"This guidebook offers instructions for strengthening the organisation of community radio stations, in order to improve their effectiveness and efficiency. The all-embracing essentials of community radio station management, ie, governance and programme/financial/technical management, are discussed i
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n detail. Aspects of these organisational tasks are human resource plans, resource mobilisation, fundraising, accounting, maintenance of equipment and the determination of a clear broadcasting policy. But not only advice for practical matters is given: The publication further discusses the underlying mission, vision and goals of organisations, which are viewed as not sufficiently thought through by many community radio stations, yet crucial for their survival. The guidebooks' step-by-step lists, tables and forms, in part taken from existing community radio stations like Radio Sagarmatha in Nepal, are particularly useful, as they show how theoretical and abstract manuals can be turned into practice." (commbox)
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"[...] Radio Nawal Estéreo [es] una emisora indígena que transmite en idiomas K’iche, Kat’chiquel y castellano. Está ubicada en la localidad de Nahualá que, traducido al español, significa «el espíritu de las aguas». La ciudad, con unos 70.000 habitantes, huele a leña y a resistencia y
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parece haber sido intencionalmente dibujada en medio de montañas verdes. Su población de origen maya muestra aún los rasgos propios de su cultura. Las mujeres adornan el pueblo con los colores de sus wipiles (blusas) mientras son pocos los hombres que aún lucen sus ropas tradicionales. Radio Nawal Estéreo acompaña al pueblo maya a través de mensajes que se construyen con su propia lengua, donde se comparten costumbres y esperanzas. En las páginas que siguen se encuentra, además del perfil de la emisora, la riqueza del proceso de formación radiofónica que vivió Radio Nawal Estéreo impulsado por la Asociación Latinoamericana de Educación Radiofónica (ALER). Una riqueza que te invitamos a compartir, para conocer sus pasos, descubrir sus potencialidades y aprender de su trayecto. La primera parte expone los detalles referidos a la sistematización. La segunda descubre el escenario en el cual se desenvuelve la experiencia radiofónica. Luego nos referimos a las características más importantes de Radio Nawal Estéreo. La cuarta parte expone de qué manera el Proyecto Político Comunicativo (PPC), como propuesta pedagógica y metodológica, permitió actualizar los sentidos de lo que hacen, incorporar nuevos conocimientos y capacitarse. Por último, la quinta parte expresa lo que el camino dejó como aprendizajes." (Introducción, página 9-10)
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"This is a qualitative comparative study on sustainability challenges facing the community radio sector in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The study explores and determines community radio’s social acceptance to target communities, identifies its fundraising and marketing strategies, and evaluates
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its governance and management policies. The research draws from theories of community development and mass communication, namely: development theory and participant media theory. Detailed literature review, focus group discussion, in-depth interviews, and analyses of archival records and institutional documents were used as research methods. The case study purports that the quality of a community radio service is often a product of its resources. Furthermore, it appreciates the open access approach to broadcasting as fulfilling the original and moral imperative of community radio. However, it views sustainability issues, more specifically financial resources, as having far reaching effects on the sector’s independence and the ability to fulfill its functions. Often in community radio, the concept of sustainability tends to be narrowly used to refer to financial sustainability alone. The conclusions drawn from the comparative study of three community radio stations, namely: Botlokwa, Mohodi and Radio Turf reveal that a comprehensive approach to sustainability should recognise the role of social, organisational and financial aspects of the medium. Despite marked progress with respect to social acceptance, more innovative marketing and fundraising strategies, appropriate organisational and management policies in the sector are essential. In their absence, community radio continues to lack access to a fair share of resources and can barely raise funds to meet its obligations. Consequently, poor performance in community radio is largely attributable to sustainability challenges, particularly in rural communities where resources are often scarce as compared to urban centres." (Abstract)
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"The findings of the research reflect two overarching concerns: training content and training delivery. It is a central finding of the research that financial skills are required by the sector. Related to this is the need to encourage professional attitudes, processes, and systems within the sector.
