UNESCO, in partnership with the Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcast (MIB), the Community Radio Forum (CRF) and the Ford Foundation, convened the 3rd Indian National Consultation on Community Radio. The event took place from 13 to 15 December 2010 at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), New Delhi.

The purpose of the consultation was to bring about an informed debate about the policy and administrative changes that are necessary to overcome challenges being faced by community radio stations today. The consultation aimed at carving out a new roadmap for mainstreaming community radio as an effective outreach tool, also empowering disadvantaged communities. The discussions focused on such issues as streamlining the licensing process; funding and sustainability; capacity building and appropriate technology, roles of different stakeholders in strengthening the community radio movement.

The event brought together community broadcasters and community members already engaged in grassroots initiatives, non-governmental organizations, government officials and policy makers, academics, UN agencies, and bilateral donors, who discussed the future of the community radio in the Indian sub-continent.

Resource persons from Asia and other parts of the world shared their experiences and models of best practice related to community radio management and sustainability, as well as to technical requirements. Participants were engaged in discussions that helped design joint strategies and define the role of stakeholders in strengthening the community radio movement.