Kerala child rights panel all set to launch Internet radio for children
Come June 18, children in the State can listen to an Internet radio being launched by the Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KeSCPCR) exclusively for them.
Radio Nellikka will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
Programme schedule
The Internet radio will begin with four hours of programming initially that can be heard from anywhere in the world. New programmes will be broadcast from Monday to Friday while repeat programmes will be aired on Saturday and Sunday.
The idea of Internet radio for children was first conceived during the previous tenure of KeSCPCR chairperson K.V. Manoj Kumar, who, inspired by various local radio groups among children, thought of translating the idea to a wider canvas, especially considering the commission's reach. The idea is finally coming to fruition in Mr. Kumar's second tenure.
The launch of the radio assumes greater significance especially against the backdrop of growing mental health challenges, ills of substance abuse, perils of cyberdom, increasing social media addiction and rise in suicides by children.
Mr. Manoj Kumar says that as the commission has its objective creation of a child-friendly Kerala, messages and promotions towards that, laws related to children, commission's orders, and children's rights and responsibilities will all be dealt with during the various programmes intended to reach children through parents.
The idea is to reach out to people through messages on children's protection, education, and empowerment.
The commission also hopes to put across its orders to society without risks of misinterpretation through the radio, says Mr. Manoj Kumar.
Speeches by prominent personalities and interactions with experts will be broadcast to examine aspects related to child safety and prevention of violence and abuse against them.
The commission will prepare segments related to its orders and news and other official matters. An internal committee has been formed to analyse the programmes broadcast.
However, the commission intends to educate as well as entertain through the initiative. Even then, directions have been given to ensure that the content is child-friendly.
Listeners can tune in to the radio aby time that suits them. The programmes will be ad-free. From 7 a.m. to 8 a.m., they can hear Right Turn, a programme on children's rights and laws. It will be followed by a phone-in programme 'Immini valya karyam' that will feature real-life stories, conversations, and interactions. 'Akaashadooth' can be heard from 12 noon to 1 p.m. Children, parents, and teachers will share their joys doubts, and troubles through letters in this slot.
Uncle Boss from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. is a radio chat where questions can be asked by children to their problems and apprehensions.
All these programmes will be repeated the same day.
To reach 25 lakh families
The commission hopes to reach out to 25 lakh families in the State initially.
Radio Nellikka can be downloaded from Play Store on Android phones and App Store in iPhones. On computers, go to radionellikka.com
E-mail radionellikka@gmail,com for sending mails for 'Akaashadooth' and call 9993338602 for 'Immini Valya Karyam' and 'Uncle Boss.'
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