"During the last year, a new self-confidence and a firm continuation of broadcasting operations have been observed in the new autonomous media organization. In the recruitment of new personnel (and the separation of unfit staff), in financial operations and management decisions, indications of a new
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trend towards independence and professionalism has been shown. Within the limitations of personnel and resources, there has been an increased orientation to development issues in programmes, and this is shown especially in field productions. Technical operations have been sustained and the first steps towards expanding the FM network to Phuntsholing have been taken.
BBS has also shown its potential role in influencing the development process in Bhutan and in linking general cultural themes to programme production, particularly in the use and development of the official language, Dzongkha. Radio should thus be used more effectively as an active mechanism of dialogue between government and people, to facilitate articulation and exchange of views and opinions on issues of local national and international concern. In the endeavours of His Majesty and the Government to modernize society, BBS has a crucial role in encouraging more popular participation in decision-making. But success in this domain depends on professionalism, and therefore further training and skills are needed.
Further necessary improvements must also be made in the areas of: programme substance, news handling and evaluation, diversification of news sources, utilization of technical facilities to meet the long-term objectives of the project. Field productions should include programmes related to district and gewog fora, local cultural events, and features concerning women in development. Aside from programmes on and by women, all programmes should reflect a concern for women as a viable and contributing partner to the development process. The computer networking and operations, should be completed; priority should be given to starting
the library and AV archive operation." (Executive summary)
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"The Tripartite mission review of community media centres in Banga, Ibajay and Laurel, and discussions with representatives of Batanes and Olutanga have shown that the project has basically fulfilled its development and immediate objectives. An exp
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erimental methodology has been established based on the varied experiences of setting up the first five stations. Wherever possible, trainers and researchers are recruited from the regions where the sites are located, backed up by experienced consultants recruited in Manila. While guidelines for the setting up of community media centres have been drafted, these notes are still being updated and improved, as n ew experiences bring in improved methods or show new challenging situations. Collaboration with the national cooperators has been cohesive and productive. The Project Management Team has also focussed on developing a network of local cooperators to spread the idea of community radio, and to root research and training work on a firm anchorage of local specialists and institutions. This has not only produced a broad team of cooperators but has also netted significant savings in the use of project resources, while ensuring an implementation team w h o better understand the local ideosyncrasies. Every effort has been taken in this project to demystify radio and newspaper work, using simple equipment and production methods. Special use has been made of the karaoke (a singalong cassette console with loudspeaker) for producing the flagship programme of all stations, Baranggayan sa Hintpapawid. While maintaining simplicity, the project should not lose sight of professionalism in radio production, in choice of equipment, production techniques and regular transmission. Maintaining a high technical quality will be especially important for F M broadcasting which provides clean signals and can exaggerate even small technical faults. Professionalism will also be necessary for maintaining the respect of other commercial stations in the broadcast areas. Ways are also being studied to link up with established commercial stations for news and programme exchange." (Executive summary)
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