Community media are widely recognised by governments, international development agencies, and civil society organisations alike as key agents of participatory development. Their reach and practices are a unique way of reaching and involving people. This is particularly true of community radio, the most prevalent of all community media, which is a vital alternative both to state owned and commercial private radio. Community radio‘s affordability and reach make it a powerful agent of social change. Recognition of community radio as a legitimate and key element in development efforts and the potential to empower marginalised and disenfranchised communities, has pushed a number of countries to introduce laws and regulations that acknowledge community radios as a distinct media sector. In those countries an enabling environment for community radios has been created. Despite these advances, challenges persist at global and regional level.
		image credit: blackradionetwork.

The aim of this initiative is to increase the number of communities benefitting from new, stronger and more inclusive community radio in order to advance democratic participation and active citizenship of marginalised people and communities.

Project partners will achieve one or more of the following expected outcomes:

• Strengthened community radio (broadcast or Internet) associations and/or networks in countries or regions where community radio is new.
• Establishment of pioneering community radio (broadcast or Internet) in countries or areas where community radio is new and there are significant unmet needs.
• Strategies to advance and ensure long-term participation of women in all aspects of community radio.
• Better and stronger knowledge and good practice-sharing in the community radio movement.

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