Nepalbani Radio Network (NRN)

The major activity of the network is focused on producing and delivering to all member stations news and current affairs programmes and thematic programmes that are designed to support the democratisation process. (Click here to listen to sample programmes on the right to information.) NRN is working to establish its own satellite network for disseminating news and programmes to all member stations; in the meantime, Nepalbani has an agreement with Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (ACORAB) to use its satellite network, Community Information Network (CIN).

NRN has also set up a capacity-building programme to strengthen independent radio stations' human resources, managerial, administrative, and technology skills.

Democracy and Governance, Rights.

According to organisers, Nepal is on the cusp of a new democratic era. In this changing context, they say, there are ample of opportunities to move toward progressive democracy in Nepal. But, at the same time, there are many challenges. While people in the country's urban areas have embraced the information technology revolution, 80% of Nepalese remain largely untouched by modern communications and nearly the same percentage of people in remote villages are either uneducated or unable to afford modern media tools. So, the result is that a significant proportion of Nepalese population is unaware of social, political, educational, economic, and cultural development in the country. Thus, local radio is an effective (and sometimes the only) communication tool to raise awareness of these issues in rural areas.