Radio Sagarmatha - Nepal

The programme airs 6 hours daily for 30 minutes per broadcast. Coverage includes the entire Kathmandu valley, reaching a population of more than 1.5 million. Programmes include informative interviews and discussions based on requests from the community, children's programming, traditional Nepali music, a radio serial that explores cultural traditions, discussions on social and developmental issues, and a forum for anyone to express an opinion of relevance to the larger community. Between programmes, there is a "service radio" that includes public service messages, information capsules, reports, and updates on community events. An initiative was launched in 1999 called "Safa Radio - Clean Air Campaign" to test, analyse, and broadcast results of the level of air pollutants.

In addition to environmental issues, information and communication technology (ICT) is a central focus. The 15-minute-long "Sagarmatha Site" is a recorded programme in three segments that includes discussion and live browsing of a featured website (with a focus on international websites); "Sabdartha," which explores technical language related to the Internet; and the exploration of research techniques by an experienced internet user. Listeners are invited to call in with specific requests for information or computer-related assistance; studio personnel consult the internet to answers questions on the air. There are also live broadcasts of major ICT events taking place in Kathmandu.

In March, 2002 a radio quiz was initiated and is conducted fortnightly. Winners are rewarded with free training, which is sponsored by private corporations, in ICT.

Political Development, Health, Human Rights, Literacy, Agriculture, Technology.

Radio Sagarmatha seeks to democratise electronic media in Nepal by increasing public participation in radio. Radio represents an especially good media choice given the difficulty of distributing print media in the hilly terrain, and the very high rates of illiteracy. Although Nepal was connected to the Internet in 1995, the majority of the population cannot benefit from this medium due to high costs, low availability, and lack of exposure. Nonetheless, the Nepalese (especially young people) seem to be intensely interested in use of ICT.

Radio Sagarmatha has spawned five community stations in different parts of Nepal.

Live internet browsing has been discontinued, but live broadcasts through telephone lines are still being conducted.

The radio quiz has inspired a growth in the number of letters and e-mails by 200%.

There is a collection of almost 50 hours of audio content on issues relating to Information Communication Technology (ICT). More than 50 experts have shared their experience on the radio and many youth have come to share their adventures about the internet on the air.