Bengaluru, July 2025 — A delegation from the Community Radio Association – Karnataka Chapter recently met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in Bengaluru, urging the government to include community radio stations in the official media list. The team was led by V. K. Kadaba, Programme Coordinator of Ninada 90.4 FM, the community radio station run by SDM College (Autonomous), Ujire.
During the meeting, Dr. Rashmi Amembala, President of the Karnataka Community Radio Association and head of Radio Manipal, briefed the Chief Minister on the current challenges and development needs faced by community radio stations across the state. These stations, which operate with approval from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and have valid Wireless Operating Licences, are functional in various districts of Karnataka.
Dr. Amembal emphasized that community radio stations function within limited broadcast range as per government regulations and act as complementary channels to mainstream national media. She urged the state to reconsider its advertisement policy and include community radio in the government’s official media list, thereby ensuring fair support and encouragement for grassroots communication platforms.
The delegation also appealed to the Chief Minister to direct the Department of Information and Public Relations to take necessary steps in this regard.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah assured the delegation that the request would be reviewed and appropriate action would be taken.
The delegation included Shivashankar (Namma Dhwani), Joint Director of the Community Radio Association – South Zone; members Ningaraju (Janadhwani), Jyothi Saligram (Radio Kundapura), and Roshan (Radio Sarang). KPCC Secretary Lavanya Ballal was also present and extended her support to the initiative.
