Removing Barriers, Increasing Effectiveness - amarc

practice and to strengthen network development through institutional capacitybuilding and communications. One general perspective arising from theevaluation process is that in spite of a strong body of evidence on communityradio social impact, CR practitioners and stakeholders have not taken the timeand the efforts needed to present systematically the achievements of communityradio worldwideKey findings on Community Radio Global ReviewThe lack of proper enabling legislation is the single principal barrier to CR socialimpact. The absence of a friendly legislation; the existence of media oppressionand military threats are a generalized barrier to the development of communityradio. On varying degrees, these factors hinder CR capacity to develop itspositive impact in giving voice to the marginalized, in developing inclusive anddemocratic societies where governments are accountable and people areempowered to achieve development objectives. Likewise, the absence ofappropriate legislation recognizing the social contribution of CR creates financialsustainability challenges that hinder the possibility for scaling up good models ofsustainable CR. In spite of this hindering factors CR development is deeplyrooted in local communities worldwide highlighting the importance of socialsustainability as the key aspect of good models of CR.Community Radio is a new worldwide tier of radio broadcasting. Community radiois a distinct media sector and a vital alternative to state owned publicbroadcasting and commercial private media. Communities have sought incommunity radio a means to express their own issues, concerns, cultures andlanguages. The expansion of CR is the result of the reduction of diversity ofvoices that accompany the formation of media conglomerates that accompaniesthe globalization processes.Community Radio is a new media that properly mixes old and new ICTs. Therapid development of CR worldwide that accompanies the expansion of new ICTsshows the existence of a positive link between ICT & CR. Community Radiosproperly highlight that the key communication processes underlying theinformation society are related to communication rights of people. CR shows thebenefits in mixing old and new technologies with CR. With appropriate capacitybuilding CR are able to circumvent restrictive media legislation thusstrengthening the CR movement.Community Radio Sustainability is a global challenge. In spite of increasingpositive experiences of socially sustainable CR, financial and technologicalsustainability remain a challenge that often distract CR practitioners fromdedicating themselves to ameliorate radio production, increase communityparticipation and pertinence of programming. Community radio faces importantsustainability challenges regarding capacity building and enhancing localownership. Knowledge sharing on best experiences across regions as well asincreased use of new ICTs can make a difference.AMARC Community Radio Social Impact Assessment 2007 Page 24 of 128