MUMBAI: Lucknow University is all set to launch its own community radio station.

The Mass Communication department of the university had received the grant of permission agreement from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The station has received its letter of intent two weeks ago and it will start operating within six months.

Dr Mukul Srivastava, a faculty member in the mass communication department says, The department had applied for a licence around one-and-a-half-years ago, but could get clearance only now....

The community radio will hit the airwaves for two to three hours a day in the afternoon and the content will include planning programmes on health, career counselling and culture among others. University notices like dates of examinations or the number of seats left for counseling will also be announced on air. Broadcasting lectures of eminent personalities and entertaining complaints of the marginalised in a phone-in programme is also on the cards 

The scope of radio journalism is increasing gradually. This will be a great opportunity for our students to learn the techniques of radio journalism,... Srivastava added

The target audience of the station will be the university students, scholars and teachers. The service will cover a radius of 20 km 

The frequency is expected to be allotted by August or September. Once we get that, the proposal for equipment will be tabled in front of the university administration. We will also approach UNICEF for the purpose,... Srivastava said  The equipment, comprising a transmitter, recorder, microphone and a sound proof studio among others, will cost Rs two to 2.5 million, he said.