Sustainability of community radios in Nepal

Abstract

Radio broadcasting in Nepal began in 1951 with state-owned Radio Nepal, but the democratic opening after 1990 spurred the growth of community radios as non-profit, community-owned platforms. The launch of Radio Sagarmatha in 1997 marked the start of South Asia’s community radio movement, positioning these radios as vital tools for civic engagement, cultural preservation, and social transformation.

Today, community radios face sustainability challenges. Against this backdrop, this study employs a qualitative design, combining a desk review with in-depth interviews with seven key informants, including radio station managers, board members, journalists, and representatives of the Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (ACORAB). Findings reveal a declining number of active stations, widespread dormancy, staff shortages, weak governance, falling content quality, financial instability, and limited digital adoption. Advertising revenues have shifted online, donor support has declined, and government engagement remains inconsistent and politicized.

Despite these constraints, community radios retain both symbolic and practical significance. The study concludes that sustaining these stations demands urgent policy and programmatic interventions to strengthen financial viability, governance, and digital integration, ensuring their continued role as platforms for empowerment, participation, and social justice.