THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, APRIL 21, 2026
Emphasising that effective
governance hinges on meaningful communication, Akhil Kumar Mishra, Additional
Director General of the Press Information Bureau (PIB), asserted that community
radio serves as a vital bridge between policy formulation and its delivery to
the grassroots, ensuring last-mile connectivity across diverse communities.
During his visit to Radio
Bhubaneswar (89.2 FM), a community radio station located at Ranga Bazar on the
outskirts of the Capital City of Odisha, Mishra was received by Station Head
Subrat Pati, who provided a comprehensive overview of the station’s operations,
programming, and outreach initiatives. The ADG also engaged with the team,
gaining firsthand insights into the station’s efforts to connect with local
communities and amplify their voices.
Highlighting the transformative
role of community radio, Mishra noted that communication acquires real
significance only when it reaches its intended audience in a clear, accessible,
and relatable manner. He pointed out that Odisha’s expanding presence in the
community radio sector reflects a growing recognition of its effectiveness in
disseminating information about government schemes and developmental programmes
at the grassroots level.
He further observed that by operating in local languages and reflecting cultural nuances, community radio platforms foster deeper engagement and awareness among people, thereby encouraging greater public participation. Stressing the importance of trust and feedback, Mishra said such platforms enable a two-way communication channel, allowing authorities to better understand the concerns and aspirations of citizens.
Describing this participatory approach as essential for responsive governance, he added that it strengthens policy implementation and ensures inclusivity in development. The visit underscored the growing importance of leveraging community radio as a powerful medium for outreach, reinforcing its role in ensuring that government initiatives effectively reach every segment of society.
