Community Waves

Community radio has emerged in many parts of the world, thanks to its use by grassroots movements to reach their constituencies in the community. Until recently, this emergence has not been seen in Mozambique. However, after many years of censorship, the open and democratic Mozambican Press Law (in effect since 1991) radically changed the legal environment in which the country's media operate. Since 1995, a state body, the Mass Communications Institute (ICS), and the Catholic Church have started radios with a community orientation. Increasingly, independent stations, based on civic associations, are beginning to appear.

This book deals with the first stage in this process, the social mobilisation of three community-oriented stations, based on civic organisations controlled by communities in the south, centre, and north of the country. These stations are among the first in Mozambique to be based upon, and controlled by, community structures, and, although initiated by a donor, were set up on the basis of an extensive feeling of community ownership.
Community Waves follows the first two and a half years of mobilisation, including efforts to set up associations, to draft strategic plans, to train large groups of volunteers in both formal and informal programmes, and to acquire physical installations and equipment.

The booklet consists of an introductory chapter, an exploration of the methodology behind the programme, a description of the stations, a discussion of mobilisation and organisation efforts, and a focus on training and strategic planning. Also included are chapters on fundraising, radio profiles, equipment needs, and future challenges.