Thendral Community Radio: By the People, For the People!

Since its launch in early 2014, Thendral, a Nalamdana-supported community radio station has been broadcasting on a range of health and social issues to the greater Neelankarai community, reaching nearly 28,500 listeners daily through 16 hours of continuous programming. Thendral’s audience has grown by leaps and bounds, as has the extent of community involvement in the station. One of its programs, Magale Unakkaga (This One’s For You, Daughter!), was featured in a leading Chennai newspaper, The Hindu, earlier this month (see here). Designed and produced by women from the Chinna Nilangarai Kuppam fishing community, the program explores issues affecting women living in the community through expert interviews, skits, songs, and quizzes. Magale Unakkaga symbolizes Thendral’s vision of a community radio that is truly driven and owned by the community.