broadcast systems and creates training opportunities for journalism, broadcasting, audio editing, technical skills, and more for radio journalists from Indigenous communities around the world. In 2023, the Indigenous Community Media Fund supported communities with 60 grants totaling $420,000 to Indigenous community media in 20 countries, supporting 87 Indigenous Peoples.