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It is necessary to manage the business in a professional manner in order to gain the support of the community as well as advertisers. Such support contributes to the sustainability of the business. In terms of delivery, on-site training, mentorships and information exchange are emphasised because of the managers’ time and resource constraints. While accredited, theoretical training is perceived as important and worthwhile, participants emphasised the importance of experiential training. The research concludes with a detailed outline of a new qualification the SPI will be seeking to register which will enable it to make a contribution to the small independent community newspaper sector. The research has encountered one central obstacle. The sector is characterised by competition and lack of resources, thus managers are not able to leave their businesses for extended periods of time, and do not always answer telephone calls or emails that are not an immediate priority." (Executive summary, page 2-3)
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"The present study is a first attempt to look inside media organizations in Lebanon in order to understand what kind of business decisions are being made. This study analyzes employee diversity, as well as political affiliation or media owners [...] There was a clear reluctance among media owners to
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wards discussing their business practices [...] Most of Lebanon's seven private commercial television stations, which are comparatively very few considering the nearly 300 Arab television stations in operation, are among the most viewed stations in the region, due to their high production values and quality of programming. At the same time, these and other Lebanese media lag behind with respect to effectively managing human resources. Many lack written job descriptions, organizational policies, or regular performance appraisals, and they heavily rely on part-time staff and volunteers while not providing adequate financial incentives to their employees [...] Perhaps the most significant findings of the present study are those related to the financial aspects of Lebanese media organizations. Despite the sensitivity of discussing the profitability of these media, and considering that it is illegal, according to both the Press Law of 1962 and the Audio-Visual Law of 1994 for a broadcast or print organization to depend on sources of funding other than sales revenues and advertising, the answers given were quite candid and revealing. In Lebanon, financial support by the political elites who own these media is what has allowed most of the local media to survive. To ensure the sustainability of these outlets, long-term financial solutions and better marketing strategies must be adopted." (Preface, pages 7-8)
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"Now in its third edition, this fully revised and updated edition is the essential fundraising handbook for the developing world (including Africa, Asia, Latin America and countries of Eastern Europe). Using case studies and examples of good practice, it offers guidance and advice on establishing ef
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fective local fundraising and the opportunity to tap into a wide range of sources of funding (including government, companies and charitable foundations). It also offers fundraising techniques and sources of information and help. This new edition incorporates changes in fundraising practice and new case studies as well as a completely updated and rewritten section on internet fundraising and an expanded 'Useful organisations' section." (Publisher description)
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"This guide outlines a step-by-step process for developing program logic in the context of Natural Resource Management (NRM). The guide is aimed at those who are developing a program logic for the first time and may also be helpful to other users in a range of contexts. Developing a program logic is
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about establishing a framework for methodically exploring and defining the parameters of a project. Because it serves as a roadmap for a project, a program logic helps to give participants greater confidence that their efforts will be comprehensive and effective. In this guide, the term ‘program’ covers all levels of intervention, whether through a project, program, strategy or activity, as well as program design and evaluation. Through a series of exercises, templates and checklists, this guide outlines the key steps in developing a program logic." (Introduction)
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"Church-based development organisations are distinct from secular NGOs. They have particular organisational features. These are the source of their potential value added, but also their major challenges. Good organisation development (OD) needs to be tailored to these specific contextual characteris
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tics. But faith-based OD goes even further. It integrates the faith of the client and in some cases the consultant to promote change." (Page 2)
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"This report investigates the impact media and ICTs can have on the lives of the poor, based on the experiences of nine donors and NGOs forming part of the "Building Communication Opportunities (BCO)" alliance. It suggests that radio will have the most influence on social and political change where
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it is widely accessible, trusted by listeners, and open to inclusive participation. ICTs can help make markets work for the poor, but the surrounding circumstances are highly influential in determining in how far they make a difference. Communication networks appear to be particularly effective in building communities of activists where they enable the pooling of resources and expertise and leverage wider influence on decision-makers. However, the report concludes that evidence of the impact of ICTs is still weak. More debate is needed about how ICTs are best deployed. This requires learning how people really use the tools, as well as a more effective assessment of past and current experiences." (CAMECO Update 1-2009)
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