About
BACKGROUND
Established in 1997, Radio Sagarmatha is the first independent community radio station in South Asia. Broadcasting daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM from its studio in Lalitpur, it has evolved into one of Nepal’s most credible and independent community media platforms.
Radio Sagarmatha received its broadcasting license after nearly five years of persistent advocacy. The license came with 17 strict conditions, including a ban on airing news and current affairs, exclusion from economic agendas, and mandatory government content approval. Initially, it was permitted to broadcast only two hours a day using a 100-watt transmitter.
Despite these restrictions, Radio Sagarmatha broke the five-decade-long monopoly of state-owned radio and began reflecting the people’s voice. It pioneered a participatory model that upheld the public’s right to information and encouraged civic dialogue on issues of public concern. It faced resistance from both democratic and authoritarian regimes, but emerged stronger over time, expanding both its mandate and reach. Today, Radio Sagarmatha is more than just a radio station—it is a social movement and a living symbol of struggle for independent community media in Nepal.
The station played a pivotal role during the Save Independent Radio Movement prior to 2005, resisting attempts by the royal regime to suppress community broadcasting. Staying true to its mission, it championed democracy, freedom of expression, rule of law, gender equality, and youth participation in development. Its actions set national and regional benchmarks for public-interest broadcasting.
A defining moment came in December 2005, when the royal regime raided the station for airing an interview with CPN-Maoist Chairman Prachanda via BBC Nepali Service—a long-established content-sharing practice. The military confiscated equipment and arrested journalists. The backlash sparked a nationwide resistance that contributed to the fall of authoritarian control. Since then, Radio Sagarmatha has become even more resilient and influential. It has consistently demonstrated its commitment to public service during times of crisis—playing a vital role in informing and supporting communities during major events such as the People’s Movement, the 2015 earthquake, the COVID-19 pandemic, floods, landslides, and various other natural and humanitarian disasters.
REACH
Radio Sagarmatha broadcasts from Lalitpur with coverage extending throughout the Kathmandu Valley and surrounding districts. A 2006 Equal Access survey confirmed reception in areas including Makwanpur, Chitwan, Dhading, Sindhuli, Nuwakot, Rasuwa, Sindhupalchowk, Dolakha, Ramechhap, Solukhumbu, Okhaldhunga, Bara, Rautahat, and Gorkha. The signal reaches over 2.5 million regular listeners and has the potential to reach more than 10 million through partner community radios across the country.
Digitally, Radio Sagarmatha now reaches a global audience, particularly among the Nepali diaspora, through its website: www.radiosagarmatha.org.np.
TECHNOLOGY AND NEW MEDIA
In 1999, Radio Sagarmatha became Nepal’s first radio station to transition from analog to digital broadcasting. This significantly improved content quality and delivery, setting an early standard for other stations.
It has received technical support from organizations like UNESCO, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), DANIDA, Eco Himal, CRSC/Free Voice (Netherlands), among others.
The station began with a 100-watt transmitter, upgraded to 500 watts, and now broadcasts using a 1000-watt transmitter. Embracing innovation, Radio Sagarmatha now streams its programs online and has adopted a policy of parallel digital transformation—expanding both its traditional FM and digital media capabilities.
RELIABLE MEDIA FOR A CONFUSED AGE
In this era of media convergence and digital disruption, the rise of misinformation, disinformation, deepfakes, and unchecked AI-generated content has created significant confusion and mistrust among audiences. Algorithm-driven platforms often amplify biased or misleading narratives, influenced by economic and political agendas. In such a complex information ecosystem, the role of trusted, independent media like Radio Sagarmatha is more crucial than ever.
Radio Sagarmatha has consistently fulfilled its public responsibility by producing and broadcasting high-quality news, informative programs, and critical discussions grounded in truth, accountability, and public interest. It emphasizes the use of diverse and credible sources, ensures rigorous verification, and upholds professional integrity—even in the face of rapid technological change, including artificial intelligence.
Over the years, prominent personalities such as former Supreme Court Justice Laxman Aryal, Chief Election Commissioner Bishnu Pratap Shah, and former Auditor General Bishnu Bahadur KC have contributed to the station as program hosts. Likewise, Professor D.P. Bhattarai, senior journalist Bhairav Risal, and satirist Chatyang Master have also played vital roles. Today, scientists, environmentalists, medical professionals, consumer rights advocates, and former administrators continue this legacy, enriching the station’s content with expertise, credibility, and a deep commitment to the public good.
