Empowering the Voiceless: A Systematic Review of Literature on Community Radio’s Impact on Marginalized Communities in India

Abstract

Background: Community radio has emerged as a powerful tool for empowering marginalized communities and facilitating access to information, participation, and development opportunities. Indian communities with varied and marginalized populations have community radio stations to meet their needs. This systematic review aims to critically analyze the existing literature on community radio’s role in serving marginalized communities in India.
Methods: A systematic search of electronic databases, academic journals, and grey literature was conducted to identify relevant studies published between 2013 and 2023. Studies focusing on community radio initiatives targeting marginalized communities in the Indian context were included. The identified literature was analyzed using thematic synthesis to extract key findings and identify common themes.
Results: The review identified 51 studies from different databases that met the inclusion criteria. The findings demonstrated that community radio stations in India play a crucial role in empowering marginalized communities by providing them with a platform for expression, promoting social inclusion, and fostering community development. The literature emphasized the positive impact of community radio on improving access to information, promoting education, empowering women, facilitating grassroots participation, and preserving cultural heritage. Additionally, community radio enhanced community resilience, raised awareness of social issues, and encouraged local governance.
Conclusion: The systematic review shows how vital community radio is for meeting the needs of India’s marginalized groups. The results show how important community radio is to give a voice to people who do not have one, work for social justice, and help communities grow—however, challenges related to sustainability, regulatory frameworks, and limited financial means. Future studies should focus on determining the long-term effects of community radio projects and finding new ways to keep them going and ensure they work in underserved areas.