WHAT IS COMMUNITY RADIO - amarc

� AMARC-Link – a bimonthly bulletin that informs AMARC members and partners of the
association’s activities and projects;
Research and Publishing - AMARC also publishes Radio Forum (a series of specialised publications),
and a number of studies, conference reports, articles as well as a book featuring stories around the
world.
� Lobbying – AMARC represents the sector at certain international forums on issues ranging from
the right to communicate, to digital audio broadcasting.
� The Women’s Network - a network of women in radio which brings about greater awareness of
women’s issues and perspectives, and provides specific seminars and services (such as written and
audio documents);
� The Solidarity Network – a network mobilising world-wide solidarity for community radio
broadcasters whose right to freedom of speech is under threat. The Network produces and
distributes RadioAction Alerts;
� Electronic Communication - AMARC offers a World Wide Web site ( http://www.amarc.org/ );
electronic conferences; an electronic information mailing list, AMARCINFO; and a usenet news
group, in co-operation with Videazimut (an international NGO for community video and
television);
� Conferences and Seminars - regional and global conferences and seminars on community radio
and democratisation of communication.
� AMARC International Solidarity Prize - this International Solidarity Prize of AMARC is awarded
to a radio station or group for exemplary action in promoting freedom of expression.
In 1995, the second AMARC International Solidarity Prize was awarded to the National Community
Radio Forum of South Africa, at AMARC 6 th World Assembly in Dakar, Senegal, for the role it played
in both the struggle against apartheid and the creation of a democratic society in South Africa.
On AMARC Africa
“We at AMARC are not here to impose a model. It is up to you to create a model for Africa,
based upon discussions and above all experience. We hope to help to consolidate and
strengthen your determination to put a new type of radio on the air, one which will be a plus
for Africa.” Former AMARC President, Michel Delorme, Pan African Community Radio
Meeting, Cotonou, Bénin, 1992.
AMARC African +200 members have two elected representatives on the AMARC International Board.
They also elect an African Board of Directors, formed of seven members, including two members of
the International Board, two women representatives, and three officers responsible for technological
development, training and capacity building, and organisational development.
The first African office of AMARC was established in February 1997, in Johannesburg, with the midterm
goal of servicing all African AMARC members. In the longer-term, it will work towards the
establishment of an AMARC West and Central African office, at which point the Johannesburg office
would become the AMARC Southern and Eastern African office.
AMARC Africa’s plan of action:
� Support the development of a legal, political and cultural environment conducive to participatory
radio broadcasting;
� Develop human resources and materials in community radio set-up, management, production and
technology;
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What is Community Radio? A Resource Guide
Published by AMARC Africa and Panos Southern Africa in collaboration with IBIS/Interfund and WACC