This document outlines a research initiative to study sustainability in community radio (CR) stations in the region. It aims to develop a definition of sustainability through participatory engagement with CR stations. Key objectives are to evolve indicators for sustainability for CR stations and examine the relationship between good practice parameters and financial sustainability. The research methodology involves purposive selection of CR institutions from different geographies and ages. Data collection tools include interviews, participant observation, mind maps, diaries and surveys. Findings will be analyzed participatorily and disseminated to establish community reflection on sustainability in CR stations.

1. CR and Sustainability
A participatory research initiative
Ideosync Media Combine
May 2014

2. Context
• Sustainability an
increasing concern for
CR stations in the region
• Performance and Review
initiatives putting further
pressure on CR to show
sustainability
• Need to build greater
understanding on
correlations between
performance indicators
and long term
sustainability

3. The Sustainability Puzzle
India
Africa
Latin America
Nepal
South East Asia Australia
Thinking on sustainability has emerged
from diverse global experiences
The United
States
Europe

4. Case studies
Need to take the ‘financial stability bull’ by the
horn
Parameters that
impact
sustainability
Initial work on drawing
correlations between
desired principles,
actual everyday practice
and financial
sustainability
1 2
4 3
Sustainability
strategies used by
different CR
stations and
defining Key
Station
characteristics
Discussions on
community
participation, capacity,
management,
planning, technology
CR-PAS
CAMECO
Mostly focused on
analyzing policies from
a media rights
perspective – few look
at direct co relations
with long term
sustainability for CR
Research on Sustainability
Policies and
enabling
environments

5. Sustainability
definition/s
What needs to be
sustained?
Foundations
How do the beginnings
define the future
Co-relations
How are the multiple
aspects of sustainability
linked – are there direct
correlations?
Model
Does the development
model for sustainability
serve the CR agenda well?
Some resonating questions
Prioritizing

6. Key objectives of this research
Evidence-based, Participatory
Evolve a set of
indicators for
sustainability for CR
Examine the relational
understanding
between good practice
parameters and
financial sustainability
Support advocacy for CR’s right to public
funds for planning and core operations
Evolve a definition of
Sustainability through a
process of participatory
engagement with CR
stations from the region

7. HarvestPlus Bio-fortified Pearl Millet intervention in Maharashtra
Key Research Questions
How do CR stations in the region understand sustainability?
What are the things they want to sustain?
What are community radio operating costs and how
are these costs met?
How does station programming reflect the needs of the
community? How does the station assess these needs?
How is the relationship between the station and community
mutually beneficial and how are these benefits perceived and
articulated?
What accountability and audit mechanisms are in practice?

8. Methodology: Purposive selection of CR
Institutions
Large NGO
Small NGO
Educational
Cooperative
Geography
Regional
diversity
Age
Number of
years since
inception

9. Bio-fortified Pearl Millet intervention in Maharashtra
Tools
In depth Interviews with Key
respondents
Participant Observation
Mind Maps
Methods
Weekly Diaries
Significant good Practice
stories
Self Administered Survey
Budgets and monthly
expenses
Qualitative
Participatory Quantitative

10. Sample Mind Map

11. Sample Diary expected every week from CR stations

12. … what C4SC should result in!
The Analysis Approach
Confidentiality
of raw data
Participatory
analysis of codes
and significances
of stories for
drawing
correlations
Draw parallels and
resonances in the
region
4. Work towards
creating a
community
owned
movement

13. Dissemination of Research findings
Get…
…people…
…talking
about it!
Establish processes whereby the findings may be
reflected on by the CR community