Thiruvananthapuram:The trial transmission of programmes for Radio Alakal, the first community radio for fisherfolk, commenced in 15 coastal villages on Monday, through a network of radio kiosks

The recorded programmes were not broadcast in the experimental phase; they were only played through loudspeaker set up at three listening centres at valiathura, Veli and Poonthura

Project managers said the exercise was to demonstrate the operational readiness of the network in the run-up to the formal launch later this month. They said negotiations were on with several FM radio operators for transmission.

The soft launch involved a variety of programmes in two slots of one-hour duration each. Men, women and children in the coastal villages converged in front of the kiosks to listen to the programmes. The kiosks are located near fish landing centers and in common spaces where fishermen congregate for work or leisure activities.

All the programmes were produced by local volunteers who are also trained to administer the network. The team has been provided with digital recorders to conduct interviews. Music and editing are provided by SPACE, a city-based open software group.

The edited programmes are currently prepared in CD format and distributed to the 17 radio clubs that have been set up in the coastal areas. The pilot project is promoted by a group of organizations, including the Kerala Swathantra Matsya Thozhilali Federation, South Indian Federations of Fishermen Societies (SIFFS), MJM Centre and Loyola College, Thiruvananthapuram. Software support has been provided by indiadisaster.org. Apart from weather forecast, tidal height, conditions at sea and disaster warning, the programme content includes discussions and expert opinions on livelihood options, market information and interviews. Weather information is currently sourced from various websites.

The software team is planning a series of interviews with fishermen who were rescued after being stranded at sea for days.  A major effort has been launched to identify such people. According to the promoters, the software has been designed to highlight local traditions, folklore and the problems faces by fishermen and their families. The network does not have a licence to play film n\music but it will play recorded versions of music shows. The cultural content also includes radio drama and cinema analysis. The educational programmes will feature quizzes and orientation for professional courses.

Radio Alakal has been conceived as a network operated by the community, for the community to reach out to families on the coast and fishermen at sea. Trial runs using a low power FM radio transmitter reported good reception up to 30km offshore. “Once the agreement with the FM operator is firmed up, fishermen at sea can use their radio receivers to access the programmes. Until then, the information relayed through the network will be confined to the coastal areas. Weather information and disaster warning can be relayed to the men at sea over mobile phone, “ says L.Ajith of indiadisaster.org.

“By using their language and highlighting their concerns, we hope to open up a new channel of communication with the vulnerable sections and help them improve the quality of life,” says T.Peter, State president, Kerala Swathantra Matsya Thozhilali Federation.