Assertion (A): The community radio stations are not yielding the kind of results that the protagonists had expected.
Reason (R): No feasibility study was done before establishing the community radio stations.
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true.
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(C) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
(D) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Correct Ans: (B)
Explanation:
Community radio stations in India have not delivered the expected results. Although they aim to empower local communities by providing relevant and participatory content, many struggle with sustainability and engagement.
Moreover, several challenges hinder their success. Limited funding makes it difficult for stations to maintain quality programming. Many community radios operate with minimal resources, affecting their reach and impact. Additionally, regulatory restrictions limit their ability to generate revenue through advertisements, making financial sustainability a major concern.
Furthermore, lack of awareness and low community participation weaken the effectiveness of these stations. Many potential listeners remain unaware of their existence or do not find the content engaging. Without strong community involvement, these stations fail to fulfill their purpose.
Although feasibility studies are important, their absence is not the sole reason for these challenges. Some stations were established with detailed research but still struggle due to financial constraints, content quality, and operational limitations. The real issues lie in execution, policy restrictions, and audience engagement rather than just the initial planning phase.
Overall, both statements are true, but the reason does not fully explain the assertion. While feasibility studies could have helped in some cases, the primary factors affecting community radio stations include financial struggles, low awareness, and restrictive regulations. Addressing these challenges is crucial to improving the impact of community radio in India.