Radio Sagarmatha starts operating from its own building from today

Kathmandu, May 22: Radio Sagarmatha, the first community FM radio in the South Asia, marked its 20th anniversary by starting to operate from its own building in the Capital today.

Established in May 22, 1997 and run through 102. 4 megahertz by the Nepal Forum of Environmental Journalists (NEFEJ), the radio earlier was operating from a rented building in the Capital. Its new earthquake resilient building was constructed at the cost of Rs 4.2 million.

Meanwhile, speaking at the programme, President of the Federation of Nepali Journalists Dr Mahendra Bista said that Radio Sagarmatha has contributed to the field of radio journalism not only in Nepal but in the whole of South Asia.

Likewise, former NEFEJ chairman and honorary member Bhairab Risal shared his experiences while working for the radio since its establishment period, saying that the radio still has a long to go and it should be run through a new concept.

Similarly senior journalist Raghu Mainali, who is also associated with the radio since its inception, said that the establishment of the community radio has helped encourage the establishment of other community radios across the country, reaching a total of around 250 so far.

Also on the occasion, former NEFEJ chairs Rajendra Dahal and Murari Shivakoti, general secretary Nimesh Rgemi, first station manager Binod Bhattarai, officiating station manager Saroj Kafle among others spoke at the event. RSS