Among them, some talk programs have been able to stand out among the listeners and connect with them due to their analytical presentation of issues and interaction with decision makers. [break]Live and uncensored, these talk programs are directly affecting the lives of listeners through the presentation of interviews and in-depth discussions with decision-makers.
Here are some selected talk programs:
Samaya Sandarva
It is a talk program broadcast by Nepal FM 91.8 every morning from 7:30 to 8 o’clock. It is being hosted by Hem Bahadur Bista for the past five years.
“The history of “Samaya Sandarva” dates back to the period of the state of emergency that was imposed by the then king Gyanendra Shah,” says Bista, who is also the chairperson of Nepal FM. The FM was even issued a show-cause notice by the Supreme Court for broadcasting “controversial” news.
But the April Revolution took charge of the streets and things changed for the better. News was not banned from broadcasting from FM stations.
“But we weren’t satisfied with mere presentation of news,” mentions Bista. So “Samaya Sandarva” as a current affairs program was born out of the station’s determination to give its listeners something more than news. “We wanted to be able to shape their opinions,” Bista clarifies.
It is doing just that. The program, which airs six days a week, discusses social issues three days a week; one day of the program is dedicated to women’s issues, and the remaining to current affairs. Guests are chosen on the basis of the issues to be discussed.
“Nepal is a nation obsessed with politics, and this often gets reflected in the media. So we emphasize on social issues in the talk programs,” Bista adds.
There are no commercial breaks in between the programs.
Hamro Nepal Ramro Nepal, Nepaliko Abhiyan Naya Sambidhan
The radio talk program “Hamro Nepal Ramro Nepal” was an outcome of the Constituent Assembly elections. It went on air from February 19, 2008 on Ujyalo 90.0 FM network and initially created awareness among listeners about the elections.
After the successful completion of the elections, the module of the program was changed and it started focusing on current affair. At the moment, two of its programs are produced by Radio Taranga in Pokhara, and Radio Chitwan.
“Through the involvement of regional radio stations, we’re decentralizing the news-making process, “says Sunil Neupane, news chief at the station. The program airs in the evenings from 7 to 7:30 o’clock.
“Nepaliko Abhiyan Naya Sambidhan”, on the other hand, airs seven days a week from 5:10 to 6am. It went on air from July16, 2009, and four editions of the programs are also produced by its partner stations – Radio Taranga, Radio Bheri Awaj, Suklaphanta FM Kanchanpur, and Saptakoshi FM Sunsari.
“We also utilize our broadcast van (OB van) to connect with our listeners outside,” mentions Neupane. The station has a toll-free number which is open to the public to put in their queries to the guests.
“Listeners from outside the country also participate in the programs. We receive numerous e-mails everyday,” Neupane says.
The topic to be discussed each day is put on the FM’s website, and listeners abroad post in their queries to the guests.
Ajako Kura
Since 1999, “Ajako Kura” has been on air through the airwaves of Sagarmatha FM. As per its title, it discusses issues that make headlines each day.
Saroj Adhikari, its producer, host and coordinator, says, “It’s been over 10 years since we started broadcasting the program, and the daily discussions have had a large impact on listeners.”
According to him, the program has been effective in pressurizing authorities through serious discussions on pertinent issues. Although the model of the program is interview-based, sometimes phone calls and questions from listeners are also included.
Adhikari mentions that the program has played a pivotal role in exposing hidden talents. He says, “It was our radio program that introduced conflict expert Chandra Lal Upreti and constitution expert Bhimarjun Acharya. After they were brought to the programs, they started being recognized and gained popularity.”
He adds, “There are numerous examples of how our program has played important roles in decision-making.”
He mentions that just before the Budget was announced last year, “Ajako Kura” held a discussion on how the legal sector was allocated very inadequate budget for its infrastructural and institutional development.
“In response to the discussion, we believe the budget to be allocated to the sector was doubled for the next fiscal year,” says Adhikari.
Ajako Sandarva
At 6:30am everyday, “Ajako Sandarva” airs through Image FM 97.9. Thakur Belbase has been coordinating the program for the last three years. It is hosted by him three days a week while Saroj Adhikari and co-host Rajan Kuikel host it for two days each. The 30-minute program is broadcast without any break and goes on air live.
“We discuss current affair that affect the public socially, politically and culturally,” Belbase mentions. “Although we haven’t researched the effects of the talk program among audiences and on decision-making level, the program’s continuity speaks for itself,” says Belbase. Several political leaders and decision-makers have participated in the program.
The Headliners
Since 2007, “The Headliners” has been on air six days a week through the air waves of Kantipur FM 96.1. The 30-minute talk program has hosted numerous intense and lively discussions among political figures of different parties.
Parmananda Khanal, executive administrator at Kantipur FM, says, “Our program has a huge following as it can be heard in 62 districts. We’re famous for discussing political issues that are making headlines.”
About the module of the program, Khanal says, “Taking into consideration the necessity of listeners’ participation, we’re changing its format in the coming days.”
Related story
7th World Radio Day being marked today
