Community-run Kadal Osai FM has helped inform inhabitants of Pamban, a small island in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu, and raise social and environmental awareness in the process.
On Pamban, a small island inhabited by over 100,000 people in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Kadal Osai 90.4 FM is not merely a radio station. It is a life line.
Run by a dozen odd fishermen to empower their community – one which makes up 80 percent of the island’s population – the radio station is the first community-driven media initiative in India exclusively for fisherfolk by fisherfolk.
Started by a fisherman, Armstrong Fernando, around five years ago, Radio Kadal Osai (Sound of the Sea) is now a team of 12 members, researching, presenting and disseminating news to the people of the island.
On Pamban, people rely heavily on the sea. They either indulge in fishing or cater to the tourism sector by running small hotels and driving taxis.
The 24/7 channel provides timely weather updates for those braving deep waters to fish in the sea, cautions them about harsh weather and also helps them identify potential fishing zones.
The community radio station has also helped create alternate livelihoods and raise awareness about societal issues and marine conservation.
Read more:
https://www.trtworld.com/magazine/how-a-fisherman-run-radio-station-in-south-india-is-changing-lives-54338