Broadcasting Live Radio Programs on Disaster Preparedness and Response through Community Radio Stations: Guideline

Noting that community radio may have the ability to broadcast when other media or mobile networks fail to communicate, this guide from the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) seeks to help governmental organisations (GOs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to provide accurate and timely information during disasters - in part by conducting live/phone-in programmes.

It emerges from Shongjog, a multi-stakeholder platform on communication with communities formed in July 2015 among more than 30 disaster response stakeholders in Bangladesh. Led by the Department of Disaster Management (DDM), it seeks to advocate for and coordinate activities around two-way communication and information sharing in humanitarian response and preparedness in Bangladesh. The platform undertook development of these guidelines in line with the United Kingdom (UK)-based Disaster Emergency Preparedness Program (DEPP). Both BBC Media Action and DEPP provided technical and financial support for the publication.

The guidelines are practical and are based on concrete suggestions for broadcasters, such as using the VOICE standard when preparing a live programme during a time of disaster. It stands for: V (Value) - the programme values listeners from small and marginalised communities, both male and female, and presents disaster-affected people with special honour (as they are fighting for their survival); O (Opportunity) - the programme provides disaster-affected people the opportunity to speak and be heard on all matters; I (Information) - the programme presents timely, specific, and practical information in a simple and clear manner; C (Consistent and Convenient) - the programme maintains a sequence in its presentation and is aired at a time when both male and female listeners can take part; and E (Entertaining) - the programme is memorable and is created to attract audience attention from beginning to end.

Contents include:

Chapter 1:

• Audience-friendly programmes
• Setting the objective of the programme
• Method for setting objectives
• Nature of effective programme
• Necessary elements of a good live programme
• Research and planning for a listener-friendly live programme

Chapter 2:

• Concept of Lifeline programme
• Traditional programme vs. Lifeline programme
• Demand of information for the affected people

Chapter 3:

• Production of call-in/life radio programme
• General rules for writing script
• Presentation
• Use of microphone
• Storytelling

Chapter 4:

• Interview
• Fundamental steps
• Making questions

Chapter 5:

• Format of the programme

Chapter 6:

• Ethics and code of conduct
• Ethics or code of conduct for children
• Ethics or code of conduct for women

Chapter 7:

• Monitoring and evaluating the radio programme
• Feedback methodology