Marking a new chapter in JGU’s community outreach, Jindal School of Journalism & Communication (JSJC) has established JGU’s community radio station on the occasion of World Radio Day. Radio JSJC 90.8 MHz went on air from February 13. You can also listen to our online streaming at https://radiojsjc.airtime.pro/
The station's broadcast reach will extend to not just the JGU campus but a 15-kilometer radius around the campus. The radio plans to create extension programmes enabling community voices and community participation.
Community radio is a space for local conversations, local information, and a way to amplify voices that are otherwise marginalised. The concept is inspired by global examples to hyper-localise radio content in languages that make it more accessible, participatory and accurate.
In 2002, the Government of India through a new policy enabled educational institutions to operate community radio stations with the aim of serving the interests of communities in and around their campus. The purpose of the radio is to provide a forum for sharing, collaborating as well as amplifying local voices as well as providing a platform for students and faculty to be creative and innovative.
Radio JSJC is a JGU-wide student-led and faculty-supervised initiative. During the current phase, students from JSJC will be presenting and producing programmes. JSJC will also collaborate with everyone on the campus to celebrate the diversity of voices in JGU.
Radio JSJC: A write-up by Manya JSJC '23, student broadcaster
Every time my co-host and I step into the studio, it feels like a fresh start: another day, another broadcast, another opportunity to connect. We press the On Air button, adjust our mics, and let the conversation flow.
Radio has always had a magical way of bringing people together. Here at JGU, our very own community radio station broadcasting at 90.8 MHz does exactly that. Unlike commercial stations with their fast-paced, ad-driven content, or public service radio with its structured programming, community radio is raw, real, and deeply personal. It's where the stories of our people come alive.
When I first joined Radio JSJC, I thought it would be all about speaking into a mic and maybe playing some music. But it turned out to be so much more. From brainstorming content to recording interviews, from editing raw recordings to promoting our shows, every day is different. The best part is, that we run it all ourselves: students with a passion for storytelling, guided by experienced faculty.
We host a variety of shows that cater to every kind of listener. Our morning show, Sonipat Sunrise, is where I spend most of my time, bringing daily updates and engaging discussions to our audience. Then there's Flavours Far and Near, a journey through global cuisine; and Tech Trends, which keeps everyone updated on the latest innovations. Democracy Divided breaks down political affairs, while Green Planet covers environmental issues. And, Campus Chronicles is where the heart of student life beats the loudest.
At Radio JSJC, students get a space to experiment, collaborate, and put their ideas into action. Each show is run by a team of two or three producers who handle everything from planning to production. How they work depends on whether their show airs daily or weekly, but a process is in place to keep things organised and engaging.
Producing Sonipat Sunrise is a demanding task. Each morning, my team and I gather in the studio to curate information that we think is relevant and important for our listeners. Unlike our weekly programmes, which allow for more preparation, a daily show requires quick decision-making and efficient execution. We go through newspapers, monitor social media, and check university bulletins to curate stories that are relevant and timely.
Scripting also needs to be concise, engaging, and adaptable for spontaneous discussions. As soon as one show ends, planning for the next begins, leaving little time to pause. It's a fast-paced, demanding process, but also an invaluable experience for anyone looking to build a career in broadcasting.
Radio JSJC isn't just about students: it's about the entire Sonipat community. We're working hard to create programming that reflects local voices, collaborating with residents to tell their stories and highlight their concerns. Whether it is featuring a small business owner, discussing local issues, or celebrating cultural traditions, our goal is to make sure that the community hears itself on the airwaves.
