Edi community radio in Sarpang struggles to stay afloat
KINLEY KHANDU CHODEN | Thimphu
As Bhutan’s media landscape undergoes rapid digital transformation, community radio stations across the country are facing an uncertain future, with financial instability emerging as a critical challenge.
At the Bhutan Media Forum, held under the theme “Media in the Age of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation,” concerns over the sustainability of community media were brought into sharp focus, particularly the lack of adequate funding.
Jambay Tshering, manager and programme producer of Edi Community Radio, said financial constraints remain the station’s most pressing concern.
“Lack of adequate funds is the main challenge faced by community radio,” he said.
Located in Dechenpelri under Samtenling Gewog in Sarpang, Edi Community Radio FM 91.01 MHz serves displaced indigenous communities whose voices are often absent from mainstream media. Established in December 2015 and formally inaugurated in March 2016 by Her Majesty Gyalyum Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, the station was created to provide a platform for local expression and communication.
Over the years, it has evolved into a vital medium for preserving culture, traditions, and oral histories, while fostering community engagement and awareness.
The station serves the Edi community, comprising 49 households. Today, Edi Dechenpelri is surrounded by four chiwogs—Samtenling, Khempagang, Samtenthang, and Chokhorling—with a combined population of around 3,568.
In Bhutan, community radio stations are typically limited to a coverage range of about seven kilometres and operate with a maximum effective radiated power (ERP) of either 20-watt or 10-watt transmitters to serve local communities.
Edi Community Radio operates with a 10-watt transmitter. However, due to the plain terrain, its signal extends beyond the expected range, reaching Taraythang, Umling, Chuzargang, Sershong, and Gelephu Gewog.
“The Community Radio serves as vital tools for rural communities focusing on preserving culture and tradition, ancient history, folk songs, stories and empowerment of marginalised voices,” Jambay Tshering said. “Making unheard people to be heard.”
Beyond cultural preservation, the station also addresses key social issues, including women’s empowerment, child rights, teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, and mental health. Its role became particularly significant during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Edi Community Radio plays versatile roles during Covid-19, reaching out information on healthcare and essential information,” he said.
Despite its contributions, the station operates under severe financial constraints. For over a decade, it has largely been sustained through the efforts of a single individual, without salary or financial benefits.
“I am the only one who runs Edi Radio since its start running 10 years 4 months without any salary and benefits,” he said.
The lack of funding has also affected volunteer retention. While some individuals initially joined the station, most left within a short period due to the absence of remuneration.
“Other volunteers served 2 to 3 months and left due to funds issues like salary and other benefits,” he said.
Efforts to secure financial and institutional support have yielded little success. According to Tshering, repeated requests to both government and local authorities for assistance have not been met.
“In Bhutan, community radio stations face significant challenges, the Government and Local Government refuse requests on funding, skills training,” he said.
Financial limitations have also constrained technical capacity. Without sufficient resources for maintenance and upgrades, broadcasting is frequently disrupted.
“Listeners experience statics, dropped out, imbalanced sounds and frequent technical glitches,” he said. “When a critical piece of equipment fails, the station may go silent for days or weeks because it lacks financial assistance for a quick repair.”
Such disruptions have gradually affected listener engagement and trust. At the same time, the rise of digital platforms has contributed to a decline in radio audiences.
“The number of listeners also dropped dramatically due to digital era,” he said.
Limited resources have further restricted the station’s ability to promote its programmes and expand its reach.
“There is no budget to promote the station or its programs, even if quality content is provided, potential listeners may not know it exists,” he said.
Despite these challenges, the station continues to deliver awareness programmes on critical issues, including natural disasters and public health.
“We have awareness programs on floods, landslides, earthquake, safe drinking water, waste management and sanitation,” Jambay Tshering said. “We also have programs on fake news, fake messages, fake calls, scams and rumours.”
While Edi Community Radio remains an essential platform for local voices, its future depends on sustained financial and institutional support.
“The effects of funding on a community radio station’s ability to produce and broadcast quality content is profound,” he said. “Quality content doesn’t appear from the air it requires skilled, dedicated people.”
As discussions at the Bhutan Media Forum highlight, the survival of community radio stations like Edi will depend on whether these structural challenges are addressed.
“The most pressing challenge for community radio is securing enough funds to survive,” he said.
