Making of Ab To Hum Janenge – Radio Series Phase 2

The autumn issue of the Newsletter discussed the conceptualisation of CHRI’s in house radio production on Right to Information (RTI) called Ab To Hum Janenge -Now We Will Know. The programme was first on air on Vividha Bharati Network covering 29 stations in the Hindi belt. CHRI got good responses from its listeners and the feedback encouraged us to undertake an intensive campaign in two Hindi speaking states where CHRI has a network and strategic presence. The second round of airing in the select two states was followed by Focused Group Discussions with our networks to assess the impact of the programme and to involve them and their ideas in future radio programmes. The successful airing of the radio programmes for the second time makes us believe that the method and strategy adopted to disseminate information through the radio could well be emulated by organisations who would like to promote their activities and programmes not only on Right to Information, but also on other diverse issues.

Airing in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh

This phase of focussed airing covered all the stations in the 2 states of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. CHRI’s networks and offices in both states assisted in pre-publicity, promotion and feedback analysis. The second phase of broadcasting did not include any paid pre-publicity via All India Radio (AIR). Instead, we adopted a concrete and measurable method of pre-publicity via our networks present in the states that helped us cut down on costs. We wanted to experiment with the focussed and direct approach in targeting audiences. And it worked well. The effect was even better than simply airing spots on AIR which may or may not be heard and understood by the audience. The pamphlets distributed had not just details of the programme, but also information about RTI and its usage. Other promotional activities included sticking bills at important public places, regular announcements at village level panchayat meets, and communicating through regular seminars organised by our offices in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The pre-publicity activities started 10 days before the broadcast of the first episode, building enough anticipation in the air before the airing of the series.

Feedback

The airing of the programmes was followed by focus group discussions in different districts of both states. The groups participated enthusiastically and actively discussed problems pertaining to RTI. CHRI staff cleared all queries and held discussions on the content and structure of the programme which we intend to incorporate in our future programmes.

CHRI also tried to disseminate its publications and other educational materials, by airing 20 sec spots with AIR for 15 days at National hook up, daily, just before the Hindi News at 8 am. The spot encouraged people to order educational material on RTI and carry forward the message through their own means and media. The response was overwhelming with more than 50 emails received in a week, not just ordering publications, but also discussing their specific problems in connection to RTI. CHRI’s RTI team is working on providing solutions to their problems, helping draft their applications, and guiding them to follow up with their filed applications.

Communications Received

While most letters requested copies of our publications, many showed keen interest in understanding more about particular provisions of the RTI Act, and even showed willingness to be associated with the campaign. For example, Anuradha Suryakant from Maharashtra requested information on provisions for the physically challenged while Rachna expressed her desire to join the movement and offered help in spreading the awareness. Such letters are received almost on a daily basis and CHRI is happy to report that it is helping these active members tackle issues through RTI and spread the message far and wide. We extend warm thanks to all those who have made it happen. We hope the strategy we have adopted can be replicated in other jurisdictions, as well as in other Indian states, not only on RTI issues but also on other human rights issues.

A Step Further

In order to take this focussed campaign forward and spread the usage of RTI, the series is now being aired in Bihar and Jharkhand covering all stations in both states. Other CHRI initiatives for the season include producing a radio series on good policing and a TV-series on legal literacy.