Kathmandu, May 23

Radio Sagarmatha 102.4 MHZ, the first independent community radio in entire South Asia, has completed its 20 years of broadcasting.

The radio had begun its first broadcasting as the first independent community radio of South Asia on May 22, 1997.

The radio is run by Nepal Forum of Environmental Journalists.

NEFEJ marked the 20th anniversary of Radio Sagarmatha today by organising a programme. Speaking at the programme, one of the founders and senior environmental journalist Bhairab Risal recalled the beginning stage of Radio Sagarmatha.

Radio Sagarmatha had got the license following nearly half-a-decade of struggle, with as many as 17 conditions.  Radio Sagarmatha was not allowed to broadcast news and reports on current affairs.

The permit was issued allowing broadcast time of two hours a day using 100 watt transmitter.

“But Radio Sagamatha soon started talking the language of the people by breaking the monopoly of the government-owned radio.” it stated. It started its mission by giving voice to the people by respecting the right of the people to information while also giving them voice on issues of public concern.

However, it was not a joy ride for Radio Sagarmatha since it had to face a number of obstacles and hardship coming to it from both democratic and regressive regimes. But it came out successful in both expanding its mandate and area of work.