“People respect community radio more after listening to Asia Calling on our station.”  That was the comment made by one of the participants at a workshop organised by Asia Calling together with the Cirebon Branch of Community Radio Network (Jaringan Radio Komunitas – Jarik). Attending the workshop, which took place on Sunday, 26 July 2009, in the Fahmina Institute Building, were 30 broadcasters and managers from 17 community radio stations across the Cirebon area.

The aim of this one-day workshop was to provide broadcast training to community radio crews in the Cirebon area, and to give them a chance to meet with the Asia Calling team. Asia Calling sent along assistant program editor Besty Siregar and Brigitta Hardi from the promotion team. To round off the event, the stations that air Asia Calling shared their experiences. The six community radio stations that are a part of the Asia Calling network feel they have really benefited from broadcasting Asia Calling. The program attracts more listeners to the stations and brings them respect for broadcasting quality news programs in English. They are also pleased that everything has gone to plan so that that Asia Calling can be aired to fit in with their stations’ schedules. And thanks to Asia Calling, more people are listening to community radio. (Gita)