Removing Barriers, Increasing Effectiveness - amarc

ensuing global imbalance in information flows, the lack of cultural diversity, andthe absence of any regulatory role by the state, are all factors that have,ironically, fomented the development of community media.The second aspect involved in the development of community radio as a globalsector is the technological breakthroughs in the communications field, such astransistors, FM transmitters, satellite technology and finally the Internet. 62All these developments have reduced costs and increased inter - activeness ofthe media facilitating proximity radio.Community radio has emerged connected to people - centered socialmovements that use appropriate technologies to share knowledge, developingalternatives to the major means of communication. They inspired counterinformationprogrammes and interactive social communication run bycommunities from community radio stations, for example in rural areas. 63 Thesenew players multiplied media outlets and created national, regional, and finallyinternational networks such as the World Association of Community RadioBroadcasters, AMARC.The emergence of these new information and communication technologies hascontributed to economic growth and has brought social, cultural and politicalbenefits to a great many people. But it also threatens to amplify a grossasymmetry, the so-called "digital divide", in poor people’s access to informationand communication. 64 Therefore community radio is at the heart of thepossibilities of an "Information Society" that is people-centred, inclusive anddevelopment oriented; where everyone can create, access, utilize and shareinformation and knowledge, enabling individuals, communities and people toachieve their full potential in promoting and improving their quality of life. 65 44Community Radio Social ImpactThe growth of community radio is a story of people and of communities striving tospeak out and to be heard. Community radio has provided many with a means ofempowerment and of self - reliance. It has enabled people to engage in dialogueabout their conditions and their livelihoods. And it has contributed to the defenseof cultural and linguistic diversity. 66 In that perspective, community radio is animportant factor in achieving the Millennium Development Goals.First, community radio is gaining recognition as the new information technologyof the poor and marginalized. 67 Furthermore, the combination of communitybroadcasting with digital production and Internet access has brought new62 Bruce Girard, The one to watch: Radio, new ICTs and interactivity (2003) FAO, Roma.63 Manuel Castells,La era de la información, economía, sociedad y cultura, 1999, México, Siglo XXI.64 Alfonso Gumucio-Dragón, Right to Communicate. From the Summit to the People, I4d, in http://www.i4donline.net/july05/rightcomm.Asp65 Declaration of Principles (World Summit on the Information Society, 12 December 2003, Geneva.)66 46 Steve Buckley, Giving Voice to Local Communities. CR and related policies, UNESCO. March, 2006AMARC Community Radio Social Impact Assessment 2007 Page 83 of 128