These are two examples of typical regional radio stations as they can be found in many developing countries. Often they present the only source of information for millions of people.

In many of these countries radio is a state monopoly and the state broadcaster is operating these regional stations. They therefore have similar equipment, but also similar programs and structures and as the national broadcasting station in the state capital.

In recent years modern computer technologies have been introduced in many radio stations. They have not only changed the way radio programmes are produced, but have also reduced the costs of programme production. At the same time they have opened the door for new radio formats, by providing new possibilities to communicate with the audience, bringing the microphone closer to the people and making radio a real people's medium.

However, although many things are possible, little has changed in reality. Today we see many broadcasters using modern production facilities to produce the same type of programs as they always used to do.

With its new project the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) wants to expose the broadcasters in regional radio stations to the possibilities of modern technologies. But it will not introduce these technologies as fancy new gadgets, but will show how these technologies can be used to produce new, participative radio programmes. It will demonstrate how easy it can be to bring the real life to listeners. This is not to be found in the screened-off radio studio but outside in the streets, the markets, the schools or the factories. This will make radio more relevant and attractive to the people. They will consider it "their radio", which is a step towards true public service broadcasting and citizen media.

UNESCO's International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC) will support this project in regional radio stations in Bangladesh, Laos and Vietnam.