Chhinophano, a weekly half hour radio magazine covers issues related to conflict that occur in our communities. The main objective of the programme is to equip Nepalese with basic conflict mediation techniques, which will help to face the daily challenges of living in conflict areas. The programme started its broadcast in August 2003 and is being broadcast through Radio Nepal, network of 26 FM stations and BFBS broadcast. The programme is supported by DFID/British Council. Initial support to start production and broadcast the programme came from European Commission.

Chhinophano

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In the context of continuing conflict in Nepal, Antenna Foundation Nepal contracted a local audience research group in September 2002 to conduct a needs-assessment for a half hour radio programme on conflict. The survey was carried out in 3 towns in Western Nepal. Ninety four percent of the respondents reported social, economic and political reasons as the main source of conflict in their families and communities. An overwhelming number of respondents suggested that the programs should contain drama/humour. As a result, the program -- Chhinophano, was designed in this backdrop.

The primary listeners of Chhinophano's are young Nepalis with a minimum eight years of school education and living with conflict. Chhinophano is designed to help radio listeners find creative solutions to conflict occurring in their families and communities and bring about changes in their perspective when dealing with it. Chhinophano teaches rural Nepali young men and women basic conflict resolution skills. Antenna believes that it is only when communities learn to deal with small conflict that their capability to resolve larger conflict will increase.

Chhinophano, half hour magazine format programme contains a variety of elements. Each episode of the program begins with either a 7-8 minute-long feature story which digs out to the root of the conflict from different locations in Nepal. The feature is followed by MaHa Chautari - a humorous, 10-minute drama in village chautari setting, with Nepal's two most popular comedians Haribamsha Acharya and Madan Krishna Shrestha. The drama gives a unique perspective to the issue covered in the feature and adds a personal touch. It offers the local solution to the problem raised by the feature.

Drama is followed by a new concept of conflict solving “the community mediation”. Techniques of community mediation are presented by former judge of Supreme Court Laxman Prasad Aryal. Additionally, Chattyang Master the much-lover radio commentator of the Nepali radioscape offer an alternative perspective to different issues covered by Chhinophano every last week of the month.

Chhinophano reaches throughout the country via Radio Nepal's Central and Regional transmission centres and through Radio Nepal (Saturdays 7: 30 pm). Additional listeners are covered through a network of 26 popular commercial and non governmental FM radio stations. Furthermore, the programme can also be listened through British Forces Broadcasting Service's satellite system to British Gurkha soldiers.

Chhinophano which has been on air for the past four years is currently funded by DFID. Funding for this programme ends in March 2007.