Kathmandu, March 29:

Media persons working at different FM radio stations outside the Valley today said today they are facing various problems due to the lack of enough resources.

“We have only eight reporters and are compelled to use locals as the source of information,” said Tula Adhikary, station manager and news chief of Bageswori FM, Nepalgunj, while addressing an interaction on “FM Radio Journalism: Essence of the Programme” organised by Martin Chautari today.

He said the FM needs at least two dozens reporters, but due to the lack of human resources, they have to rely on readymade news from different sources. “Of 16 news bulletins being aired every day, six bulletins are received from different sources from the Valley,” he said.

Krishna Poudel of Kantipur FM said due to the resource crunch, a team has to make many programmes such as talk shows, news gathering and anchoring. She said FM stations are suffering fund crunch to conduct research.

Junga Bahadur Biswokarma of Jagaran Media Centre said the local FMs have not given priority to the issues of Dalits and Janajatis. However, Dr Surrendra Labh Karna of Janaki FM said the local FM stations have contributed to creating awareness among the marginalised groups.