Doordarshan mulls making prog to empower people LWE-hit areas

Public service broadcaster Doordarshan is looking into the possibility of collaborating with various stakeholders to make programmes to empower people living in areas affected by Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), a senior official said today.

"Social sector organisations, the UNICEF, community radio, the United Nations and its supported agencies, various ministries and even district collectors have created contents on LWE areas and why not collaborate to empower people. Such collaboration would have greater impact," Doordarshan Director-General Supriya Sahu said.

The DG was speaking at the release of UNICEF's Communication for Development Report 2013-17.

"In coming days, we will be looking in to the possibilities of collaborating with various stakeholders to create such content," she said, adding Doordharshan already has a collaboration with the UNICEF.

"Through 126 episodes we showcased an entertainment series Adha Full. In the programme, we talked about all issues that affect adolescents in a contemporary way. Similarly, there is a need to synergise efforts for this cause," Sahu said.

A review of all contents is needed which can be used to make interesting programmes that can attract audience in such areas to empower them, she added.

The report by the UNICEF's Communication for Development (C4D) programme presents the progress made by its efforts during cycle 2013-17 in 15 states on four pillars - system strengthening, capacity development, knowledge management and media-based initiatives.

The C4D integrates social and behaviour change communication (SBCC) approaches, strategies and activities with health, nutrition, water, sanitation, hygiene, child protection, education and disaster reduction programmes of UNICEF India.

As part of the event, a case study report from all the 15 states was also released.