AIR Kohima local languages broadcast likely to resume from April 20

A file photo of the AIR News, Kohima’s studio. (Photo Courtesy: AIR News Kohima @allindiaradionewskohima/Facebook)
 

Except for English and Nagamese programme, news in 14 local languages were temporarily suspended relay due to logistics challenges associated with the lockdown 
 

Morung Express News
Kohima | April 18

With most of the interior villages in the state still relying on radio broadcasting for news and information, suspension of news broadcasting of the popular local language/dialect programmes by the All India Radio (AIR) has become a major setback during this COVID-19 pandemic.

As the 21-day nationwide lockdown was announced on March 25, AIR Kohima has temporarily suspended relay of news in 14 local languages, except for the English and Nagamese programme due to logistical problem associated with the current nationwide lockdown.

While this may have little or no impact on the urban populace who have access to various digital sources on information, for those living in far-flung areas with no access to information, radio broadcasting is often the sole source of keeping the communities updated with the latest events.

With the dearth of reliable information brought about by rampant misuse of social media platforms that the state has seen recently, the role of the radio cannot be undermined especially, during emergencies in times like these. 

It is at this time that crisis communication, reliable information and advisory on the ‘dos and don’ts’ of the coronavirus can be relayed in a dialect that is understood by those living in the interior areas, who have no access to television, newspapers and other digital mediums of communication.

State’s IPR intervention 
In this regard, the Department of Information and Public Relation has written to the Head of Office, AIR requesting for continuation of local language/dialect programmes citing that people must be informed on the various steps, directions and advisories of the government, experts and other agencies on a daily basis.

The letter appended by IPR Director Limawati Ao stated that concerns in this regard have also been voiced by the Chief Minister as well as the Chief Secretary of Nagaland.

When contacted, Limawati said the Head of Programme, AIR has been requested to devise an action plan best suited for AIR to resume the broadcast of the local dialect programmes, or at least the news segments, in the interest of keeping the public informed and educated on COVID-19 and other important matters. 

Even though the government has exempted media from the lock down restrictions, there have been incidences where media personnel movements have been restricted by local youths. In this regard, he said, IPR has communicated to the AIR to it would extend help in arrangement of passes and other assistance as required.  

AIR Kohima assures action
Speaking to The Morung Express, Head of Programme, N Kaimang Chang cited some hiccups in the logistics arrangements – conveyance for employees due to the lockdown restrictions and non issuance of identity cards to the ‘contractual employees’ and restriction of movement.

Nonetheless, he said, with the matter highlighted by the IPR on behalf of the government, he assured that arrangements in this regard, would be made and AIR would start news broadcasting in local languages by April 20.