Assessment of Sustainability in Community Radio: An Indian Perspective

Abstract

This study evaluates the sustainability of Community Radio (CR) stations in India by developing a comprehensive assessment tool—CR-SAC (Community Radio – Sustainability Assessment Criteria). Drawing from a multidisciplinary framework, it identifies four critical dimensions of sustainability: institutional, social, financial, and technical. Each dimension is broken down into five categories, further subdivided into measurable indicators, enabling a holistic evaluation. Grounded in qualitative and quantitative methodologies, the research analyzes the roles of governance, community participation, financial management, and technical infrastructure in sustaining CR initiatives. The study categorizes CR stations based on performance scores into five tiers—ranging from “Model” to “Struggling.” Findings reveal that community engagement and institutional robustness are as vital as financial viability. The study offers a practical framework for policymakers, media practitioners, and academic researchers to enhance the long-term viability of CR stations.