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Intergovernmental Programmes

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International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC)

Fostering Media Development. Building Democratic Societies
Development of Community Media

Community-based media ensure media pluralism, diversity of content, and the representation of a society’s different groups and interests. Community media encourage open dialogue and transparency of administration at local level and offer a voice to the voiceless. They are established on the concepts of public access, sharing experiences and information.
Radio is by far the most favoured community medium in developing countries. Given its accessibility and cost-effectiveness, community radio represents a democratic and participatory medium. It is easy to operate and lies within the capacities of many local communities who are not often a subject of mainstream media and information channels.

Here are some examples of projects supported by IPDC that have successfully used community media for development purposes.

Namma Dhwani
Namma Dhwani (Our Voices in Kannada, the local language) is a community media centre in Budikote, India. It narrowcasts to women's groups in a cluster of 35 villages and to public schools as well.
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Radio TocoRadio Toco for the youth - Trinidad and Tobago Dennis James adds the voice of the young to Radio Toco in Trinidad and Tobago, with some pop music and messages concerning youth and development. Radio Toco is one of the 12 community radio stations supported by IPDC to promote independent media and pluralism for democracy in the Caribbean. Community media empower individuals to be conscious of their situation and lead them to understand that they have the power to change the social realities they are confronted with.

Cambodia Women's RadioWomen's Media Centre - Cambodia Giving a woman's perspective to social and political issues. IPDC supported the establishment of the first women's radio station in Cambodia, operated and managed by the Women's Media Centre in Phnom Penh.