Research Study Abstract

Title: Evaluation of Effectiveness and Outcomes of Nepal Network of FM Stations
Document Reference: researchstudy3.pdf

Executive Summary & Findings

Research Study: Evaluation of Effectiveness and Outcomes of Nepal Network of FM
Stations (A Study conducted to evaluate the Project implemented by PANOS South Asia
and Communication Corner)

Funding Partner: PANOS South Asia

The broader objective of this study commissioned by PANOS South Asia (PSA) to IGD is to study
the effectiveness of PSA in the capacity of Technical Management and Production Capacity
Building of Nepal Network of FM stations project; to gauge successes achieved by CC in the task
of enhancing technical capacity of Radio and Satellite Network of Nepal and to measure success
in achieving the goal of bringing about people’s participation and inclusion by empowering the
media.

The objectives of the study are
 To evaluation is to evaluate the implementation of the various activities under the project
and the overall achievement of the project goal
 To study the effectiveness of PSA in the capacity of Technical Management and Production
Capacity Building of Nepal Network of FM Stations Project
 Gauge success level achieved by CC in the task of Enhancing Capacity of Radio and
Satellite Network of Nepal.
 Measure success in achieving the main project goal of bringing about people’s participation
and inclusion by empowering the media.

Methodology
Basically, qualitative approach was employed to conduct the study. In depth interviews and focus
group discussion were used as major qualitative tools to collect relevant tools and information.
 Sampling Design
The FM Stations had been selected from the five development regions representing both plains,
hills, and mountain tracts of the country. Care had been taken to ensure that the FM radios
represented both community and commercial.

Region
District
Radio Stations
Type
Eastern
Terai
Sunsari
Saptakoshi FM
Commercial
Jhapa
Kanchanjungha FM
Commercial
Jhapa
Saptarangi FM
Community
Hill
Illam
Illam FM
Community
Central
Terai
Chitwan
Synergy FM
Commercial
Mountain
Dolakha
Kalika FM/Radio Tribeni
Commercial
Hill
Makawanpur
Radio Palung
Community
Pratidhwani FM
Commercial
Mountain
Dolakha
Radio Kalinchok
Community
Western
Terai
Rupandehi
Radio Lumbini
Community
Butwal FM
Commercial
Hill
Palpa
Radio Madanpokhara
Community

Shreenagar FM
Commercial
Kaski
Annapurna
FM/Machhapuchhre FM
Commercial
Himchuli FM
Community
Midwest
Terai
Banke
Bageswari FM
Commercial
Radio Bheri Aawaj
Community
Hill
Surkhet
Bulbule FM
Community
Radio Bheri
Community
Far-West
Terai
Kanchanpur
Suklafata FM
Community
Kailali
Dinesh FM
Commercial
Ghodaghodi FM
Community
Mountain
Acham
Radio Ramaroshan
Community

 Target Group
I. Producers, Managers and Technicians of FM Radio Stations –
This TG provided with information on the effectiveness of the project in achieving the goal
of capacity building of broadcasters. A total of 50 IDDs was carried out across 25 FM
Stations. FM Stations were drawn randomly from an exhaustive list of FM Radio Stations
provided by PSA. Due representation of all the five Developmental Regions and three
ecological zones shall be borne in mind while sampling the Stations. However, the IDDs
were carried out in the same districts as the FGDs among the Community.
A balance of Commercial and Community Radio was sought to be achieved.

II. Listeners Groups / Communities - Communities would be contacted in order to estimate
the level of success achieved towards the goal of mass inclusion / participation at the grass
roots level.
The mode of contact here will be FGDs. Trained moderators will be recruited for the
purpose. Representation of various groups will be taken care of at this phase to avoid
over/under representation of a particular community.
A total of 30 FGDs will be carried out across 15 districts.

The Major Key Findings

It was found that all stakeholders/informants for this study reported that technical
equipment supports have enhanced the technical capacity of the FM stations.

Most of the radio technicians feel that their FM stations are in better equipped condition
technically than before, and the FM stations’ technical capacity has improved.
 All the FM station managers reported that the new media technology have improved
program transmission and recording in terms of increased reliability to satellite link for
broadcasting of the central programs, improved transmission quality and easy recording.
 The new media technology and the central programs have increased the coverage area and
popualrity of the radio stations. The listnership have incerased.
 The direct access to the central programs is cost-effective for the local FM stations, and it
has also increased financial sources for some FM stations.

Policy Implications

Findings from this empirical study were presented at national policy roundtables and distributed to relevant ministries, parliamentary committees, and development partners to guide evidence-based policy making in Nepal.