[Reader-list] Indian Language Radio stations in Countries with people of Indian origin

[Aman Malik]

Hi,
 I am currently in the middle of a research paper that seeks to
wholistically study the dynamics of Indian language radio stations in
countries with substantial populations of Indian origin.
Have listed out a few focus areas, ones which I can think of at this
stage, below. Please note that these are in no way exhaustive.
This is followed by questions that I wish to put forth to anyone who
may be (in any capacity) associated with or knowledgeble about this
topic.
I request all such people to hwlp me in my endeavour by answering
these questions in part or whole.


Indian Language Radio Stations in Countries with substantial
population of Indian origin.

Countries covered: Fiji, Mauritius, South Africa, Trinidad & Tobago,
Singapore, Guyana, New Zealand and Kenya.

Key focus areas

1. The general history of Indian language radio stations in the
aforementioned countries and how it finds resonance with the history
of the population of Indian origin in these countries.
2. Consider the programming of these radio stations from the cultural
standpoint of the local Indian community?
3. How do these radio stations generally operate?
4. Focus on the exact content. What kind of language is generally
used? Is the lingo pure  or a variant. Programming schedule required.
5. What is the exact listener base? What music do the various age
groups listen to?
6. How and where are the anchors trained? Are their training needs sufficient?
7. How does the programming reflect the social dynamics of the Indians
and the indegenous people in these countries?
8. Research more on Worldspace.
9. What inputs do these people get from India? Do they get any help
from the Indian government?
10. What relationship do these people of Indian origin enjoy with
India? Are there any biases and/or prejudices and are they in any
manner reflected in the dynamics of these radio stations and/or their
programs in any manner whatsoever?


Questions:  
1. When and how were the Indian language radio stations started in
your country? Please give a brief historical perspective.
2. What degree of importance does radio hold in your country when
considered from an overall perspective? How well does it fair when it
comes to the media as a whole?
3. How many such radio stations operate in your country? Please name
them and kindly indicate against each name whether it is owned by the
government or privately owned.
4. Was the initiative to start the Indian language stations taken
first by the government or the private sector?  Was there any
opposition from the indigenous people or were they supportive of the
need of the Indian community to have exclusive media channels?
5. Please comment on the relationship between the people of Indian
origin resident in your country and the societal dynamics between
people of Indian origin and others, that prevail in your country.
6. Does the above relationship have any bearing on the media of your
country? Please comment.
7. How important are such radio stations from a cultural standpoint?
8. Are they an important cultural link with India and do they in any
way aid in the preservation of culture of the people of Indian origin?
9. Is the language used "pure" or is it a corrupted version of an
Indian language?
10. Do the indigenous people form a part of the target audience?
11. What are the penetration percentages of such radio stations in
population terms?
12. What kinds of programmes are aired on radio? (Genre of programmes
like Pop, Hindi Filmi, Ghazal, Drama etc)
13. Where do the announcers receive their training? Are any of them
trained in India?
14. Do Indian language stations make enough money so as to remain an
economically viable proposition? Could you quote some financial
figures (a broad overview would suffice)?
15. Please indicate as to how exactly is music or any other Indian
content that forms a part of the programme actually sourced? Is some
or all of it sourced form India or are there alternate sources?
16. Are Indian cultural factors unique to the people of Indian origin
in your country (such as Chutney music of Trinidad & Tobago)
represented in the radio programmes? Please explain briefly.
17.  Has the Indian government been of any help to the Indian language
radio stations of your country? Do you think India has done enough or
could more have been done? Please comment.
18. Are similar trends as discussed above visible in Indian language
print and TV media as well? Please comment briefly.



 
Would be greatful for all help extended.
 
Regards,
Aman Malik
New Delhi