"Through accounts and analysis of specific projects across four continents, the authors show how communication has been used to mobilize societies, to facilitate democratic participation, and to help people acquire new knowledge and skills. The book focuses on community radio and video, and health c...ommunication, with major sections on projects in Mexico, Colombia and the Philippines. Colin Fraser was one of the founders of the FAO communication section. Sonia Restrepo-Estrada has worked for a long time as a communication specialist for UNICEF in matters of health, nutrition and women's and children's rights." (InteRadio 1/98; Media Development 2/99)
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"This reader 'aims to show that ordinary people, even non-technical rural folk, can plan, set up, manage and produce radio programmes by themselves with a minimum of dependence on outside help, whether for technical advice and training or for funds and equipment.' To do so, it highlights case studie...s from several countries like Homa Bay Radio in Kenya, Radio Apam in Ghana, Radio Sagarmatha in the Kathmandu valley, Tambuli Community radio in the Philippines and others, and it explains the main factors for planning a community radio station, eg, examining the legal framework, applying for a license or doing preparatory work in the community. Moreover, it briefly explains the technical background of broadcasting, such as the difference between AM and FM broadcasting, as well as the basics about the equipment which is needed. What makes the publication particularly interesting is its perspective on community involvement in every step of setting up a radio station - which is, as many community radio stations are built up by institutions like NGO's, churches or universities, not something to be taken for granted." (Commbox-JF)
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