USAID/OTI Nepal Success Story
January 2007
Launch of Live, National, Toll-Free Call-In Talk Show in Nepal
The overarching objectives of the USAID/OTI Nepal program are to increase access to information and diversify public debate on issues critical to the peace process and democratic norms. Additionally, the program strives to increase engagement between government, civil society, and communities to support government responsiveness to its diverse constituents.
 |
| Bharat Mohan Adhikari, Deputy Prime Minister, former Finance Minister and UML leader. |
After 11 years of an armed insurgency, the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Accord on November 21, 2006, between the government and Maoists represented a critical turning point in Nepal's history. During this sensitive transition period, there is a need to increase the awareness and participation of people across the country through public debate on a range of important social, political and economic issues. Radio is a medium of communication that can help bridge the daunting geographic boundaries of Nepal, increase the inclusiveness of the national debate, and effect positive change.
On January 1, 2007, with USAID/OTI assistance, the Antenna Foundation launched a live, national, toll-free call-in radio show, Nepal Chautari. This landmark broadcast provides Nepalese throughout the country access to the people who are determining the future of Nepal today. The show is aired for one hour every day on 24 FM radio stations throughout all five regions of the country. Radio stations across the country are weaved into the network by using broadband internet and the Ujyalo satellite channel.
Nepal Chautari is the first radio broadcast in the country which allows listeners to call in and ask questions of talk show guests or voice their opinions on the issues being discussed. On average, 70 listeners call in daily and 15-20 listeners from around the country get a chance to voice their opinions on the air. Listeners have the opportunity to share their understanding, opinions, and solutions of the issues discussed with representative government officers, political and civil society leaders, opinion makers and national planners. The interim constitution, alternatives to transportation strikes, democracy within political parties, and the meaning of inclusive democracy are only some of the issues discussed to date. Guests have included the Deputy Prime Minister, a former chief election commissioner, and various political party leaders. Through USAID/OTI's support, the Antenna Foundation is slated to air 80 Nepal Chautari shows.
For further information, please contact:
In Washington: Gordon Shettle, Cognizant Technical Officer, 202-712-4168, gshettle@usaid.gov.
|
