edition-dw-akademie-in-the-service-of-the-public-functions-and-transformation-of-media-in-developing-countries-pdf

Part III Nepal: Radio Sagarmatha, an Asian Community Radio PioneerGeneral Functions I: Political SphereFunctionIs it fulfilled?(Yes/partially/no)To what extent is the function fulfilled/not fulfilled?Information:comprehensive,balanced, objective –and also regional news.PartiallyRadio Sagarmatha has a limited scope and mandate as it is servingthe Kathmandu valley only and the communities living there. It offersregional news only on a limited basis as part of its news block or whencontent is shared from other community radio stations. The programsaired as such are comprehensive, balanced and objective in general, butthe topics are filtered as the target group is only a fraction of society.All political parties havethe opportunity to speakin the program and arepresent in interviews,sound-bites, etc.YesHowever there is all over Nepal the tendency to invite the same actorsalways in the studio and interview them, as this is especially under timepressure more convenient.Criticism of politicalactors (government,administration,other political actors)YesThe station was shut down in 2005 during the civil war in Nepal when itdecided to air an interview with then Maoist leader Prachanda.Societal criticism(social actors, individuals,problems in society)YesProblems in society are addressed on a regular basis such as programsdealing with the Dalit community, issues related to women and genderequality, hot topics such as prostitution, trafficking or HIV/AIDS.Moderation of debate/democratic facilitationYesMany debate and talk programs are on air, for example, the evening talkshow Aaja ka kura or in the morning a radio talk show.Social/politicalorientationYesRadio Sagarmatha gives a voice to the representatives of differentpolitical and social groups and thus orients its listeners.Agenda setting/investigative journalismYes Two examples are highlighted on Radio Sagarmathas website: 1)Controversial extradition treaty was halted after a debate about thistopic on Radio Sagarmatha 2) Missing files in the Supreme Court regardingthe Tulasi Devi Ghimire case were retrieved after public pressure.Edition DW Akademie In the Service of the Public 221