BOCRA must fast- track licensing of Community Radio Stations
Last week the world celebrated World Radio Day under the theme, ‘ Radio: A century informing, entertaining and educating’. According to the United Nations ( UN) the 2024 observance highlights the history of radio and its powerful impact on news, drama, music and sports. Radio has been in existence for over 100 years and it is credited as one of the mediums and one of the most popular ways to exchange information, provide social interchange, and educate people all over the world.
The first World Radio Day was officially celebrated in 2012. In Botswana, radio has been around for the past 59 years. In 1965, Radio Botswana ( RB 1) – a government owned radio station- initially known as Radio Bechuanaland, begun broadcasting to the nation.
Years later government introduced RB 2 to cater for the young audience. Today the country boasts five radio stations after the introduction of three private radio stations that include Gabz FM, Yarona FM and Duma FM. However, what is lacking though in Botswana is community radio stations which, we believe have a role to play in our society.
It beats logic why in this age and era government has not yet opened space for community radio stations. According to Hari Srinivas, community radio refers to a type of radio station that is owned, operated, and oriented towards serving a particular community or locality.
It offers a third model of radio broadcasting, in addition to commercial and public broadcasting. It is usually a non- profit venture run by volunteers or a small group of staff, and its programming is typically produced by members of the community, and for the benefit of the community. Community radio stations often focus on local news, events, and issues, as well as cultural, educational, and artistic programming. The significance of community radio lies in its ability to empower and give voice to marginalised or underrepresented communities.
We align ourselves with Srinivas argument that community radio stations also prioritise local languages, traditions, and cultural expressions and by broadcasting in local languages and featuring local music, stories, and folklore, they contribute to the preservation and promotion of indigenous cultures and identities, fostering a sense of pride and unity within communities. President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi’s government has introduced the teaching of mother tongue in primary schools. It is a welcome development, although it seems to be taking too long to implement the initiative. We call upon President Masisi to, in the same spirit, urge his government agencies, especially, Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority ( BOCRA) to fast- track licensing of community radio stations.