Adapting Community Radio Programming in the Digital Era: A Study of Radio JU and Radio Salesian

ABSTRACT

This research article titled "Adapting Community Radio Programming in the Digital Era” focuses on two community radio stations, Radio JU of Jadavpur University, Kolkata and Radio Salesian of Salesian College Siliguri. Community radio has long served as a platform for local voices, expediting community engagement and participation in media. With the emergence of digital media technologies, such as podcasting and streaming audio, there is a need to examine how these platforms have influenced the role and function of community radio. The study investigates how these two community radio stations of West Bengal have navigated the challenges and harnessed the advantages of the digital era to enhance its programming and community engagement. Through qualitative interviews, focussed group discussions, content analysis, and observations, the article delves into the stations strategies for leveraging digital technologies to stay relevant, foster audience participation, and create impactful content. The findings shed light on the specific challenges faced by Radio JU and Radio Salesian in the digital landscape and the innovative approaches that have enabled the stations to thrive in the ever-changing media environment. The case study provides valuable insights and lessons for other community radio stations seeking to adapt their programming to effectively serve their communities in the digital era.

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