Students talk about campus radio on World Radio Day

From digital radio to community radio, campus radio stations have gained popularity. The concept of campus radios came to India in 2005 with Pune University setting up its own station Vidyavani. Five students associated with their respective campus radio stations share their experiences on World Radio Day, celebrated on February 13 after UNESCO’s 36th conference in 2011.

I have been associated with 91.2YFM NSHM Community Radio since my first year, 2020. As a media student, being a part of such a community is helpful academically too. Radio is a personal medium and unlike other forms of media, it can accompany you throughout the day. This makes it the ultimate local community and a loyal friend. it is a way to reach out to people of all age groups, especially those from remote areas where there’s no WiFi and data connection. I’ve been involved in informative talk shows and cultural shows that air on my campus radio.

— Shristi Sinha, second year, BSc, Media Science, NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata

“TV gives everyone an image but radio gives birth to a million images in a million brains” — Peggy Noonan. With this vision, IISER Kolkata campus radio was formed in 2017. It was spearheaded by Kaustav Ganguly. The club initially served its purpose of transmitting campus news. As years passed by, interviews of eminent scientists, science talk shows, casual conversations with alumni and professors on a plethora of topics and even dedications on Valentine’s Day were done. In this age, when everything has gone digital and our concentration span has decreased, listening to the radio not just evokes a sense of nostalgia but also restores peace and applies a momentary brake on our fast-paced lives. I have been associated with the IISER Kolkata campus radio for two years as an office-bearer. This club has not only helped me understand how powerful good communication is as a skill but also helped me strengthen my relations with both faculties and my peers.

— Adrija Adhikary, third year, BS-MS (integrated), Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Kolkata

Vijaygarh Jyotish Ray College started an internet radio platform named Radio Kolkata in November 2021. I’ve been associated with it since then. Our radio platform hosts programmes for all age groups, which includes musical shows, talk shows, radio plays and radio magazines. We also have guests performing. I have been working as a programme producer and content developer for this platform. I mostly edit radio plays and radio magazine content and anchor shows. Radio is essential for everyone in this digitised age because it is a mobile platform to get current updates about your city and state. In our daily life, the radio acts as a background news source. Being a part of this internet radio station has improved my editing skills and boosted my knowledge bank.

— Ishika Chakraborty, second year, BA, Journalism and Mass Communication, Vijaygarh Jyotish Ray College, Kolkata

I’ve been associated with our campus community radio, Suno Sharda 90.8 FM, for the past six months. I write scripts for radio shows. This has helped me improve my skills. Recently I worked on a programme called Hinsa Ko No, where we tried to spread awareness about domestic violence. Working with radio made me realise the importance of roots. I’ve acquired new skills like voice modulation and writing proper scripts.

— Trisha Deka, first year, MA, Journalism and Mass Communication, Sharda University, Greater Noida

Our campus radio platform is known as SNU Radio. I got the opportunity to host a show before Durga Puja, Eso Girija. We have learned the technicalities involved with radio productions from our faculty members. In today’s digital world, there are plenty of people who, after a long day at work, go back and plug in their earphones to listen to their favourite radio show. Radio has evolved as a digital platform and the lockdown has taught us a lot. GenZ today still listens to favourite shows while travelling or taking a break.

— Oindrila Chatterjee, second year, MA, Journalism and Mass Communication, Sister Nivedita University, Kolkata