National Forum of Community Radios

World Radio Day

13th February 2013 Radio Mangelete, Mtito Andei

FOSS
CleopaOtieno
@cleopaotieno

&

SharonTelewa
@telewas

Reflections on World Radio Day Celebration in London 2012.

Radio isnt just a platform; its a social institution.

WHAT IS FOSS?
FOSS abbreviates Free Open Source Software. This is software that gives the same operability as commercial software, but is freely available. Examples: Operating Systems e.g. Ubuntu Application Software including:

Open office Audacity Frontline SMS Freedom Fone

WHY FOSS?
It is free, hence cost effective. It is flexible, since the source code is freely available. More secure, not prone to virus attacks.

SMS BASED

VOICE BASED

&

Engage. Connect. Empower.

Photo: Erik Hersman, White African

 Mobile phone network (service providier). Airtime charges remain same as current service providers

TWO WAY INTERACTIVE SYSTEM

Peace Messages Health Alerts or tips Jobs Prices

Radio Monitori ng Surveys

LOCATIONS AROUND THE WORLD

WHY FRONTLINE SMS?

It turns a personal computer and mobile phone or GSM modem/GSM data card into a two-way group messaging hub. SMS management is advanced, can be archived for future reference, through research data collected can be used to improve radio programming. It delivers content services, enables sharing information/knowledge and collect information. Doesnt require internet to work. Literally gives listeners a voice, thereby allowing them to give feedback.

WHY FRONTLINE SMS?

Its cost effective(FOSS), user friendly and easy to manage. Frontline SMS radio, is dedicated to radio, fans sending requests, the page keeps refreshing , polling, etc Feature to send without using service provider, only pay for internet. You can create groups: farmers, opinion leaders, staff, for direct interaction with each group

VOICE BASED - FREEDOM FONE

Freedom Fone is free software that creates interactive, voice-based communication services for organizations or bodies seeking to engage with communities across mobile networks. Freedom Fone uses voice menus to share information with any target audience, SMS polls to organize opinion surveys and callers can also leave voice and text messages on the service where call data records can be safely stored, organized and evaluated. Option for language and content selection. Can be used to give instructions on basic steps, e.g. ID registration process

Advantages

Use of voice for those who may not prefer to used SMS. Selection of voice prompts allows dynamic content to be shared. Content is detailed as opposed to SMS which is restricted to 160 characters. Feedback mechanism via Leave A Message feature (LAM) Radios are able to record some favorite programs for listeners to access later especially for the fans who miss such programs due to various reasons.

REQUIREMENT TO DEPLOY
Freedom Fone software. Mobigator IVR equipment. Content development audio content edited by various freely available audio editors such as audacity. Staff Training on management. Dedicated Computer preferably a laptop.

MAPPING

Importance of Community maps

Location of positions and directions Knowledge on where to get services, resources and particulars of need Help communities, stakeholders and decision makers to visualize events, issues and institutions across time and space Helps government and policy makers identify existing gaps in the communities they govern as well as the steps made in promoting development in their communities, e.g. addressing security concerns Helps community members know the existing issues in their community.

OpenStreetMap

Is a free online software. It is a wiki-style map of the world that anyone can edit. In some places, participants are creating the first freely-available maps by GPS survey. In other places, such as the United States, basic roads exist, but lack local detail: locations of traffic signals, ATMs, cafs, schools, parks, and shops. What such partially-mapped places need is not more GPS traces, but additional knowledge about what exists on and around the street. Can be used by anyone around the globe to map and put places onto the world map Users sign in with email addresses and usernames of choice Efficient for holistic community engagement Has free online user manuals that guide users

OPENSTREETMAPS

USHAHIDI

Thank You