Volunteers and other skilled professionals have been producing key flagship radio programs such as Ajaka Kura (Today’s Talk), Dabali (Discussion Forum), news bulletins like Halchal, Radio Khabar Patrika (Newspaper Review), and various other programs in Nepali, Nepal Bhasa, and Tamang languages—reflecting the station’s deep connection to the diverse communities it serves.
NETWORK
Radio Sagarmatha serves as the backbone of a growing network of over 50 affiliated community radio stations across Nepal. It plays a catalytic role in strengthening grassroots broadcasting and promoting civic engagement. In the era of Web 3.0 and big data, Radio Sagarmatha can now share its content seamlessly with partner stations across the country through internet-based distribution platforms, expanding its reach and impact.
The station is a member of the Association of Community Radio Broadcasters Nepal (ACORAB) and the World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (AMARC).
OPERATION
Radio Sagarmatha is operated under the umbrella of the Nepal Forum of Environmental Journalists (NEFEJ), which played a foundational role in its establishment and continues to oversee it at the policy level.
In a historic milestone, Ms. Urbasi Basnyat was appointed Station Manager after 25 years of operation—becoming the first woman to lead the station. Her leadership signifies a new chapter in the station’s gender-inclusive governance.
GOVERNANCE
The Radio Sagarmatha Board is the highest governing body, responsible for setting institutional policies and appointing the Station Manager. It is chaired by Dr. Ghama Raj Luitel, a senior journalist, founding member of the station, and a respected academician.
The Board is composed through a unique participatory structure:
- NEFEJ Nominations (4 members):
- Must include the NEFEJ Treasurer (ex officio)
- Must include at least one woman
- Selected from individuals with significant contributions to broadcasting
- Board Nominations (2 members): One nominated from a gathering of Friends of Radio Sagarmatha (Radio ka Sathi), One selected from among respected members of society who have contributed to the station or hold potential to do so and must include at least one woman.
- Station Manager Serves as ex officio Secretary of the Board
Current Board of Radio Sagarmatha:
- Dr. Ghama Raj Luitel – Chairperson
- Sangeeta Lama – Senior Journalist
- Somnath Lamichhane – Senior Journalist, RSS
- Bhisma Raj Ojha – Journalist; Treasurer, NEFEJ
- Dr. Meena Paudel – Gender and Migration Expert
- Shraddha Thapa Magar – Representative, Lalitpur Metropolitan City
- Urbasi Basnyat – Station Manager (ex officio Secretary)
FRIENDS OF RADIO SAGARMATHA (Radio ka Sathi)
Radio Sagarmatha encourages civic participation through its Friends of Radio Sagarmatha program. This initiative promotes participatory governance and community ownership. Interested individuals can become a Friend of Radio Sagarmatha by contacting the station’s office in Lalitpur and paying a nominal annual membership fee. Friends are eligible to:
- Nominate one representative to the Radio Board via their gathering
- Provide regular feedback on programs
- Contribute to content development and community outreach
This participatory model enhances transparency, accountability, and strengthens the democratic ethos of the station.
OBJECTIVES OF RADIO SAGARMATHA
The followings are the broader objectives of Radio Sagarmatha:
- Promote social justice
- Be the voice of the voiceless
- Advocate for environmental protection, climate change action, and sustainable development
- Bridge the gap between policy and grassroots voices
- Promote good governance and rule of law
- Strengthen human rights, pluralism, and democratic values
- Foster a culture of open discussion and social dialogue from local to national levels
- Inform and educate the public on issues of social and national importance
BROADCASTER–LISTENER RELATIONSHIP
Radio Sagarmatha enjoys a dynamic relationship with its listeners, cutting across rural, urban, and semi-urban sectors. Its audience includes political leaders, civil society members, bureaucrats, intellectuals, professionals, farmers, and laborers—reflecting its inclusive ethos.
Listeners actively contribute to programming through social media platforms, calls, emails, studio visits, and live discussions. Field reporters gather community voices, and programs are continuously refined based on audience feedback.
